32 Bit - Windows API Calls for PowerBuilder
The following information lists the PowerBuilder syntax for calling Windows API functions.   Also included is the PowerBuilder script needed to make the function call.  If you would like an example of these API calls the sample pbl is located on the Powersoft FTP server.   The file can be downloaded from:

These API calls are only a subset of all the API calls available.  For a more complete listing of API calls you can consult the windows SDK helpfile which is named either win32.hlp or win32sdk.hlp(depending on what compiler the SDK has been installed from).  Technote #44648 can assist you with the function declaration of the API call from powerscript.

The following API calls are referenced in this document:

Arc( )
This function draws an arc based on the coordinates the function receives.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean Arc(ulong hwnd, long r1, long r2, long r3, long r4, long a1, long a2, long a3, long a4) LIBRARY "Gdi32.dll"
Function ulong GetDC(ulong hwnd) library "user32.dll"

Script:
Boolean rtn
ulong l_handle, l_device
long lv[8]
l_handle = handle(w_main)  // 'w_main' is the name of the sample window.
l_device = GetDC(l_handle)
lv[ ]  = {10,40,300,220,0,0,180,0}
rtn = Arc(l_device, lv[1], lv[2], lv[3], lv[4], lv[5], lv[6], lv[7], lv[8])
 

Beep( )
The Beep function causes the system to make an internal beep sound.   This is identical to the PowerBuilder function Beep( ).

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean Beep(long freq,long dur) LIBRARY "Kernel32.dll"

Script:
Boolean rtn
Long ll_freq, ll_dur
ll_freq = 500
ll_dur = 20
rtn = Beep(ll_freq, ll_dur)
 

BringWindowToTop( )
The BringWindowToTop function sends a message to the target window telling it to come to the foreground.   The PowerBuilder equivalent is limited to PowerBuilder Windows only, the script is as follows: <window > .bringtotop = true

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean BringWindowToTop(ulong w_handle) LIBRARY "User32.dll"

Script:
Boolean rtn
ulong l_handle
l_handle = handle(w_win2)
rtn = BringWindowToTop(l_handle)
 

Chord( )
A Chord is a region bounded by the intersection of an ellipse and a line segment.   This function draws a chord based on the coordinates the function receives.  There are no PowerBuilder equivalents.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean Chord(ulong hwnd,long x1,long y1,long x2,long y2,long r1, long r2, long r3, long r4) LIBRARY "Gdi32.dll"

Script:
boolean rtn
ulong l_handle, l_device
long lv[8]
l_handle = handle(w_main)
l_device = GetDC(l_handle)
// This can be done in one line:   i.e.  l_device = GetDC(handle(w_main))
lv[ ] = {5,5,200,200,0,0,200,300}
rtn = Chord(l_device, lv[1], lv[2], lv[3], lv[4], lv[5], lv[6], lv[7], lv[8])
 

CloseHandle( )
The CloseHandle function releases an open object handle.  The closest PowerBuilder equivalent is the function Destroy, but it is only used with PowerBuilder created objects.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean CloseHandle(ulong w_handle) LIBRARY "Kernel32.dll"
FUNCTION ulong FindWindowA(ulong classname,string windowname) LIBRARY "User32.dll"

Script:
boolean rtn
ulong l_handle
string ls_wname
ls_wname = "<Window Title>"
l_handle = FindWindowA(0, ls_wname)  // Usually you would already have the handle.
rtn = CloseHandle(l_handle)
 

CloseWindow( )
This function does not close a window as one might think.  CloseWindow minimizes the window that is targeted. The closest PowerBuilder equivalent is the WindowState command, but this is limited to PB windows only.  The syntax in PowerBuilder is as follows:  <window>.WindowState = Minimized!

