Win32 Multithreaded Programming

Many Windows developers still write code as if their application is a single entity that, while it is running, has complete control of all system resources. This legacy from the days of DOS means that developers frequently fail to take advantage of Win32's support of multiple threads of execution to improve their application's performance or to enhance its functionality. For instance, a main thread can handle interactions with the user, while a background "worker" thread can handle repainting the application window or performing some background calculations. But multithreaded programming means more than adding threads; it also requires that the code be thread-safe.Win32 Multithread Programming explains the concepts of multithreaded programs, thus providing the developer with the knowledge necessary to skillfully construct efficient and complex applications. From basic thread synchronization using mutexes and semaphores, to advanced topics like creating reusable thread pools or implementing a deferred processing queue, the book uses real-world applications and carefully constructed examples to illustrate the principles of multithreaded programming. Some of the topics include:

• How the Windows operating systems handle threads
• Multithreading primitives in the Win32 API
• Techniques for generating thread-safe dynamic link libraries
• Advanced techniques for thread synchronization
• Basic scenarios for synchronizing threads
• Common designs for building multithreaded user interfaces