Visual programming techniques for Windows constitute an extremely dynamic field of the software industry. An application created with a visual programming language has an interface that includes one or more windows displaying various controls that react to events initiated by the user. Writing the application code, the programmer establishes the link event-answer between the user’s actions and the reaction of the application. The controls recognized by Visual Basic for Windows are files with a Visual Basic Extension (VBX) compiled in 16-bit code, and the controls recognized by Windows 95 are files with an Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) Control Extension (OCX), compiled in 32-bit code.

The book comprises four sections totaling 17 chapters, three appendices, and an index. The first section gives a brief overview of the custom control formats (16-bit code VBX controls and 32-bit code OCX controls).

In the second section, two different VBX class libraries are introduced, namely a Graphics Device Interface (GDI) library and a text library. This section also tackles the implementation of these class libraries using the Visual C++ compiler.

The third section is dedicated to the design of a code generator for VBX controls, similar to Microsoft’s OLE Control Wizard used for OCX controls. A setup program and a Visual C++ installation program are presented for the VBX generator.

The last section gives a general outline of the OCX files. It includes the creation of 16- and 32-bit OCX files, working with OCX stock properties, and implementation of OCX custom properties and events.

The appendices contain some notes on visual programming environments used in the book, some considerations regarding the VBX/OCX combination, and instructions on the use of the enclosed CD-ROM. The CD-ROM contains VBX and OCX controls, all of the source code for the programs presented in the book, some of the most useful Windows development utilities, and the Windows tools needed to run Visual Basic programs.

Written by an expert in software design, this book appeals mainly to professionals doing visual programming who want to develop OCX controls for Windows 95. To make the most of the book, some programming experience for Windows in Visual C++ and Visual Basic is necessary. The book may prove useful for students of computer software. It may also appeal to fans of Windows visual programming. For these readers, a glossary of terms (including acronyms) would be welcome. A minimal bibliography would be useful for all readers. The book does have a large and appropriate index, and its good layout and large print make it easy to read.

The author professes that software creation is closer to art than to engineering. Few artists are disposed to disclose the secrets of their studios. Cilwa does this, and the result is a remarkable book on Windows programming.