interfacing a PC based program with a FPGA

[Srinivas]

Hi,
I'm looking to integrate a FPGA based program into a PC based
application.
I understand i need to write a serial interfacing code on the FPGA
side and an API on the PC side,considering i intend to use a RS 232
serial interface bet'n the PC and the FPGA board.
I need help regarding the PC side API programming.I'll be using a 'C'
program and would like to call the FPGA based functions.
Can anyone suggest how i go about this?any references?

TIA.
Srinivas

 

[Srinivas]

Thanks to all.
i'm using a win2000 system. but guess the same serial port code should
work for all Win based systems.
Martin,i've actualy written similar code after posting here last.
Thanks for your code(your's much neater )
i figured serial communication to be the easiet of all PC-FPGA
communication ,I could implement hence the choice.I intend to
"graduate" to others in due course of time.

rgds.
srinivas.