Table of contents
1.
Introduction
2.
Active Template Library (ATL)
3.
Message Maps (ATL)
4.
HttpMessageHandler Class
5.
Adding an ATL message handler
6.
Frequently Asked Questions
6.1.
Do people still use the component object model?
6.2.
What is the purpose of C++?
6.3.
What is the purpose of ATL?
6.4.
What are MFC and ATL?
7.
Conclusion
Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024

Adding an ATL message handler

Career growth poll
Do you think IIT Guwahati certified course can help you in your career?

Introduction

C++, or "C with Classes," is a high-level, general-purpose programming language. Danish computer scientist Bjarne Stroustrup developed it to expand the C programming language. It is nearly always written as compiled code. This blog discusses how adding an ATL message handler can be implemented. Let's get started.

Adding an ATL message handler

Active Template Library (ATL)

Component Object Model (COM) objects may be easily made using the Active Template Library (ATL). The Active Template Library (ATL) is a collection of template-based C++ classes. Key COM features provide specific support, such as connection points, dual interfaces, standard COM enumerator interfaces, stock implementations, ActiveX controls, and ear-off interfaces. The Active Template Library (ATL), a collection of template-based C++ classes that make it easier to program Component Object Model (COM) objects, is described in the ATL Reference. For building and consuming software components on Windows, COM is a binary standard. It is strongly advised to be familiar with COM to utilize ATL effectively.

Component Object Model (COM)

COM is a platform that serves the purpose of developing binary software components with interactivity. The component object model is independent, distributed, and object-oriented. 

Component Object Model (COM)

Microsoft's Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) with compound documents and ActiveX with Internet-enabled components are built upon the COM technology.

  • Numerous programming languages may be used to construct COM objects.

 

  • Programming tools are available in object-oriented languages like C++, making implementing COM objects easier. 

 

  • These things may be present on remote computers and within one process and other processes.

Message Maps (ATL)

A handler function is connected to a specific message, command, or notification through a message map. Using the message map macros in ATL, you may provide a message map for a window. A window's messages are directed to its message map via the window operations in CWindowImpl, CDialogImpl, and CContainedWindowT.

The message handler routines also take a BOOL&-type parameter. This option, which by default is set to TRUE, indicates whether a message has been processed. The parameter can subsequently be set to FALSE by a handler function to show that it has not processed a message. In this situation, ATL will continue to search the message map for a handler function. You can start acting in response to a message by setting this parameter to FALSE and then wait for the default processing or another handler function to finish handling the message.

Alternate Message Maps

The ALT MSG MAP macro declares alternate message mappings, which ATL supports. You pass ALT MSG MAP a unique integer to identify each alternate message map. You may manage the messages of numerous windows on one map using alternate message maps. Note that CWindowImpl does not utilize alternative message mappings by default. In your CWindowImpl-derived class, override the WindowProc function and call ProcessWindowMessage with the message map identifier to add this support.

ClassWizard

ClassWizard functions as a virtual assistant for programmers, making it more straightforward for you to complete specific repetitive tasks like developing new classes, specifying message handlers, replacing MFC virtual functions, and collecting data from controls in dialog boxes, form views, or record views.

HttpMessageHandler Class

HttpMessageHandler Class is a fundamental type for message handlers for HTTP. You can utilize a variety of HTTP message handlers.

These include the following:

HttpMessageHandler Class Description
DelegatingHandler Plugs a handler into a handler chain.
HttpMessageHandler Supports most of the requirements.
HttpClientHandler  Handles the HTTP transport operations.
WebRequestHandler Handles HTTP transport operations with options specific to the System.Net.HttpWebRequest object.

HTTP Message Handlers

A message handler class receives an HTTP request, which then sends back an HTTP response. Inherent in the abstract HttpMessageHandler class are message handlers.

HTTP Message Handlers

Usually, message handlers are linked together in a series. An HTTP request is received by the first handler, who processes it before passing it on to the next handler. The answer is eventually produced and sent back up the pipeline. A delegating handler is the name of this pattern.

Adding an ATL message handler

Select the control in the class View view before adding a message handler, a member function that deals with Windows messages. Open the Properties window; then, choose the Messages icon, and click the drop-down arrow next to the necessary message. This will add a message handler declaration to the control's header file and a skeleton handler implementation to the control's.cpp file. Additionally, it will create an entry for the handler and the message map.

The process of adding a message handler in ATL is comparable to that of adding one in MFC. When adding an ATL message handler, the following requirements apply:

  • As with MFC, the message handlers use the same naming scheme.
  • In the primary message map, the new message map items are included. The wizard does not recognize alternative communication chains and maps.

 

Adding an MFC Message Handler

To add a message handler to a class and assign Windows messages to the message handler, use the Class Wizard or the Properties window in Class View. Any dialog box control can have an event handler added to it.

The message-dispatch table, message map, and your class header file may be automatically updated using the Class Wizard or Properties pane in Class View to specify message- and event-handling routines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do people still use the component object model?

Even though it's regarded as the. NET Framework's former version, COM, is nevertheless widely used today. Many technologies used today are still built on and rely on COM.

What is the purpose of C++?

C++ is used to create browsers, operating systems, and apps, as well as in-game programming, software engineering, data structures, and other applications.

What is the purpose of ATL?

Microsoft created a collection of template-based C++ classes called the Active Template Library (ATL) to make designing Component Object Model (COM) objects easier. Developers may construct different COM objects, OLE Automation servers, and ActiveX controls thanks to the COM functionality in Microsoft Visual C++.

What are MFC and ATL?

A C++ object-oriented wrapper for Win32 is provided by the Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC) to facilitate the quick building of native desktop programs. ActiveX controls are frequently created using the Active Template Library (ATL), a wrapper library that makes COM development easier.

Conclusion

This blog discusses how adding an ATL message handler can be implemented. If you think this blog has helped you enhance your knowledge of the above question or want to learn more, check out our articles. Visit our website to read more such blogs. 

  1. Introduction To C++
  2. Data Types in C++
  3. Containers In C++ STL
  4. STL containers in C++

For placement preparations, you must look at the problemsinterview experiences, and interview bundles. Enroll in our courses and refer to the mock tests and problems available; look at the Problem Sheets interview experiences, and interview bundle for placement preparations. You can also book an interview session with us.  

Consider our paid courses, however, to give your career a competitive advantage!

Happy Coding!

Live masterclass