Articles by Nish

Recently published articles

7 reasons C++ devs will love the VS 14 CTP The article goes through sevean language and IDE features in the VS 14 CTP 2 that are specific to C++ development
Using the Microsoft Azure Storage Client Library for C++ This is an overview of the Microsoft Azure Storage Client Library for C++ with basic code snippets
CodeProject 10 Million Members Celebration In the summer of 2013, CodeProject celebrated hitting 10 million members and invited various CodeProject members to host get-togethers around the world. Here are some of the goings-on at those celebrations.
Using Casablanca to consume a REST API The article walks through using the Casablanca REST API library to consume a REST web service from C++ code
Introduction to using MVVM with Visual C++ 2012 Writing a basic Windows Store Hello World equivalent using VC++ and MVVM
A Coder Interview with Nish Sivakumar Welcome to our continuing series of CodeProject interviews in which we talk to developers about their backgrounds, projects, interests and pet peeves. In this installment we talk to Nish Sivakumar, a literal CodeProject legend.
Using lambdas - C++ vs. C# vs. C++/CX vs. C++/CLI A comparative look at lambdas in C++ and C# with focus on the differences and similarities in lambda usage across the languages and their variants.
Visual C++ and WinRT/Metro - Databinding Basics An introduction to using WinRT databinding with Visual C++
Visual C++ and WinRT/Metro - Some fundamentals The fundamentals of using Visual C++ to consume and create WinRT objects
The Code Project Forum Analyzer : Find out how much of a life you don't have! This is an unofficial Code Project application that can analyze forums over a range of posts to retrieve posting statistics for individual members.
Adding data-bindable attributes to C# enums using the dynamic runtime This article is about a very light-weight enum extension library that takes advantage of dynamic types in .NET 4.0 to provide a simple way to add meta attributes to an enum field.
Resetting a View Model in WPF MVVM applications without code-behind in the view The core idea behind this code and article is to provide an uncomplicated approach to reset a view-model without having to adjust DataContext references in views.
Code Project Posts Analyzer for Windows Phone 7 This is a WP7 application that will analyze your most recent posts and give you summarized statistics on your forum wide posting split up.
CP Vanity Lite This is a lightweight version of Luc Pattyn's popular CP Vanity application
PopClient - A POP3 companion to SmtpClient PopClient is an asynchronous POP3 library with support for SSL and attachments
Code Project Forums : New Posts Monitor This application monitors for new posts in the Code Project forums.
WPF Tutorial - Part 1 : Transformations A brief introduction to using transformations with the WPF
Handling a Window's Closed and Closing events in the View-Model This article discusses an attached behavior that lets you handle the View Window's Closed and Closing events via commands in the View-Model
Setting non-numeric grid row/column sizes in WPF/Silverlight John, here's a simpler way to do this. This will also handle strings like "3*" which are valid grid length values in Xaml.private RowDefinition MakeRowDefinition(string height){ RowDefinition rowDef = new RowDefinition(); GridLengthConverter converter = new...
EXIF Compare Utility using WPF The Exif Compare Utility is a WinDiff equivalent for image files that compares the Exif meta-data and displays the differences and similarities. The application is written using WPF and MVVM.
An MVVM friendly approach to adding system menu entries in a WPF application This article shows you how to add menu items to the system menu and attach command handlers in an MVVM compatible fashion
An explorative peek into generating deterministic primes through a multi-level multi-language tunneling apparatus This paper is a summary of a research exercise conducted in conjunction by Nish Sivakumar, Professor Cuthbert Calculus, and Glenn Quagmire.
An extensible ExifReader class with customizable tag handlers An ExifReader class in C# that supports custom formatting and extraction. StyleCop compliant code, with demos for WPF and Windows Forms.
An LCS based diff-ing library in C# This is an LCS based diff library that was written for the Code Project Lean and Mean diff engine contest
A first look at the Windows Web Services API The article shows how to interop between a WCF service and a WWS client, and also how to rewrite the WCF service in WWS retaining compatibility with existing WCF clients.