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean CloseWindow(ulong w_handle) LIBRARY "User32.dll"
FUNCTION ulong FindWindowA(ulong classname,string windowname) LIBRARY "User32.dll"

Script:
boolean rtn
ulong l_handle
string ls_wname
ls_wname = "<Window Title>"
l_handle = FindWindowA(0, ls_wname)  // Be sure to use the exact title of the window you are targeting.
rtn = CloseWindow(l_handle)
 

CopyFileA( )
This function copies a file by taking the source and destination names as a string by reference.  If the flag is set to true the file will not overwrite an existing file, if set to false it will overwrite an existing file.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean CopyFileA(ref string cfrom, ref string cto, boolean flag) LIBRARY "Kernel32.dll"

Script:
string l_from, l_to
boolean l_flag, rtn
l_flag = false
l_from = "c:\program files\sybase\readme.txt"
l_to = "c:\new_readme.txt"
rtn = CopyFileA(l_from, l_to, l_flag)
MessageBox("CopyFile", string(rtn))
 

CreateDirectoryA( )
This function create a new directory folder under the current directory.The second argument is exclusively used by NT and can be ignored under Win95. There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean CreateDirectoryA(ref string pathname, int sa) LIBRARY "Kernel32.dll"

Script:
boolean rtn
string l_dir
l_dir = "API Demo"
rtn = CreateDirectoryA(l_dir, 0)
If rtn then
  MessageBox("New Directory Created", "API Demo directory is located under current directory.")
else
  MessageBox("CreateDirectory", "Failed")
end if
 

DeleteFileA( )
This function receives a string by reference containing a fully path qualified filename and deletes that file.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean DeleteFileA(ref string filename) LIBRARY "Kernel32.dll"

Script:
string l_file
boolean rtn
l_file = string("c:\test.txt")
rtn = DeleteFileA(l_file)
MessageBox("DeleteFile", string(rtn))
 

DeleteMenu( )
The DeleteMenu function deletes an item from the specified menu.  If the menu item opens a menu or submenu, this function destroys the handle to the menu or submenu and frees the memory used by the menu or submenu.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean DeleteMenu(ulong mhand, uint upos, uint flag) LIBRARY "user32.dll"
FUNCTION boolean GetSystemMenu(ulong mhandle, boolean flag) LIBRARY "user32.dll"

Script:
ulong m_handle
boolean rtn
m_handle = handle(w_main)
rtn = GetSystemMenu(handle(w_main), false) // Need to get the handle of the system menu first.
rtn = DeleteMenu(m_handle, 1, 0)  // The second argument, the '1', refers to the position in the menu.
Messagebox("Return Code", string(m_handle))
Messagebox("Return Code", string(rtn))
 

DestroyWindow( )
This function sends a destroy message to the targeted window.  The closest PowerBuilder equivalent is Close(<window>), but this is limited to PB windows only.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean DestroyWindow(ulong w_handle) LIBRARY "USER32.DLL"

Script:
boolean rtn
ulong l_handle
open(w_win2) // Open a test window
l_handle = handle(w_win2)
rtn = DestroyWindow(l_handle)

DllRegisterServer( )
This function triggers an OCX to self-register.  This function when called from the constructor event of an application allows a PB application to dynamically register an OCX on the machine it is run on.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION long DllRegisterServer() LIBRARY "c:\windows\ocxname.ocx"

Script:
Long ll_rtn
ll_rtn = DllRegisterServer()

//Note:   A return code of zero most likely means the OCX is already registered.
 

Ellipse( )
An Ellipse function draws a circular object based on the coordinates the function receives.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean Ellipse(ulong hwnd,long x1,long y1,long x2,long y2) LIBRARY "Gdi32.dll"
Function ulong GetDC(ulong hwnd) library "user32.dll"

Script:
Boolean rtn
ulong l_handle, l_device
long lv[4]
l_handle = handle(w_main)
l_device = GetDC(l_handle)
lv[ ] = {5,5,300,300}
rtn = Ellipse(l_device, lv[1], lv[2], lv[3], lv[4])
 

ExitWindowsEx( )
This function sends a call to the Windows OS telling it to shut down.  This function is especially good for increasing the security of your application.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean ExitWindowsEx(uint dwReserved, uint uReserved) LIBRARY "User32.dll"

Script:
boolean rtn
rtn = ExitWindowsEx(0,0)  // Zero's tell it to shut down immediately.
 

