C++ native libraries and Windows runtime objects

Question

Hi,

I have a c++ library which works virtually on all available platforms (Linux, windows etc..). We have #ifdefs for each platform wherever necessary (for example API's for walking filesystem, creating socket etc).  Now i want this library to be consumable by windows store/metro app.

Several calls like Socket, thread and File I/o related are removed form win32 api's under WinRT so windows specific ifdefs cannot be used.

Can i use ifdefs for windows RT in my existing C++ DLL  and use it's Windows Runtime Interfaces to accomplish File I/O, socket related functionality? Intention is to implement evrything in this library.

If yes, how can this be done. It is like mixing c++ (native) and CX(c++ component extention) in same c++ native library.

If no, what are the alternatives?

Thanks,

Navneet

Answer 1

Hi,

There is a part of Win32 API and CRT API can be used in Windows Store app.
Please check these
Win32 API
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/br205757.aspx
Unsupported CRT functions
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh674596(v=vs.110).aspx

And then, you need to migrate your native codes to C++/CX. Only Windows Runtime can be public in Windows Runtime components.
http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/apps/xaml/hh441569.aspx
  
Best regards,
Jesse

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Jesse Jiang [MSFT]
MSDN Community Support | Feedback to us

Answer 2

Watch this talk about bringing existing Win32 code to Store apps:

http://channel9.msdn.com/Events/Build/2012/3-000

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Raman Sharma | Program Manager, Visual C++ | @rasharm_msft

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