Hi All, I have done a lot of windows socket programming both for work and for fun. I have written quite a few applications, including both SOCK_DGRAM and SOCK_STREAM type sockets. It seems to me that there aren''t any really good programming books out there that cover all the basics + Win32-related usage + lots of good examples. I have been seriously thinking about writing a book on the subject; with a descriptive title like "Visual C++ Internet Programming, Protocols, & Projects". It would both teach the reader how to use, effectively, Windows Sockets in different environments (console apps, MFC apps, Win32 apps). Also, many full-fledged (and _working_) applications that I have already written. Programs like an FTP client, FTP server, news client, ping & tracert utilities, datagram message passing examples, an HTTP server, an IRC client, a mail client & utilities, a TELNET client, and custom (home-grown) type servers and clients. Do you think this kind of book would (A) be helpful , and (B) worth writing. It''s really the kind of book I wish I could have gotten when I first started out. I think this book would save a lot of time for people by showing how to connect, accept, and work with different server types; along with doing it in different ''settings'' (ie, straight WinSock, or MFC''s CSocket/CAsyncSocket) and how to correctly do things like accept a connection with a new thread (so each client on a server is running in its own seperate thread.) Thanks for reading this <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> I look forward to any feedback. // CHRIS

Thanks- I''ll check out www.gearheadgroup.com. My original idea was to try and go through SAMS or WROX; though WROX hasn''t ever replied to any of my e-mails and trying to get someone on the phone has proved just as bad. I still think it''s a good book to write. One of the applications would be a MUD-type game. At least it would be a starting point for your own games. Basic functions would be built in already, like logging in (authentication), chat, a ''WHO'' command to see who else is online. That way you could concentrate on the game logic right away and have the server foundation already done.

Thanks again,
// CHRIS

Yes, definitely.

I have been browsing the internet over the last few weeks (has it been that long?) looking for different tutorials on how to start with WinSock programming. I eventually want to work my way up to a full-fledged online RPG, and I am looking into different methods of implementing a Quake III-style "initialization console" server application, with few results. More nosing around for me.

But yes, definitely, this would be the sort of thing I would imagine that budding developers would be interested in. If I could recommend, look into those issues that aren''t directly covered by many current popular (and up-to-date!) tutorials, so that you aren''t covering old ground (you know, kind of the way many DirectX books spend chapters and chapters on how to set up DirectDraw?).

Good luck, and keep posting on your progress! I look forward to ordering my copy from Amazon.com.


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