A generic Trictionary class This article describes a generic Trictionary class derived from Dictionary that allows two values of different types per key
C++/CLI HowTo : Deriving from a C# disposable class This article walks through the implementation of a C++/CLI class from a disposable C# base.
Using a TypeDescriptionProvider to support dynamic run-time properties This articles explains how to implement a TypeDescriptionProvider for a class to support multiple object types using a single class type
A look at STL/CLR performance for linear containers The performance of STL/CLR sequence containers are compared with that of corresponding BCL generic collection classes
Deploying MFC applications via ClickOnce A step by step tutorial on how to deploy an MFC application via ClickOnce
A data-bound multi-column combobox An ownerdrawn multi-column combobox class with support for data-binding
Using and extending the Orcas marshal_as library This article covers basic marshal_as usage, as well as how to extend marshal_as to support additional type conversions
WPF Tutorial - Part 2 : Writing a custom animation class This article covers how animations can be applied on properties that do not have an associated animation class
C++/CLI in Action - Using interior and pinning pointers Excerpt from Chapter 4 on interior and pinning pointers
C++/CLI in Action - Instantiating CLI classes This is an excerpt from Chapter 1 that covers how CLI classes are instantiated, and discusses constructors and assignment operators
C++/CLI in Action - Declaring CLR types Excerpts from Chapter 1. Topics are (1) Declaring CLR types and (2) Handles: The CLI equivalent to pointers
How to drag a virtual file from your app into Windows Explorer Shows how to use CFSTR_FILEDESCRIPTOR and CFSTR_FILECONTENTS to perform drag/drop with virtual files
C++/CLI Library classes for interop scenarios The article takes a brief look at some not so commonly used classes such as auto_handle, lock, and ptr.
A modal dialog that fades the background to gray-scale imitating the XP shutdown screen DimmerDialog is a .NET class that shows a modal dialog which grays out the rest of the background, just like the Windows XP Shutdown dialog. This can be used when your application needs to show a very important message box or form that requires immediate user attention.
Using the Windows Forms 2.0 MenuStrip and ToolStrip controls to give your MFC applications a new look and feel This article demonstrates how to use the Windows Forms 2.0 MenuStrip and ToolStrip controls in an MFC SDI application, using C++/CLI, to get the Office 2003 style menu and toolbar
MessageBoxManager - A Windows Forms component that provides enhanced MessageBox functionality MessageBoxManager is a Windows Forms component that you can drag & drop into a Windows Forms project's main form, and it gives you enhanced message box functionality without forcing you to change your existing calls to any of the MessageBox.Show() overloads
CAutoNativePtr - A managed smart pointer for using native objects in managed code CAutoNativePtr is a managed template class that acts as a smart pointer, and is handy for using native objects in managed code.
Using WinForms controls in an MFC dialog This article is a simple introduction to using the CWinFormsControl MFC class to put a Windows Forms control on an MFC dialog.
A rational attempt to substantiate C++/CLI as a first class CLI language Why the author thinks that C++/CLI has its own unique role to play as a first-class .NET programming language
The coding gentleman's guide to detecting the .NET Framework A C++ class that will detect and enumerate the active CLR versions on a machine
Shell Tray Info - Arrange your system tray icons A tool with full source code that enumerates tray icons and allows you to reposition them as well as send mouse messages.
Function pointers and Delegates - Closing the gap! Explains the usage of the Marshal class methods GetFunctionPointerForDelegate and GetDelegateForFunctionPointer, and compares their performance with the P/Invoke mechanism.
CProcessData : A template class to ease up SendMessage calls across processes CProcessData is a template class that makes it easy to use data allocated in a different process, and is useful when making inter-process SendMessage/PostMessage calls.
How to accurately detect if an application is theme-enabled? Describes a function that overcomes the inadequacies of IsAppThemed and IsThemeActive.
