Is Using TCHAR and _T() Obsolete in Modern Windows Programming?

Is the Use of TCHAR Type and _T() Function Obsolete?

As a beginner in Windows programming, you may question the relevance of using the TCHAR type and the accompanying _T() function to declare strings. Is it still considered best practice, or should you embrace wchar_t and L"" strings in modern code?

Answer:

The consensus among experienced developers is a resounding no. While many programmers continue to utilize TCHARs, this approach is seen as outdated.

Why TCHAR Is Obsolete:

Using TCHAR and _T() blurs the distinction between UTF-16 string processing and ASCII/MBCS string processing. Employing identical algorithms for both types of strings leads to performance penalties for UTF-16 strings, especially in operations beyond simple concatenation. This is primarily due to the complexities introduced by surrogate characters.

The Superiority of wchar_t and L"" Strings:

wchar_t and L"" strings provide a clear separation between UTF-16 and ASCII/MBCS strings, enabling optimized code execution for each type. This distinction is crucial for maximizing performance and simplifies handling Unicode data.

Exceptions:

The only scenario where TCHARs may still be justifiable is when you explicitly need to compile your application for systems lacking Unicode support. However, given the widespread availability of Unicode support in modern platforms, this scenario is rare.

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