[ros-kernel] Re: Header Files

[Eric K. <ek...@rz...>]

Steven Edwards <Ste...@kn...> wrote:


> I dont really understand the way the headers are organized in ReactOS.
>
> I saw the messages the other day about getting rid of ReactOS's headers
and
> just using mingw's. Can someone please explain to me what the deal is with
> the structure.
>
The header file organization is indeed a little confusing. :-)
ReactOS uses a single header file tree instead of two separate (SDK and DDK)
trees. I'm sure M$ uses a similar system to build Windows. Basically we have
five different classes of header files:
  1) module internal header files
  2) ddk header files
  3) sdk header files
  4) common header files

The type 1) header files are only used inside of a module (synonyme for sys,
exe or dll file). The directory 'ntoskrnl/include/internal' contains
internal header files for ntoskrnl.

The type 2) header files are used by user mode (win32) modules (exe and dll
files). The most important (main) header file is 'include/windows.h'.

The type 3) header files are used by kernel mode moduless and and some user
mode modules. They reside in the 'include/ddk' directory. The main header
file is 'include/ddk/ntddk.h'

The type 4) header files contain common definitions (mostly constants and
type declarations) that are used by kernel mode and user mode modules. The
common header files can be found in 'include/ntos'.

The header file structure is a little outdated and needs some rework but
this must be done very carefully.

I hope this answers your questions.

- Eric




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