Choosing a framework for building Windows GUI

New to Windows programming.

Which of the following C++ API can be used to create this kind of GUI in Windows ( it was created using AutoHotkey )

• Windows API,
• MFC,
• Visual C++
• 开发者_JAVA技巧.NET ?

It has quite native interface, and does not require any dependency (small exe).

Moreover, which is preferred for simple apps?

You forgot one. The combination of Microsoft's ATL and WTL resemble MFC superficially but are meant to be lighter weight. I believe a smaller application can be made with these tools.

All of the above can produce such a GUI. From your list, .net with WinForms is the simplest.

Why not consider Qt framework it is easy and rapid?