This book investigates the internal architecture and operational mechanics of the Microsoft Foundation Class (MFC) library to provide professional developers with a deeper understanding of its interaction with the Windows operating system. Authors George Shepherd and Scott Wingo utilize their expertise in Windows development to deconstruct the library's underlying code, offering a technical analysis that moves beyond standard API documentation. By examining how MFC classes manage data and interface with system components, the authors provide a framework for more efficient and robust application development.

Experts and professional developers frequently cite this text as a foundational resource for those requiring a granular understanding of MFC internals. Readers often note the high technical density of the prose, which is tailored specifically for experienced programmers rather than beginners.