FatalExit( )
This function abruptly stops an application from running.  As a result, nothing gets closed properly and objects are left hanging in memory.  This function will produce a GPF the moment it is called and you will need to reboot.  FatalExit is meant to be used for debugging purposes and is not recommended otherwise.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
SUBROUTINE FatalExit(int exitcode) LIBRARY "Kernel32.dll"

Script:
int rtn
rtn = MessageBox("This API call is suppose to produce a GPF!","Are You Sure?", Exclamation!, YesNo!,2)
If rtn = 1 Then
   MessageBox("Final Notice!","You will have to reboot after this API call!")
   FatalExit(1)
End If
 

FindWindowA( )
This function gets the handle any window that is called by name.  A common pitfall is to make a call with the window's save name rather than the name that appears in the title bar, i.e. "Microsoft Word - api32.doc" .  The PowerBuilder equivalent is the function Handle( ), but it is limited to PB windows only.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION ulong FindWindowA(ulong classname,string windowname) LIBRARY "User32.dll"

Script:
ulong l_handle
string ls_wname
ls_wname = "<Window Title>"  // i.e. "File Manager" or "Numbers.txt - NotePad"
l_handle = FindWindowA(0, ls_wname)
 

FreeLibrary( )
This function releases a dll from active memory.  This function works in conjunction with LoadLibraryA( ) function.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.  Warning:  Unloading a dll that is being used will cause a GPF.

Global External Function:
SUBROUTINE FreeLibrary(ulong libhandle) LIBRARY "Kernel32.dll"
FUNCTION ulong LoadLibraryA(string modname) LIBRARY "Kernel32.dll"
 

Script:
ulong modhandle  // This would usually be an instance variable
modhandle = LoadLibraryA("<32 bit dll filename>")  // This would usually be done in another event.
FreeLibrary(modhandle)
 

GetBkColor( )
This function returns the background color reference number of the window targeted.  The PowerBuilder equivalent is as follows:
ulong l_color
l_color = w_main.BackColor

Global External Function:
FUNCTION ulong GetBkColor (ulong hwnd) LIBRARY "Gdi32.dll"
Function ulong GetDC(ulong hwnd) library "user32.dll"

Script:
ulong l_handle, l_device, l_color
l_handle = handle(w_main)
l_device = GetDC(l_handle)
l_color = GetBkColor(l_device)
 

GetCapture( )
This function returns the handle of the window that has captured the mouse.  Keep in mind that the window receives mouse input regardless of where the cursor is positioned.  This function, however, doesn't appear to do anything at all.   (Maybe you'll have more luck with it.)  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION ulong GetCapture( ) LIBRARY "User32.dll"

Script:
ulong l_handle
l_handle = GetCapture( )
 

GetComputerNameA( )
This function returns the computer's name into a string by reference.  Be sure to allocate enough space for the string or you'll get a GPF when you exit PowerBuilder.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean GetComputerNameA(ref string cname,ref long nbuf) LIBRARY "Kernel32.dll"

Script:
string ls_compname
long ll_buf
ll_buf = 25
ls_compname = space(ll_buf)
GetComputerNameA(ls_compname, ll_buf)
MessageBox("Computer name is:", ls_compname)
 

GetClassNameA( )
This function returns the class name of any object or window whose handle it receives.  Be sure to allocate enough space for the string or you'll get a GPF when you exit PowerBuilder.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent to this function.

Global External Function:
Function long GetClassNameA(ulong hwnd, ref string cname, int buf) Library "User32.dll"

Script:
string l_class
long rtn
ulong l_handle
l_handle = handle(w_main)
l_class = space(50)
rtn = GetClassNameA(l_handle,l_class,50)
Messagebox("Classname", l_class)
 

GetCurrentDirectoryA( )
This function returns the current working directory into a string by reference.  Be sure to allocate enough space for the string or you'll get a GPF when you exit PowerBuilder.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION ulong GetCurrentDirectoryA(ulong BufferLen, ref string currentdir) LIBRARY "Kernel32.dll"

Script:
string ls_curdir
ulong l_buf
l_buf = 100
ls_curdir = space(l_buf)
GetCurrentDirectoryA(l_buf, ls_curdir)
MessageBox("Current Directory:", ls_curdir)
 

GetCurrentThread( )
This function returns the current thread's handle.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION ulong GetCurrentThread() LIBRARY "Kernel32.dll"

Script:
ulong rtn
rtn = GetCurrentThread()
MessageBox("Current Thread Handle", string(rtn))
 

GetCursor( )
This function returns a handle of the cursor.   There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION ulong GetCursor( ) LIBRARY "User32.dll"

Script:
ulong l_cursor
l_cursor = GetCursor( )
 

