Dynamic

Windows Runtime vs Win32 API

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 meets developers should learn the win32 api when creating native windows desktop applications that require direct control over system resources, high performance, or compatibility with older windows versions. Here's our take.

🧊Nice Pick

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

Windows Runtime

Nice Pick

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

Win32 API

Developers should learn the Win32 API when creating native Windows desktop applications that require direct control over system resources, high performance, or compatibility with older Windows versions

Pros

  • +It is essential for tasks like building custom UI components, handling system events, or developing system-level tools where higher-level frameworks might be insufficient
  • +Related to: c-plus-plus, windows-forms

Cons

  • -Specific tradeoffs depend on your use case

The Verdict

Use Windows Runtime if: You want 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 and can live with specific tradeoffs depend on your use case.

Use Win32 API if: You prioritize it is essential for tasks like building custom ui components, handling system events, or developing system-level tools where higher-level frameworks might be insufficient over what Windows Runtime offers.

🧊
The Bottom Line
Windows Runtime wins

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

Disagree with our pick? nice@nicepick.dev