In the event-driven model of Windows, the computer jumps in and out of the programs as events, such as a mouse click or a timer tick, occur. Windows has the reputation of being easy for users but difficult for programmers. Of course, technical tricks to help experts are also given. All these programs let the programmer explore and understand Windows's use of the keyboard, mouse, color, memory, graphics, fonts, and so on. All these are supported by over 50 complete programs, included in the book and available as source code on a 3.5-inch disk included for the first time in this third edition.

The book organizes the programmers' knowledge, structures their ideas about Windows programming techniques, shows the basics, and gives many details about how to handle the various components of a Windows program. It is the ideal companion for any Windows programmer. Furthermore, programmers who need to use application frameworks, such as ObjectWindows for Borland C++ or C++/Views from CNS, have to pass through this book first. Petzold gives the program developer a comprehensive guide to writing professional applications for Windows 3.1, offering the opportunity to understand the powerful programming secrets of this GUI. Today, any program that does not have a graphical user interface (GUI) looks primitive. Experience is the best teacher, so reading this book is a must for every programmer.

This volume does not teach the reader how to use Windows, but improves the Windows programmer's experience. I really enjoyed doing so, because this book is excellent from all standpoints: writing style, topics, design, and structure. It was the first book (of any kind) I had to read in reverse order. After a while, I continued with the middle chapters, and then asked for the beginning chapters. A year ago, having some Windows programming experience, I read the first edition of this book (in a bad photocopy) from the end to the beginning, because only the last chapters were available.

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