GetCursorPos( )  & SetCursorPos( )
This function returns the x and y position of the cursor into a structure.  SetCursorPos moves the cursor to the coordinates it receives.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean GetCursorPos(ref mousepos mousepos2) LIBRARY "User32.dll"
FUNCTION boolean SetCursorPos(int cx, int cy) LIBRARY  "User32.dll"

Structure:  (Mousepos)
long xpos, long ypos

Script:
mousepos mouseloc
GetCursorPos(mouseloc)
Messagebox("Cursor Position", "X = " + string(mouseloc.xpos) + "  Y = " + string(mouseloc.ypos))
SetCursorPos(300,350)
Messagebox("Cursor Position", "X = " + string(mouseloc.xpos) + "  Y = " + string(mouseloc.ypos))
 

GetDC( )
This function returns the device context of the targeted window's handle that it receives.  The device context is required if you wish to perform any graphical function calls.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
Function ulong GetDC(ulong hwnd) library "user32.dll"

Script:
ulong l_handle, l_device
l_handle = handle(w_main)
l_device = GetDC(l_handle)
MessageBox("Handle", string(l_device))
 

GetKeyboardState( ) & SetKeyboardState( )
The first function returns the present state of every key on the keyboard into an array of 256 integers based on the characters ASCII representation.  The second function sets the keyboard to the state given in the array.  A zero value represents that the key is not pressed.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean GetKeyboardState(ref integer kbarray[256])  LIBRARY "USER32.DLL"
FUNCTION boolean SetKeyboardState(ref integer kbarray[256]) LIBRARY "USER32.DLL"
Function ulong GetDC(ulong hwnd) library "user32.dll"

Script:
//GetKeyboardState( )
boolean rtn
integer ipkey[256]
rtn = GetKeyboardState(ipkey)

//SetKeyboardState( )
rtn = SetKeyboardState(ipkey)
if rtn = false then
 Messagebox("Failed","Something went wrong when loading into array")
else
 Messagebox("Successful","Keyboard state is loaded back into buffer")
end if
 

GetKeyState( )
This function returns the present state of a specific key on the keyboard based on that key's ASCII representation.  A zero value represents that the key is not pressed.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
Function int GetKeyState(integer VirtualKeycode) Library "User32.dll"

Script:
int rtn
rtn = GetKeyState(65)  // 65 = A
if rtn = 0 then
 MessageBox("Key State","Letter 'A' not pressed!")
else
 MessageBox("Key State","Letter 'A'  is pressed!")
end if
 

GetModuleHandleA( )
This function returns the handle of a module or dll that is in active memory.  The function FreeLibrary works directly with this function in releasing the dll from memory based on the handle that this function returns.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
Function long GetModuleHandleA(string modname) Library "Kernel32.dll"

Script:
ulong rtn
rtn = GetModuleHandleA("User32.dll")
MessageBox("Return Code", string(rtn))
 

GetParent( )
This function receives the handle of a child and returns the handle of its parent. The PowerBuilder function 'GetParent' is identical.   The PB syntax is as follows: objectname.GetParent( )

Global External Function:
FUNCTION ulong GetParent(ulong hwnd) LIBRARY "User32.dll"

Script:
ulong l_handle, rtn
l_handle = handle(cb_getparent) // Command Button name
rtn = GetParent(l_handle)
Messagebox("GetParent", "Parent handle = " + string(rtn) + " / Child handle = " + string(l_handle))
 

GetPixel( ) & SetPixel( )
The first function returns the color of a specific pixel.  The SetPixel function changes the targeted pixel to the color sent. There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION ulong GetPixel(ulong hwnd, long xpos, long ypos) LIBRARY "Gdi32.dll"
FUNCTION ulong SetPixel(ulong hwnd, long xpos, long ypos, ulong pcol) LIBRARY "Gdi32.dll"

Script:
long lx, ly
ulong rtn
ulong l_handle, l_device
lx = 100
ly = 100
l_handle = handle(w_main)
l_device = GetDC(l_handle)
rtn = GetPixel(l_device, 100, 100)
MessageBox("Position " + string(lx) + "," + string(ly),"Color = " + string(rtn))
SetPixel(l_device, lx, ly, 0)  // This call will set the pixel at lx, ly to black.
 

GetSystemMenu( )

This function allows the application to access the system or window menu for copying and modifying.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.
 