MAC Address Changer for Windows XP/2003 A freeware program (with source code) that allows you to change the MAC ID of your network adapter
CNullable : A convenient Nullable equivalent class for C++/CLI CNullable can be used to represent a value type (or simple native type) such that the type can be nulled. You can also compare it to nullptr using the == and != operators both of which have been overloaded.
StringConvertor : A convertor class for managed-unmanaged string conversions that handles memory de-allocations A convertor class for managed-unmanaged string conversions that handles memory de-allocations. Caller need not worry about freeing unmanaged memory allocations.
C++/CLI Properties - Syntactic sugar for accessor methods Looks at the syntax for the declaration and use of properties in C++/CLI
Simulating polymorphic operator overloads with C# Article shows how to overcome the C# insistence on operator overloads being static and describes a method for simulating polymorphic behavior for operator overloads.
Send mail without specifying an SMTP server A class derived from CSMTPConnection that queries the MX record for a target domain and uses that to send mail
Using generics in C++/CLI Introduces generics and compares it with templates
Guide to using Pinning Pointers Article on the usage and dangers of pinning pointers
An overview of interior pointers in C++/CLI Tries to explain the syntax, usage and behavior of interior pointers in C++/CLI
Deterministic Destruction in C++/CLI Looks at how deterministic destruction is possible with C++/CLI
Arrays in C++/CLI The article exposes the new array syntax available in C++/CLI for the declaration and use of CLI arrays
Function overriding in C++/CLI Takes a look at new features like explicit overriding, renamed overriding, multiple overriding and sealing a method
A tool to strip zips of unwanted files before submitting to CodeProject The CPZipStripper tool with source code
Bug when using the java.util.zip classes to write zip files Describes an issue when writing a binary file into a zip file using the java.util.zip classes
A first look at C++/CLI A brief look at the new C++/CLI syntax and how it improves over the old MC++ syntax
To new is C++; To malloc is C; To mix them is sin Article explains the differences between malloc/free and new/delete in a C++ context
A quick guide to using nested repeaters in ASP.NET Using nested repeaters in ASP.NET with an XML data store
MultiMail 2.0 - Freeware SMTP stress testing tool This free program can be used to stress test SMTP servers. It also aids anti-Spam tool developers as a useful mail-bombardment tool.
The virtual bool bug Describes the virtual bool bug that exists in mixed mode Managed C++ programs that access unmanaged classes
Managed Exception Handling using VC++.NET An introduction to managed exception handling in MC++ programs
Manipulating Windows using messages and simple CBT hooking Demonstrates techniques using windows messages and hooks, which allow us to automate a windows properties dialog or even custom applications
The singular non-modality of MFC modal dialogs Explains the pseudo modality of CDialog based modal dialogs and a problem with the CDialog::EndDialog implementation
Changing default icons for folders and drives Shows how to globally change the icons for folders and drives. Also shows some nifty tricks you might find handy in your applications.
Getting and setting desktop folder names Gives you copy/paste-able functions to retrieve the localized folder names, and to set/get user-defined folder names for dekstop folders
The Complete Guide to C++ Strings, Part II - String Wrapper Classes A guide to the string wrapper classes provided by Visual C++ and class libraries
CPopProxyMT - A multi-threaded POP3 proxy skeleton CPopProxyMT is a skeletal class that wraps a multi-threaded POP3 proxy. You can further modify this class to suite your needs.
CDocument::DoSave revealed Explains how you can suppress the File-Save-As dialog in a Doc/View app, how to save files to multiple formats, and how DoSave is implemented.
Some handy dialog box tricks, tips and workarounds Hidden modal dialogs, stealing focus, always on top dialogs, going full-screen, expanding and contracting dialogs, removing task bar icon, context sensitive help and many other useful tips and tricks.
CFormatDriveDialog - A wrapper class for the undocumented SHFormatDrive API function A wrapper class for SHFormatDrive (XP/2K only). Corrects some errors in KB article Q173688
Casting Basics - Use C++ casts in your VC++.NET programs Demonstrates and compares the various casting operators available. Also suggests when to use and what to use!
