TexBlog

Steve, To be honest, from that article, I don't get the impression that a lot was added into the new version of MFC. The changes seem relatively minor, especially compared with the magnitude of other changes in VS2005, e.g., .NET 2.0, ASP 2.0, C# 2.0, etc.

My perception is that Microsoft is doing the right thing in contining to support MFC, however, I feel that Microsoft should be sending a clearer message about the importance of MFC versus .NET, especially WinForms. Many bloggers have stated that Microsoft has scaled back its integration of .NET into future platforms, e.g., Longhorn, and that some see that as a signal of a lack of confidence on the part of Microsoft in .NET. Also often cited is the lack of use of .NET in key Microsoft applications, e.g., Office, which also seems to send the same message.

I think Microsoft should give developers a more clear direction about where/when to use .NET versus MFC, and what criteria would be used to decide. Also would be helpful to know how Microsoft is making these decisions for its own applications - obviously actions speak louder than words.