Overview: User Interface Basics

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The Visual C++ user interface consists of an integrated set of windows, tools, menus, toolbars, directories, and other elements that allow you to create, test, and refine your application in one place. You can also work on other types of documents within Visual C++, for example Microsoft Excel or Microsoft Word documents.

The user interface uses standard Windows interface functionality along with a few additional features to make your development environment easy to use. The basic features that you use most often are windows and document views, toolbars, menus, directories, and keyboard shortcuts.

You can customize Visual C++ to suit your preferences. Among other customizations, you can establish a layout for the windows associated with a particular project workspace. You can also create custom toolbars, menus, and shortcut keys.

What do you want to know more about?

Windows and document views

Working with spreadsheets and other documents in Visual C++

Toolbars and the Menu Bar

Directories

Keyboard shortcuts

Working efficiently

Customizing the user interface