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean GetSystemMenu(ulong mhandle, boolean flag) LIBRARY "user32.dll"

Script:
boolean flag, rtn
ulong l_handle
l_handle = handle(w_main)
flag = false
rtn = GetSystemMenu(l_handle, flag)
Messagebox("Return Code", rtn)
 

GetSystemTime( )
This function returns the system time into a structure by reference.   There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
SUBROUTINE GetSystemTime(ref systemtime systimeptr) Library "Kernel32.dll"

Structure:  (SystemTime)
uint year,  uint month,  uint dayofweek,  uint day,  uint hour,  uint minute,  uint second,  uint millisecond

Script:
systemtime s_systime
string l_day, l_date, l_time
GetSystemTime(s_systime)
l_date = string(s_systime.month) +"/"+ string(s_systime.day) &
      +"/"+ string(s_systime.year)
l_time = string(s_systime.hour) +":"+ string(s_systime.minute) &
      +":"+ string(s_systime.second) +":"+ string(s_systime.millisecond)
CHOOSE CASE s_systime.dayofweek
CASE 1
l_day = "Sunday"
CASE 2
l_day = "Monday"
CASE 3
l_day = "Tuesday"
CASE 4
l_day = "Wednesday"
CASE 5
l_day = "Thursday"
CASE 6
l_day = "Friday"
CASE 7
l_day = "Saturday"
END CHOOSE
Messagebox("System Time:",l_date + "   " + l_day + "   " + l_time)
 

GetThreadPriority( )
This function returns the priority level of a given thread.  The default value is zero and anything higher would hold a higher priority thus receiving more CPU time.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION int GetThreadPriority(ulong hthread) LIBRARY "Kernel32.dll"

Script:
ulong l_handle
integer rtn
l_handle = GetCurrentThread()
rtn = GetThreadPriority(l_handle)
MessageBox("Current Thread Priority", string(rtn))
 

GetSystemMetrics( )
This function will provide the current resolution in pixels of the screen.  It has been observed that this particular function is cap sensitive.  Be sure to exactly declare the function as "GetSystemMetrics" and not "getsystemmetrics".  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION int GetSystemMetrics(int indexnum) LIBRARY "user32.dll"

Script:
int l_xx, l_yy
l_xx = GetSystemMetrics(0)
l_yy = GetSystemMetrics(1)
Messagebox("Screen Resolution", string(l_xx) + " , " + string(l_yy))
 

GetUserNameA( )
This function returns the current users logon name.  Be sure to allocate enough space for the string or you'll get a GPF when you exit PowerBuilder.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean GetUserNameA(ref string uname, ref ulong slength) LIBRARY "ADVAPI32.DLL"

Script:
string  ls_username
string  ls_var
ulong  lu_val
boolean rtn
lu_val = 255
ls_username = Space( 255 )
rtn = GetUserNameA(ls_username, lu_val)
Messagebox("GetUserNameA", "Username = " + string(ls_username))
 

GetVolumnInformationA( )
This function returns information about the harddrive.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean GetVolumeInformationA(ref string lpRootPathName,ref string lpVolumeNameBuffer,ulong nVolumeNameSize,ref ulong lpVolumeSerialNumber,ref ulong lpMaximumComponentLength,ref ulong lpFileSystemFlags,ref string lpFileSystemNameBuffer,ulong nFileSystemNameSize) Library "kernel32.dll"

Script:
boolean rtn
string lprootpathname = "c:"
string lpVolumeNameBuffer = space(256)
ulong nVolumeNameSize = 256
ulong lpVolumeSerialNumber
ulong lpMaximumComponentLength
setnull(lpVolumeSerialNumber)
lpMaximumComponentLength = 256
ulong lpFileSystemFlags
setnull(lpFileSystemFlags)
string lpFileSystemNameBuffer = space(256)
ulong nFileSystemNameSize = 256

rtn = GetVolumeInformationA(lpRootPathName, lpVolumeNameBuffer, nVolumeNameSize,&
lpVolumeSerialNumber, lpMaximumComponentLength, lpFileSystemFlags,&
lpFileSystemNameBuffer, nFileSystemNameSize)
sle_1.text = lprootpathname
sle_2.text = lpVolumeNameBuffer
sle_3.text = string(nVolumeNameSize)
sle_4.text = string(lpVolumeSerialNumber)
sle_5.text = string(lpMaximumComponentLength)
sle_6.text = string(lpFileSystemFlags)
sle_7.text = string(lpFileSystemNameBuffer)
sle_8.text = string(nFileSystemNameSize)
 

