TOPIC 11.1.1
File Handling

In order to standardize file handling, many modern operating systems include their own set of file handling functions that programmers can use.  For example, Microsoft Windows programmers can use predefined funtions from the Microsoft Foundation Class library (MFC library), a C++ implementation of the Windows application programming interface (API).

The MFC library makes it easier to create a program that behaves like any other windows application you might be used to working with.   For more information of using the MFC library in your programs consult the sights listed below:

• MFC Programmer's Sourcebook
• Introduction to MFC Programming with Visual C++

Three of the main mechanisms the MFC library provides to help programmers manage files are:

1. User-interface objects: These include menu items, etc. that help you manage files.
2. The CFile class and two of its derived classes: These are used to actually create, delete, and manage files.
3. Serialization: a higher-level, file-related mechanism which allows you to use automatic file loading and file saving features in your programs.