A developer created a lightweight, native Windows to-do list application using only pure C and the Win32 API, resulting in a tiny executable (278 KB) with no external dependencies or frameworks. The application features basic functionality like adding, checking off, and deleting tasks, persists data to a file, and has a simple, classic Windows UI. The project showcases how a functional application can be built with minimal resources using only core system libraries, demonstrating the power and efficiency of this approach.
A developer, motivated by a desire for a minimalist and lightweight to-do application for Windows, eschewing the bloat of electron-based alternatives and the complexities of modern C++ frameworks like Qt, has created a native Windows to-do application written entirely in pure C. The resulting application, remarkably small at just 278 kilobytes, leverages the Win32 API directly for all its functionality, eliminating the need for external libraries or frameworks. This approach prioritizes performance and efficiency, resulting in a highly responsive and resource-conserving program.
The application features a straightforward graphical user interface, offering the essential functionalities of a to-do list manager. Users can input new tasks, mark tasks as completed by checking them off, and delete tasks as needed. The application persists the to-do list data to a file, ensuring that tasks are preserved between sessions. This persistence likely leverages standard file I/O operations provided by the C standard library and/or the Win32 API.
The developer's focus on using pure C and the Win32 API directly contributes to the application's small size and streamlined performance. By avoiding external dependencies, the application remains portable and easily distributable. This approach also provides a clear and demonstrable example of how to interact with the Windows operating system at a lower level, offering valuable learning opportunities for those interested in Windows system programming. The project's source code is publicly available on GitHub, enabling others to examine, learn from, and potentially contribute to the project. The project demonstrates a practical application of C and Win32 API principles for a common task management scenario.
Summary of Comments ( 209 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43954649
Hacker News users generally praised the simplicity and small size of the C-based to-do app. Several commenters appreciated the "back to basics" approach and the lack of dependencies. Some discussed the merits of pure C versus using a framework like Qt, with some arguing for the educational value and performance benefits of the former. A few users pointed out minor potential improvements, such as adding keyboard navigation and configurability. The minimalist nature of the application sparked discussion about the trade-offs between features and complexity in software development. Others expressed interest in the developer's choice of a custom UI library and how it compared to existing options.
The Hacker News post titled "I built a native Windows Todo app in pure C (278 KB, no frameworks)" generated a fair amount of discussion, with several commenters focusing on different aspects of the project.
A significant number of comments praised the author for choosing pure C and avoiding external dependencies, appreciating the small executable size and the focus on simplicity. Some commenters viewed this approach as a refreshing contrast to the trend of increasingly complex and bloated software. They highlighted the value in learning low-level programming and understanding the fundamentals of operating system interactions.
Several users discussed the trade-offs involved in using pure Win32 API versus leveraging frameworks like Qt or GTK. While acknowledging the benefits of a smaller footprint and potentially better performance with the pure C/Win32 approach, some pointed out the increased development effort required to handle UI elements and other functionalities that frameworks provide out-of-the-box.
There was some debate about the actual practicality of the application. Some commenters questioned the value proposition of a simple todo app built with this approach in a modern context, given the abundance of existing todo list applications. Others argued that the project's primary value lies in its educational aspect, showcasing how to build a native Windows application from scratch.
A few technical points were also raised. One commenter inquired about the choice of using fixed-size arrays instead of dynamically allocated memory, expressing concerns about potential limitations in the number of todo items. Another comment suggested potential improvements to the UI, such as adding keyboard navigation.
Some users shared their own experiences with similar projects or suggested alternative approaches, like using a simpler UI library or exploring cross-platform solutions.
Finally, a recurring theme was the appreciation for the author's effort and the willingness to share the code publicly, encouraging further exploration and learning. The overall tone of the comments was positive, recognizing the project's value as a learning exercise and a demonstration of the power of simple, dependency-free C programming.