GetWindowsDirectoryA( )
This function returns the default windows directory into a string by reference.  Be sure to allocate enough space for the string or you'll get a GPF when you exit PowerBuilder.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION ulong GetWindowsDirectoryA(ref string wdir, ulong buf) LIBRARY "kernel32.dll"

Script:
ulong l_buf
string windir
l_buf = 144
windir = space(144)
GetWindowsDirectoryA(windir, l_buf)
MessageBox("Current Directory", windir)
 

GlobalMemoryStatus( )
This function returns all the information related to the computers present memory into a structure by reference.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
SUBROUTINE GlobalMemoryStatus(ref memory mem2) LIBRARY "Kernel32.dll"

Structure:  (Memory)
ulong m_length, ulong m_loaded, ulong m_totalphys, ulong m_availphys, ulong m_totalpagefile, ulong m_availpagefile, ulong m_totalvirtual, ulong m_availvirtual

Script:
memory sysmem
GlobalMemoryStatus(sysmem)
Messagebox("Memory Length", string(sysmem.m_length))
Messagebox("Memory Loaded", string(sysmem.m_loaded))
Messagebox("Total Physical Memory", string(sysmem.m_totalphys))
Messagebox("Total Available Memory", string(sysmem.m_availphys))
Messagebox("Total Page Size", string(sysmem.m_totalpagefile))
Messagebox("Available Page Size", string(sysmem.m_availpagefile))
Messagebox("Total Virtual Memory", string(sysmem.m_totalvirtual))
Messagebox("Available Virtual Memory", string(sysmem.m_availvirtual))
 

LoadLibraryA( )
This function loads a dll into active memory.  The function is limited to 32 bit dll's and there is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION ulong LoadLibraryA(string modname) LIBRARY "Kernel32.dll"

Script:
ulong modhandle
modhandle = LoadLibraryA("c:\windows\mydll.dll")  // Pathing isn't necessary if dll is in dos search path.
If modhandle > 0 Then
  MessageBox("Return Code", "Load Successful -> handle = " + string(modhandle))
else
  MessageBox("Result","Unable to load module")
end if

mciSendStringA( )
This function runs an AVI type file by making calls to the library, "winmm.dll".   This API call is very complex and there is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION long mciSendStringA(string cmd, REF string rtn, long size, long wnd) LIBRARY "winmm.dll"

Script:
string s_errortext
string filename
filename = "c:\winnt\clock.avi"
mciSendStringA ("open "+Filename+"  type AVIVideo alias test wait",s_errortext, 0,0)
mciSendStringA ("Window test handle " + string(handle(w_main)) + " wait",s_errortext, 0, 0)
mciSendStringA ("Put test destination wait",s_errortext, 0, 0)
mciSendStringA ("Play test wait", s_errortext, 0, 0)
mciSendStringA ("Close test", s_errortext, 0, 0)

MessageBoxA( )
This function produces a messagebox.   This is identical to the PowerBuilder "messagebox" command.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION long MessageBoxA(ulong hwnd, ref string text, ref string title, ulong style) LIBRARY "User32.dll"

Script:
long rtn
ulong handle1, style1
string text1
string title1
handle1 = handle(parent)
text1 = "This is an API Messagebox"
title1 = "API MessageBox"
style1 = 0
rtn = MessageBoxA(handle1,text1,title1,style1)
 

Mouse_Event( )
This function has the ability of moving the mouse pointer, activating the mouse buttons, and doing anything that the user can do with the mouse.  The sample script will move the mouse 80 pixels left and 50 pixels up.  The structure is populated by the mouses previous position.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
SUBROUTINE Mouse_Event(ulong dwflag,ulong dx,ulong dy,ulong cbutton,ulong dwextra) LIBRARY "User32.dll"

Structure:  (Mousepos)
long xpos, long ypos

Script:
int l_loop, lx, ly, lflag
mousepos mouseloc
lx = mouseloc.xpos
ly = mouseloc.ypos
lflag = 1  //1 = do nothing, 7 = L-button clicked, 25 = R-button clicked
mouse_event(lflag,-80,-50,0,0)
 

