Create a simple GUI for c++ project

Question

I created a project in c++ that run for hours.

I want to make a simple GUI (For Windows) that will let the user to choose between some inputs,and click on "start". and then, show him a progress bar which represent the percent of the computation that has been done. (and probably a small animation).

1. What is the best way to do this? I never made a Graphical interface before.

2. I try to use Visual Studio 2010: In new Project I choose Win32 Project, and I found where i change the menu, but I don't know how to edit the main form. there is a tutorial?

Thanks!

Solution 1

I heartily recommend Qt.

You might also want to use Qt Creator as your IDE for added convenience, but this is not a requirement.

Solution 2

I believe there are several possibilities. If you are using VS2010, MFC might be one of them. Or you could also use .NET framework to build one. Also, Nokia Qt is another choice. Since you only want a simple GUI, I will suggest .NET framework, which could be easier and it is also together with VS2010.

Comments

[Chris Eberle]

I believe the OP specified simple.

[Seb Holzapfel]

@Chris: It's pretty simple if you're running anything above visual studio pro - you can then use the forms designer for API resources. As I said though, wxWidgets is a better alternative

[Seb Holzapfel]

No - If you've got anything above visual studio express, you can use the forms designer (albeit a more restricted version) for win32 c++ projects

[Daniel Walker]

Do you mean the resource designer? It's not really a true "editor", just creates the resource scripts for you. The .NET forms editor does all the C# code-behind generation for you.

[Seb Holzapfel]

Yeah that's the one, It's just that you said 'code the GUI by hand using Win32 methods'. Which isn't entirely true. But yes, you do have to code all the message-handling by hand