---
description: "Learn more about: Application Framework"
title: "Application Framework"
ms.date: "11/04/2016"
helpviewer_keywords: ["application framework [MFC], building applications", "applications [MFC]", "application framework [MFC]"]
ms.assetid: 912684e6-4418-49dc-9877-a4cd19d69d20
---
# Application Framework

The core of the Microsoft Foundation Class (MFC) Library is an encapsulation of a large portion of the Windows API in C++ form. Library classes represent windows, dialog boxes, device contexts, common GDI objects such as brushes and pens, controls, and other standard Windows items. These classes provide a convenient C++ member function interface to the structures in Windows that they encapsulate. For more about using these classes, see [Window Object Topics](window-objects.md).

But the MFC Library also supplies a layer of additional application functionality built on the C++ encapsulation of the Windows API. This layer is a working application framework for Windows that provides most of the common user interface expected of programs for Windows, including toolbars, status bars, printing, print preview, database support, and ActiveX support. [Using the Classes to Write Applications for Windows](using-the-classes-to-write-applications-for-windows.md) explains the framework in detail.

## See also

[General Class Design Philosophy](general-class-design-philosophy.md)