MoveToEx( ) & LineTo( )
The MoveToEx function moves the cursor to the coordinates it receives and the previous position is sent to a structure by reference.  The LineTo function draws a line from the present location of the cursor to the coordinates it receives. There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean MoveToEx(ulong hwnd,long wx, long wy,ref prepos prepos2) LIBRARY "Gdi32.dll"
FUNCTION boolean LineTo(ulong hwnd,long wx, long wy) LIBRARY "Gdi32.dll"
Function ulong GetDC(ulong hwnd) library "user32.dll"

Structure:  (Prepos)
long xpos, long ypos

Script:
ulong l_handle, l_device
prepos previouspos
l_handle = handle(w_main)
l_device = GetDC(l_handle)
MoveToEx(l_device,100,100,previouspos)
LineTo(l_device,200,200)
 

MoveWindow( )
This function moves and resizes the window based on the coordinates it receives.  This function has the same effect as changing a windows X, Y, Height and Width properties from within PowerBuilder.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean MoveWindow(ulong whand,int wx,int wy,int ww,int wh,boolean wflag) LIBRARY "user32.dll"

Script:
boolean rtn
ulong l_handle, l_device
l_handle = handle(w_main)
rtn = MoveWindow(l_handle,10,10,100,100,true)
MessageBox("Return Code",string(rtn))
 

Pie( )
This function draws a pie chart based on the coordinates the function receives.  There are no PowerBuilder equivalents.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean Pie(ulong hwnd,long x1,long y1,long x2,long y2,long x3,long y3,long x4,long y4) LIBRARY "Gdi32.dll"
Function ulong GetDC(ulong hwnd) library "user32.dll"

Script:
Boolean rtn
ulong l_handle,l_device
long lv[8]
lv[ ] = {10,50,290,220,0,0,80,0}
l_handle = handle(w_main)
l_device  = GetDC(l_handle)
rtn = Pie(l_device,lv[1],lv[2],lv[3],lv[4],lv[5],lv[6],lv[7],lv[8])
 

Polygon( )
This function draws a polygon shape based on the coordinates the function receives.  There are no PowerBuilder equivalents.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean Polygon(ulong hdc, ref struct poly poly2, int cnt) LIBRARY "Gdi32.dll"
Function ulong GetDC(ulong hwnd) library "user32.dll"

Structure:  (Poly)
long xpos[5], long ypos[5]  //The size of the array is proportional to the number of sides in the Polygon.

Script:
ulong l_handle, l_device
int pcnt
l_handle = handle(w_main)
l_device = GetDC(l_handle)
pcnt = 5
poly poly3
poly3.xpos[ ] = {50,100,150,200,250}
poly3.ypos[ ] = {50,100,150,200,250}
Polygon(l_device,poly3,pcnt)
 

PostMessageA( )
This function posts a message (such as minimize or close) in the message queue associated with the thread that created the specified window and then returns without waiting for that thread to process the message.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.  For more information on the codes associated with this function see the MSDN.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean PostMessageA(ulong hwndle,UINT wmsg,ulong wParam,ulong lParam) Library "User32.dll"

Script:
ulong l_handle
boolean rtn
l_handle = handle(w_main)
rtn = PostMessageA(l_handle,274,61472,0)   // 61472 = minimize, 61488 = maximize, 61728 = normal state
 

Rectangle( )
This function draws a rectangle based on the coordinates the function receives.  There are no PowerBuilder equivalents.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean Rectangle(ulong hwnd,long x1,long y1,long x2,long y2) LIBRARY "Gdi32.dll"
Function ulong GetDC(ulong hwnd) library "user32.dll"

Script:
Boolean rtn
ulong l_handle,l_device
long lv[4]
lv[ ] = { 10,10,275,215}
l_handle = handle(w_main)
l_device  = GetDC(l_handle)
rtn = Rectangle(l_device,lv[1],lv[2],lv[3],lv[4])
 

SendMessageA( )
This function sends a message to the message queue associated with the thread that created the specified window and doesn't return until that message is processed. There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION long SendMessageA(ulong hwndle,UINT wmsg,ulong wParam,ulong lParam) Library "User32.dll"

Script:
ulong l_handle
long rtn
l_handle = handle(w_main)
rtn = SendMessageA(l_handle,274,61728,0)
 

SetCapture( )  &  ReleaseCapture( )
These functions works directly with each other.   The SetCapture function locks control of the mouse until ReleaseCapture( ) is called.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION ulong SetCapture(ulong a) LIBRARY "User32.dll"
FUNCTION boolean ReleaseCapture( ) LIBRARY "User32.dll"