Delay MessageBox with auto-close option This message box delays its dismissal by disabling the OK button for a delay interval. It also has an optional auto-close feature. There are two versions, one uses a WH_CBT hook and some basic window tricks like sub-classing to achieve its goal. The other one is more MFC-ied.
A statistical analysis of the performance variations of assorted managed and unmanaged languages This article compares and contrasts the relative performances of various languages like native C++, Visual Basic 6, C#, VB.NET, Managed C++, MC++ and native code mix, ngen'd assemblies etc. using a prime number generation function as a generic benchmark
Window Sizer A hot-key based program that lets you resize your current window to any size. Useful for web designers and GUI developers as it helps avoid frequent screen-resolution changes.
FontComboBox - a font listing combo box for .NET A fully owner drawn ComboBox derived class for enumerating and choosing fonts
An editable multi-line listbox for .NET An owner drawn listbox that supports multi-line word-wrapped text as well as in-place editing.
A newbie's elementary guide to spawning processes Gives an elementary introduction to the use of ShellExecute/ShellExecuteEx, CreateProcess, WaitForSingleObject. How to bring up the Find window, the Properties window.
ToolTipListBox - a list box with tool tips A ListBox derived class that shows tool-tips for items that won't fit within the width of the list box
Ordered ListBox A ListBox derived class that supports internal ordering and re-ordering of items
N-Track : Work-Time tracking system A work time tracking system that includes a Managed C++ remoting server and MFC clients that use the managed extensions. The application demonstrates how to mix managed and unmanaged code.
Implementing Callback functions using IJW (avoiding DllImport) Shows how you can call native API functions that require callbacks using IJW, and without the use of DllImport attribute. The technique allows you to pass a delegate as the callback function just as in the MS recommended manner except, I show you how to do this without the ugly DllImport attribute.
Creating draggable windows - SDI and dialogs Shows how you can create windows that can be dragged around, not just through the title bar, but anywhere within the window body
Introduction to Managed C++ An attempt to get a beginner started on Managed C++
Outlook style GUI - three-way split form Demonstrates the usage of splitters, treeviews, listviews, panels, toolbars
Screen and Form capture with Managed C++ This is further demonstration of MC++ IJW capabilities
MFC under the hood Explains the basic MFC program flow including where WinMain and the message loop are hidden
MC++ TCP server talking to MFC & MC++ TCP clients Basic demonstration of the TcpListener/TcpClient classes.
How to do Synchronous and Asynchronous web downloads Explains the usage of WebRequest, WebResponse and related classes.
Basic stuff on Files, Directories and Streams Demonstrates the use of the reader/writer classes as well as the file/directory info classes
Using managed arrays Declaring and using managed .NET arrays with MC++
Tutorial - Modeless Dialogs with MFC Some tips/suggestions on using modeless dialogs with MFC
Delegates Tutorial - MC++ and C# - The dual perspective Introduces and walks you through the use of delegates in .NET. Compares and contrasts the different approaches that MC++ and C# adopt in the use of delegates. With examples in both languages
Implementing custom collection classes with MC++ Tutorial on creating your own collection classes that are enumerable and sortable. Explains in detail the usage of the IEnumerable, IEnumerator, IComparable and IComparer interfaces
Using color gradients as backgrounds in your dialogs and views Beginner article that shows how you can create horizontal, vertical and diagonal backgrounds. Also tells you what to watch out for, to avoid flickering when doing complicated drawing.
Multi-line InputBox control - MC++ A .NET port of my MFC CFrameWnd derived InputBox class, written using MC++
Tile, center and stretch a bitmap as your MFC dialog background A small CDialog derived class that helps avoid frequent copy/pasting of the same code, when using a bitmap as dialog background
How to have an Auto-Completing ComboBox in .NET Shows how to derive a class from ComboBox and add an Auto-Complete feature to it. The example uses Managed C++.
