Visual C++ and MFC Programming 2nd Edition

Chapter 2 Variables and Identifiers Visual C++ and MFC Fundamentals

Figure 27: A Frame with a Minimize Button............................................................................

As opposed to minimizing the window, the user can change its size to use the whole area

of the screen. This is referred to as maximizing the window. This feature is provided

through the system Maximize button or. To allow this functionality, provide or

add the WS_MAXIMIZEBOX style.

If you create a window with the WS_SYSMENU and the WS_MINIMIZEBOX style

but not the WS_MAXIMIZEBOX style, the Maximize button would be disabled and the

user would not be able to maximize the window:

Create(NULL, "Windows Application", WS_VISIBLE | WS_SYSMENU |

WS_MINIMIZEBOX);

Figure 28: A Frame with a Maximize Button............................................................................

On the other hand, if you do not want the user to be able to minimize the window, create

a window with the WS_SYSMENU and the WS_MINIMIZEBOX without the

WS_MAXIMIZEBOX styles:

Create(NULL, "Windows Application", WS_VISIBLE | WS_SYSMENU | WS_MAXIMIZEBOX);

Therefore, if you want to provide all three system buttons, provide their styles.

You can also control whether the window appears minimized or maximized when it

comes up. To minimize the window at startup, apply the WS_MINIMIZE style. On the

other hand, to have a maximized window when it launches, use the WS_MAXIMIZE

style. This style also provides a window with borders. If you had not specified the

WS_CAPTION, you can make sure that a window has borders using the WS_BORDER

value.

One of the effects the user may want to control on a window is its size. For example, the

user may want to narrow, enlarge, shrink, or heighten a window. To do this, the user

would position the mouse on one of the borders, click and drag in the desired direction.

This action is referred to as resizing a window. For the user to be able to change the size