MFC Framework: Operating Principles Explained

The Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC) framework is a set of C++ libraries developed by Microsoft to simplify the development of Windows applications. The basic operation principles of the MFC framework include the following aspects:

  1. Message mapping: The MFC framework uses a message mapping mechanism to handle Windows messages. When a user interacts with a window or a system event occurs, Windows sends a message to the application. The MFC framework binds these messages to corresponding handling functions through the message mapping mechanism, thereby enabling event processing functionality.
  2. Object model: The MFC framework is based on object-oriented programming principles and provides a rich class library for encapsulating the functionality of the Windows API. Developers can create custom windows and controls by inheriting from these classes, and use the methods provided by the MFC framework to manage these objects.
  3. Message Loop: The MFC framework provides a message loop mechanism for listening to and handling Windows messages. When the application starts, it creates a main window and enters the message loop to constantly receive and process messages from the Windows system until the application exits.
  4. Document-view architecture: The MFC framework utilizes a document-view architecture to manage an application’s data and interface. The document class is responsible for managing the application’s data model, while the view class is used to display and interact with this data. Through the document-view architecture, developers can easily achieve data persistence and interface updates.

In general, the MFC framework simplifies the development process of Windows applications and enhances development efficiency and code maintainability through mechanisms such as message mapping, object model, message loop, and document-view architecture.

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