Dynamically loading a DLL - MC++ Shows how you can load an assembly at run time, instantiate a class in that assembly and call methods on the class
Serialization Primer - MC++ A basic introduction to serialization using Managed C++
The MFC unclickable button ported to Managed C++ This article presents a port of the MFC Trick button to .NET using Managed C++ and Windows Forms
Registry handling with .NET Shows with some code snippets how registry handling is a piece of cake with .NET
CServiceHelper A simple class to install, uninstall, start, stop, pause, continue Win32 services
Adding a status bar to an MFC dialog Shows how you can have status bars in your dialog based apps
Drag and Drop between list boxes - Beginner's Tutorial An introduction to drag and drop in .NET
Getting unsafe with pointers in C# Introduction to unsafe code
Creating and Resolving shell links An MC++ class that uses IJW to invoke the IShellLink interface
Using IJW in Managed C++ A basic introduction to using IJW instead of P/Invoke in Managed C++. This is also the first CP article on IJW.
Beginner's Tutorial - Using global hotkeys Explains how to register, use and unregister hotkeys
Clipboard handling with .NET An introduction to using the clipboard
.NET port of Joe's AutoRepeat Button class This ports Joe Newcomer's AutoRepeat Button class to a .NET control
Adding tray icons and context menus Beginner's Tutorial on adding tray icons and setting context menus
Absolute beginner's introduction to remoting Introduces .NET remoting and the use of asynchronous callbacks using simple code snippets
Using events for thread synchronization An introduction to using signaled events for thread synchronization in .NET
Pre-beginner's guide to using a timer Shows how you can use a timer proc in your windows forms apps
Beginning Winsock Programming - Multithreaded TCP server with client Explains a multithreaded TCP file server, a custom TCP chat protocol and a custom TCP client
CExpire - A C++ class that implements time and run based restrictions Shareware authors can use this class to limit the number of runs or the number of days that a program will function
Beginning Winsock Programming - Simple TCP client A simple TCP client is explained.
Beginning Winsock Programming - Simple TCP server An introduction to WinSock programming. A simple TCP server is explained.
CFloppyDisk 2.0 A class for reading and writing floppy disk sectors directly [Win 95/98/ME/NT/2K/XP]
Beginner's introductory guide to writing, installing, starting, stopping NT services Includes a generic skeleton for a simple NT service. Explains how to install, start, and stop the service programmatically.
Keyboard messages/accelerators handling in MFC dialog based applications This article explains how you can override PreTranslateMessage and ProcessMessageFilter in dialog based apps
OLE DB - First steps Basic introduction to using OLE DB to insert, update and read records from a database
CInputBox 1.0 A CFrameWnd derived class that provides functionality similar to the VB InputBox function. You don't need a dialog resource to use the class!
CFileTar 1.0 - pack and unpack file archives A class for packing and unpacking file archives.
CSmtpProxyMT 1.0 An SMTP proxy class with ability to insert signatures to outgoing mails. Does not require MFC.
OLE DB - Bound controls Shows how you can use data bound controls with OLE DB
Limiting your .NET apps to a single instance Shows how to use the Mutex class to limit your app to a single instance using a named mutex
Thread Sychronization using monitors Introduction to using the Monitor class for accessing shared resources from multiple threads
How to pass data to worker threads Shows how you can pass data to your worker threads
Managed C++ and Windows Forms - Image Viewer Demonstrates adding menus, showing open-dialog boxes, showing images, scrolling.
Managed C++ and Windows Forms An introduction to Windows Forms using Managed C++
Events and event handling in C# An introduction to using events and event handlers in C#
Enums and Structs in C# Two oft-overlooked value types that C# offers and where they can be used
Introduction to inheritance, polymorphism in C# An elementary introduction to inheritance, polymorphism in C# using simple code snippets

Nish Nishant - Software Architect and Consultant