How to Create a Custom Windows Application

Things You'll Need: Software development product

1. Download and install a Windows software development product (see Resources). Software development products range from environments for professional developers such as Microsoft's Visual Studio to simpler products such as HyperNext Studio for hobbyists.
   
   
2. Create a set of specifications describing what you want your software program to do. Include the purpose of the application and list the display screens necessary to fulfill these purposes. For each display screen, list the menus and other features available for user interaction.
   
   
3. Decide which programming language you'll use. Complex products such as Visual Studio come with several built-in languages as well as features that allow you to add additional languages. Check your product literature to see which languages are available to you.
   
   
4. Learn your language if you are a beginner. Use books, official product guides and free tutorials provided with the software development tool. For example, if you are going to program in C++, you can visit the LearnCPP website or the Microsoft C++ Development Center for free tutorials (see Resources). Or, if you are using HyperNext Creator, which uses a simple English-like language called hypertext for nonprogrammers, you can use tutorials and sample project instructions from the HyperNext Studio site.
   
   
5. Design your interface. The interface is what the end user sees when he interacts with your software application, so make sure it is visually appealing and easy to understand. Include all the elements you listed in your specifications, such as menus, buttons and instructive messages. Include graphics to attract the user's eye to the proper instructions.
   
   
6. Add the code to make the interactive elements work. For example, if you have a drop-down menu, add the code to make the menu work properly.
   
   
7. Test your application. Test every feature individually, then test the logic of your application as a whole by asking people to test it who know nothing about your program. Fix any bugs you discover in the testing process.
   
   
8. Create an installer for your software application. You can use Microsoft's free Windows Installer, which is available at Microsoft's Download Center (see Resources).