How MFC Makes It Easier to Create Internet Client Applications

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The Microsoft Foundation Classes encapsulate the Win32 Internet Extension (WinInet) functions in a manner that provides a familiar context for MFC programmers. MFC provides three Internet file classes (, , and ) derived from the class. Not only do these classes make retrieving and manipulating Internet data familiar to programmers who have used CStdioFile for local files, but with these classes you can handle local files and Internet files in a consistent, transparent manner.

In addition, the MFC WinInet classes provide the following advantages:

  • Buffered I/O

  • Type-safe handles for your data

  • Default parameters for many functions

  • Exception handling for common Internet errors

  • Automatic cleanup of open handles and connections