Difference between Windows programming and .NET programming?

Kim Gerbino: Win32 programming uses the Windows API calls that were started with Windows NT and evolved through Windows 2000..NET programming uses the .NET API calls, which operate within a virtual machine called the CLR. This is similar to what Java does. It's a layer between your application and the OS. .NET also includes a big, useful library of code.MS wants to push .NET programming instead of Windows API programming. You can get free .NET programming tools, but if you want to write Win32 apps, you will need to purchase Visual Studio (or use a free compiler like mingw32)....Show more

Gennie Shauer: .Net is a part of Windows programming. Most of Windows programming involves Visual Dev Studio, so no matter what you get into that is a big component. .Net is a relatively new paradigm that is integrated into Windows and adds a whole new set of functionality to Windows. Older windows programming involves C++ and Visual Basic and interfaces to the Win32 API's. Newe! r includes C# and Java# and managed C++ and Visual Basic All interfacing into the .NET API's. Learning Win32 is a solid foundation for .NET programming and can yield light weight programs that can dive into Windows Operating System functionality. .NET programming can get you up to programming Graphical User Interfaces pretty quickly. And is good for user oriented Windows Programs and Web based programs.One thing - reverse engineering is tough, usually ugly and never complete - been there done that!...Show more

Filiberto Amauty: What can one do that the other can't?