GetDC

This function retrieves a handle to a display device context (DC) for the client area of the specified window. The display device context can be used in subsequent graphics display interface (GDI) functions to draw in the client area of the window.

HDC GetDC( 
HWND hWnd
); 

Parameters

• hWnd
  Handle to the window whose device context is to be retrieved. If this value is NULL, GetDC retrieves the device context for the entire screen.

Return Values

The handle the device context for the specified window's client area indicates success. NULL indicates failure.

To get extended error information, call GetLastError.

Remarks

The GetDC function retrieves a common, class, or private device context depending on the class style specified for the specified window. For common device contexts, GetDC assigns default attributes to the device context each time it is retrieved. For class and private device contexts, GetDC leaves the previously assigned attributes unchanged.

After painting with a common device context, the ReleaseDC function must be called to release the device context. Class and private device contexts do not have to be released. The number of device contexts is limited only by available memory.

Requirements

Note   This API is part of the complete Windows CE OS package as provided by Microsoft. The functionality of a particular platform is determined by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and some devices may not support this API.

See Also

GetLastError, GetWindowDC, ReleaseDC

 Last updated on Tuesday, July 13, 2004

© 1992-2000 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.