Windows API Is Successful Cross-Platform API | Hacker News

A Hacker News thread debates whether Win32’s success came from a strong API or from Microsoft’s Windows market dominance and lock-in.

Commenters point to Wine and Proton as evidence that compatibility layers are needed because Windows software remains the default target.

Others argue Linux fragmentation and unstable userspace make native desktop and game support harder than on Windows.

The broader takeaway is that platform control, ABI stability, and distribution power strongly shape developer behavior across desktop ecosystems.