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Microsoft hasn't had a coherent GUI strategy since Petzold (jsnover.com)

835 points by naves · 101 days ago · 580 comments on HN

Article summary

The article discusses Microsoft's lack of a coherent GUI strategy since the release of Charles Petzold's book 'Programming Windows' in 1988. The author argues that Microsoft's failure to provide a clear and consistent framework for building Windows applications has led to a 'boof-a-rama' of competing technologies and frameworks. This has resulted in confusion and frustration for developers, who are forced to navigate a complex and ever-changing landscape of GUI technologies. The article highlights the various attempts Microsoft has made to establish a GUI strategy, including WPF, Silverlight, and UWP, but notes that each of these efforts has ultimately failed to provide a clear and consistent direction for developers.

Main themes

  • Microsoft GUI strategy
  • Windows development
  • Cross-platform development
  • Native vs web apps
  • Developer frustration
  • Technological complexity

What commenters say

  • The web has become a viable platform for building cross-platform applications, making native Windows development less relevant.
  • Native apps offer superior performance and UI control compared to web apps, making them a better choice for certain types of applications.
  • Microsoft's failure to establish a clear GUI strategy has led to a proliferation of competing frameworks and technologies, causing confusion and frustration for developers.
  • The rise of web technologies has reduced the need for native Windows development, and developers should focus on building cross-platform web apps instead.
  • Some developers prefer native apps for their performance and UI control, while others see web apps as a more practical and widely-supported option.
  • The complexity of web technologies, such as the DOM and CSS, can make them ill-suited for building certain types of applications, such as CAD software.
  • Open-source frameworks like GTK and QT offer a viable alternative to Microsoft's GUI technologies, and can provide a more consistent and well-maintained platform for developers.
  • The decision to build a native or web app depends on the specific needs and goals of the project, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.