---
title: "Windows API"  
description: "The Windows API exposes the core set of functionality provided by the Windows operating system for use in applications. Primarily designed for C/C++ d"  
author: "John Smith"  
published: 2011-05-12  
updated: 2014-09-18  
canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/blog/166/windows-api  
category: ".net"  
tags: [".net"]  
reading_time: 1 minute  

---

# Windows API

The Windows API exposes the core set of [functionality](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/136/using-watermark-functionality-in-textbox-by-jquery) provided by the Windows [operating system](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/229069/operating-system-development) for use in applications. Primarily designed for C/C++ [development](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/65309/importance-of-ux-design-in-the-development-of-mobile-apps), the Windows API has been the most direct mechanism with which an [application](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/12824/calculator-application-in-android) can interact with Windows.

##### The Windows API comprises the following functional groups:

Base Services—Provides access to the core resources of the computer, such as memory, file systems, devices, processes, and threads

**Common [Control Library](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/273/working-on-windows-form-with-control-library)**—A collection of common control windows used throughout the

Windows operating system, providing the distinctive Windows look and feel

\
Common [Dialog Box](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/157/dialog-box-in-dot-net) Library—A collection of [dialog boxes](https://www.mindstick.com/interview/22949/what-dialog-boxes-are-supported-in-android) used to execute common tasks,

including file opening, saving, and printing

**Graphics Device Interface (GDI)**—Provides the facilities for an application to generate graphically output to displays, printers, and other devices

**[Network Services](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/102603/can-you-describe-the-features-of-google-s-project-fi-for-mobile-network-services)**—Provides access to various networking [capabilities](https://www.mindstick.com/interview/490/explain-the-concepts-and-capabilities-of-assembly-in-dot-net) of the Windows operating system, including RPC and NetBIOS

**[User Interface](https://www.mindstick.com/interview/22909/user-interface-objects-in-cocoa) (UI)—**Provides the mechanism for managing windows and controls in an application

and input from devices such as the mouse and keyboard

**Windows Shell—**The container that organizes and presents the entire Windows UI, including

the desktop, taskbar, and Windows Explorer

---

Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/blog/166/windows-api

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