I have noted that a lot of the programs I make have annoying flicker when they are repainted. Now, I am going to guess this is because of my incompetance and not a feature of Windows, so I would like to ask if anyone has any suggestions about how to get rid of it? What causes it, just poor handling of the WM_PAINT message? Is there anything in particular to look out for? Thanks!

sounds like a great "feature" to me. Seriously, though, I don't know. It's probably not windows...for once...

You should be drawing to a buffer, then swapping that buffer with the actual window graphics area when you're done drawing a frame. This is called "double buffering."

Hmm... what exactly does that mean? Do you know a web site where I could find more information about that? Right now I am using sprintf() and then printing the buffer with TextOut(). I am also using the C++ string and calling the c_str() member function. How do I swap the buffer with the actual window graphics area, I'm guessing that's not what TextOut() does :) I'm also using the Rectangle() function.

CHollman82: We all have to start somewhere...

GDC?
GDI!

A quick search brings up this Windows double buffering example source. You can obviously do your own to find more info.
http://www.mcarp.org/ftp/blit.zip

I will eternally fight you to the bitter end... I will criticise your every move... for you are one that you love to hate. TPU would not be the same without your ability to make mistakes, but not be able to admit them.

Thank you, CHollman82... you brighten my day.

I will look forward to your semi-funny, really stupid post making a either a personal attack on me, or some criticism of something I have done.

Thank you for not going away when it is so very clear that you are not wanted! It is great to have someone who can suck the life out of any meaningful conversation, and turn it into a personal attack... so now, and I think I speak on behalf of the majority of TPU members when I say that we would looooveeee to return your kindness.

yes, very interesting. i have nothing against you chollman, nor against gian....you both provide my daily amusement --- like watching a married couple fight :-)

what language we tlaking here??

With regard to the DC stuff? No specific language. Win32 API stuff, so, 'by default', C.

By the way, I don't think you can _have_ a hDC function. you usually use a hDC when calling GDI functions. I suppose a function that dealt specifically with hDC's could be _described_ as a hDC function, but that would be a sort of slang identifier.

CHollman82: Wow, don't you feel like a better person for doing that?

SphinX: Are you implying something?

gian: only what everyone already knows...you do as good a job of hiding a sex scandal as good old Bill "I like my interns" Clinton

Well, that was only that once... and you couldn't say that I really consented...

heh...point taken and duly noted :-)