Script:
boolean rtn
ulong l_loop, u_test, u_long
u_test = handle(parent)
u_long = SetCapture(u_test)
SetPointer(SizeNWSE!)
for l_loop = 1 to 150000
next
rtn = ReleaseCapture( )
 

SetComputerNameA( )
This function changes the computer's name to the string it receives by reference.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean SetComputerNameA(ref string cname) LIBRARY "kernel32.dll"

Script:
boolean rtn
string l_name
l_name = "PowerBuilder"
rtn = SetComputerNameA(l_name)
if rtn then
  MessageBox("Computer name changed to 'PowerBuilder'", "You'll need to reboot for it to take effect")
else
  MessageBox("SetComputerName", "Failed")
end if
 

SetCurrentDirectoryA( )
This function changes the current directory that the OS is pointing to.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean SetCurrentDirectoryA(ref string cdir) LIBRARY "kernel32.dll"

Script:
boolean rtn
string l_dir
l_dir = "c:\My Documents"
rtn = SetCurrentDirectoryA(l_dir)
MessageBox("SetCurrentDirectory", string(rtn))
 

SetFocus( )
This function changes the focus to the object or window whose handle is given.  The only PowerBuilder equivalent is limited to PowerBuilder objects and the syntax is as follows:  <Object>.SetFocus( )

Global External Function:
SUBROUTINE SetFocus(long objhandle) LIBRARY "User32.dll"

Script:
SetFocus(handle(sle_1))  // This function gets the handle from PB.
 

SetThreadPriority( )
This function sets the priority level of a given thread.  The default value is zero and anything higher would hold a higher priority thus receiving more CPU time.  Don't set the priority level too high or the mouse won't work.  There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean SetThreadPriority(ulong hthread, int npriority) LIBRARY "Kernel32.dll"
FUNCTION ulong GetCurrentThread() LIBRARY "Kernel32.dll"

Script:
ulong l_handle
boolean rtn
l_handle = GetCurrentThread()
rtn = SetThreadPriority(l_handle, 2) // Set the priority of thread higher.
MessageBox("Current Thread Priority Changed", string(rtn))
 

Sleep( )
This function tells the OS to ignore the current thread for X number of milliseconds.  The screen will not be redrawn while this API call is active.   This is the same as running a for-next loop from within PowerBuilder.

Global External Function:
SUBROUTINE Sleep(ulong milli) LIBRARY "Kernel32.dll"

Script:
ulong l_delay
l_delay = 2000
Sleep(l_delay)

SndPlaySoundA( ) & WaveOutGetNumDevs()
These functions run a WAV file from within PowerBuilder.  There is no PB equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean SndPlaySoundA(string wavfile, uint flag) LIBRARY "WINMM.DLL"
FUNCTION uint WaveOutGetNumDevs() LIBRARY "WINMM.DLL"

Script:
uint lui_NumDevs, l_mode
string ls_file
l_mode = 0
ls_file = string("c:\windows\media\chimes.wav")
lui_NumDevs = WaveOutGetNumDevs()
IF lui_NumDevs > 0 THEN
   SndPlaySoundA(ls_file, l_mode)
END IF
 

SwapMouseButton( )
This function reverses the mouse buttons making the right button the left and visaversa.  The function needs to be called again to return the mouse to a normal state.   This is a great API to use on a collegues computer.   There is no PowerBuilder equivalent.

Global External Function:
FUNCTION boolean SwapMouseButton(boolean var) LIBRARY "User32.dll"

Script:
boolean rtn, l_mouse
rtn = SwapMouseButton(l_mouse)
If l_mouse = true Then
MessageBox("Change Made","Right button on Left Side")
Else
MessageBox("Change Made","Right button on Right Side")
End If
 

WinExec( )
This function sends a filename and path to the OS triggering it to be run.  The PB equivalent is the function RUN.  (i.e.  Run("c:\windows\calc.exe")

Global External Function:
FUNCTION uint WinExec(ref string filename, uint wstyle) LIBRARY "kernel32.dll"

Script:
string ls_filename
uint rtn, wstyle
ls_filename = "c:\windows\calc.exe"
wstyle = 1
rtn = WinExec(ls_filename, wstyle)
Messagebox("Return Code", string(rtn))