Dynamic

Win32 vs Windows Runtime

Developers should learn Win32 when working on legacy Windows applications, system-level tools, or performance-sensitive desktop software that requires direct hardware access, such as antivirus programs, drivers, or custom utilities meets developers should learn winrt when building cross-device windows applications for pcs, tablets, xbox, hololens, or iot devices, as it ensures compatibility and a consistent user experience across the windows ecosystem. Here's our take.

🧊Nice Pick

Win32

Developers should learn Win32 when working on legacy Windows applications, system-level tools, or performance-sensitive desktop software that requires direct hardware access, such as antivirus programs, drivers, or custom utilities

Win32

Nice Pick

Developers should learn Win32 when working on legacy Windows applications, system-level tools, or performance-sensitive desktop software that requires direct hardware access, such as antivirus programs, drivers, or custom utilities

Pros

  • +It's essential for maintaining and updating older codebases or when targeting specific Windows versions without
  • +Related to: c-plus-plus, windows-sdk

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

Windows Runtime

Developers should learn WinRT when building cross-device Windows applications for PCs, tablets, Xbox, HoloLens, or IoT devices, as it ensures compatibility and a consistent user experience across the Windows ecosystem

Pros

  • +It is particularly useful for creating touch-friendly, responsive UWP apps that leverage modern Windows features, such as Cortana integration or inking, and for scenarios requiring app distribution through the Microsoft Store
  • +Related to: universal-windows-platform, c-plus-plus

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Win32 if: You want it's essential for maintaining and updating older codebases or when targeting specific windows versions without and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Windows Runtime if: You prioritize it is particularly useful for creating touch-friendly, responsive uwp apps that leverage modern windows features, such as cortana integration or inking, and for scenarios requiring app distribution through the microsoft store over what Win32 offers.

🧊
The Bottom Line
Win32 wins

Developers should learn Win32 when working on legacy Windows applications, system-level tools, or performance-sensitive desktop software that requires direct hardware access, such as antivirus programs, drivers, or custom utilities

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