Is Learning the win32 API Worthwhile? [closed]

Answer 1

I advocate learning the concepts behind low level windows programming if all of the following are true.

1. You are going to do any windows programming.
2. You want to be the "go to" guy when the unexplainable happens.
3. You love to learn.

Abstraction layers like .NET work create and allow developers to do incredible things without having to know a lot. However, when .NET is used in a way unanticipated by its authors which reveals one of its subtle bugs, then that is the time where some win32 API knowledge goes a long way.

Will you ever have to write a message pump? I doubt it. Can it help diagnose problems? You betcha!