The Active Template Library: A Developer's Guide

by Tom Armstrong

The Active Template Library -- fast, flexible, and reusable -- is quickly replacing the aging Microsoft Foundation Class for programmers developing distributed applications anywhere in a networking environment. Now, instead of building every application from scratch, this developers guide to the Active Template Library (ATL) shows you the inside track on using C++ and C++ templates to effectively build software components to use again and again. Beginning with the foundations of ATL, by clearly explaining how C++ templates work within the Component Object Model (COM) architecture, Active Template Library: A Developer's Guide leads you step-by-step through more advanced elements of ATL programming: containment, automation support, connection points, component persistence, and COM threading. Eventually youll be putting ATL to work by converting MFC controls, implementing asynchronous downloads, and building your own custom transparent controls. An invaluable appendix on Visual C++ native COM support ties ATL techniques into Microsofts programming library even further. Software developer Tom Armstrong simplifies the mystique surrounding the ATL in readily understandable language that eases your transition into ATL, or improves and refines your ATL skills. And the book is supported by the authors own Web site, which features all the examples and code from the book, as well as updates and additional coverage to keep you up to speed on the evolution of the ATL.

447 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1998