CFindInFiles Class (similar to Visual Studio 6.0)

Environment: Visual C++ 6.0

I recently had to add Find in Files functionality similar to that found in Visual C++ 6.0 to an application of mine. I have posted the work here in the hope that some of you might find it useful. I have packaged the classes in a DLL to ease integration with your own project.

The find in files operation runs in its own thread to make it possible to cancel a lengthy search operation. Follow these steps to add Find in Files to your MFC application:

Step 1: Create a window were CFindInFiles can write the results of the search

This window must accept LB_ADDSTRING messages. The LB_ADDSTRING is sent by CFindInFiles to your window to report the results of the find in files operation. The reason I use the LB_ADDSTRING is that used to use a list box in the output window. I have later replaced the list box with an edit control but I am still using LB_ADDSTRING to be compatible with
earlier versions. Have a look at the included demo project for an example on how I did this.

Step 2: Add command handlers to start/stop the find in files operation

void CMainFrame::OnEditFindinfiles()
{
  if (m_hStop == INVALID_HANDLE_VALUE)
      m_hStop = CreateEvent(NULL, TRUE, FALSE, NULL);
  if (m_bFindInFiles)
      CancelFindInFiles();
  else
      StartFindInFiles();
}
void CMainFrame::CancelFindInFiles()
{
  DWORD dwExit;
  SetEvent(m_hStop);
  // Wait for the find in files thread to exit and
  // process windows messages while waiting:
  while (m_pFindThread &&
         GetExitCodeThread(m_pFindThread->m_hThread,
                           &dwExit))
  {
    MSG msg;
    if (dwExit != STILL_ACTIVE)
        break;
    theApp.OnIdle(0);
    while (::PeekMessage(&msg, NULL, 0, 0, PM_NOREMOVE))
    {
        if (!theApp.PumpMessage())
        {
            ::PostQuitMessage(0);
            return;
        }
    }
  }
  ResetEvent(m_hStop);
  m_bFindInFiles = false;
}
void CMainFrame::StartFindInFiles()
{
    m_pFindThread =
         StartFindThread(m_wndOutputBar.GetFindHwnd(),
                         m_hStop);
    m_bFindInFiles = true;
}
void CMainFrame::OnUpdateEditFindinfiles(CCmdUI* pCmdUI)
{
  if (m_pFindThread != NULL)
  {
    DWORD dwExit;
    GetExitCodeThread(m_pFindThread->m_hThread, &dwExit);
    if (dwExit != STILL_ACTIVE)
    {
       delete m_pFindThread;
       m_pFindThread = NULL;
       m_bFindInFiles = false;
    }
  }
  pCmdUI->SetCheck(m_pFindThread != NULL);
}

Again, have a look at the accompanying demo program for a complete example.

Downloads

Download source and demo project – 70Kb