Visual C++ and MFC Programming 2nd Edition

Visual C++ and MFC Fundamentals Chapter 3: Windows Resources

3.1.2 Converting a Resource Identifier.........................................................

An identifier is a constant integer whose name usually starts with ID. Although in Win32

programming you usually can use the name of a resource as a string, in MFC

applications, resources are usually referred to by their identifier. To make an identifier

name (considered a string) recognizable to an MFC (or Win32) function, you use a macro

called MAKEINTERESOURCE. Its syntax is:

LPTSTR MAKEINTRESOURCE(WORD IDentifier);

This macro takes the identifier of the resource and returns a string that is given to the

function that called it.

In the strict sense, after creating the resource file, it must be compiled to create a new file

that has the extension .res. Fortunately, Visual C++ automatically compiles the file and

links it to the application.

Practical Learning: Creating an Application

1. Start Microsoft Visual Studio or Microsoft Visual C++


2. Create a new Win32 Project named Resources


3. Click OK and specify the Windows Application as an Empty Project