Windows Template Library (WTL)

Windows Template Library (WTL) is a library that includes several open-source tools and templates written in C++, with which you can learn how to develop Windows apps and user interface components. More concretely, Windows Template Library (WTL) allows you to customize all kinds of elements of an app's interface, such as the frame, objects, dialog boxes, sheets, properties, and many more.

Once an internal tool, now released to the public

Although the tool was initially created by a Microsoft employee for internal use, its usefulness made them decide to release it for everyone to use. It was released in the form of an add-on for Visual Studio, as well as the SDK for creating Win32 apps.

Install Visual Studio to use the tool

You will need to install Visual Studio for Windows to be able to use Windows Template Library (WTL), as it requires its corresponding development environment to function. In addition to this, you will also need basic knowledge of the Win32 API and its basic concepts. The more you know, the easier it will be to use Windows Template Library (WTL). Although Microsoft doesn't provide official material for Windows Template Library (WTL), a large community surrounds it whose support will help you learn to use it with ease.

Download Windows Template Library (WTL) and learn to program a range of tools in Windows.