|
|
Message from Dean - May 8th 2007
I am currently testing out a new version of the APF Bridge Component - If you notice any errors within this demo store please drop me a line.
Rating:  -
A previous reviewer (Sven) mentioned that the book omitted some more advanced topics. 1 of the examples cited was how to access MasterPage properties from a content page. Not only is this information there (page 263), but there are 2 examples, and the specific location is referenced in the Table of Contents as "Working with Controls and Properties from the Master Page"
Just thought I'd mention this since I chose to go w/ another book because of that review, only to find as I sit here and browse this book that it does in fact go into a good amount of detail. I hope the one I did order is as good.
Rating: -
Not a stranger to ASP.NET 1.1, I picked up this book in an effort to see what's new in ASP.NET 2.0 as well as have a source on hand with examples and such that I can refer to as needed.
I couldn't be more pleased.
For those new to ASP.NET, this book runs through everything from the development environment to the structure of an application and uses detailed code snippets to allow you to create simple proof-of-concept apps using the technology being discussed. For the old hands, the new material is covered well and in many cases is compared and contrasted with previous versions so you know what benefits you're getting by upgrading to 2.0. Entire chapters are dedicated to some of the new features like personalization and themes, making sure that both newbies and veterans alike are brought up to speed.
Code snippets abound and exist in both VB and C#, so it doesn't matter what language you lean toward, there's something here for you. The writing style is clear and easy to understand so you won't get too bogged down in jargon. Note that this is definitely more of a "how to" type of book than a reference - if you find yourself asking "How would I...?" then this is the way to go. If you already know what you're doing and want the annotated class reference with super detailed information about the trivial inner workings of the framework, you may want to look elsewhere.
My only real complaint is the typesetting. The text could have been bumped up a couple of points for those of us who rely on glasses and the like, but the book is already upwards of 1200 pages long and I understand that printing volumes of encyclopedias isn't so effective for transport.
If you're into ASP.NET, add this one to your shelf - you'll be glad you did.
Rating:  -
The book covers a lot of ground and does most of it very well. It's both good as a reference and as a tutorial.
Unfortunately, some of the advanced topics are left out. When discussing Master Pages, the book does not mention how to get a strongly-typed Master property in the Page object. (Use the MasterPageFile page directive.) When discussing configuration of ASP.NET applications, the authors have one paragraph mentioning the possibility of encrypting configuration file contents, but omit showing how to do it. (Use aspnet_regiis -p[e|d](f).)
Overall, for such a thick book, I would have expected more advanced content. However, as a book for programmers with some experience to make the step to ASP.NET 2.0, I think it's right on the mark.
Rating: -
If you are looking for a great book for learning ASP.net 2.0 and Visual Web Developer 2005, then this is the book. Most of the Asp books I looked at still use notepad or something like that. This is one of the few the use VWD 2005. The book uses VWD that is part of Visual Studio 2005, but it is the same as one that you can download for free at www.asp.net (not exactly, but very close). I really like the fact that it spent a little time talking about VWD 2005, explaining the ins and outs of it. With such great tools that are available from Microsoft, both free and to purchase, it does not make any since to use anything else, in my opinion.
This book uses both VB and C# code in the book. It is nice having both sets of code in the book and not a separate download. At first I didn't like seeing both languages. But as I read the book and worked thru the samples, it was nice to be able to see how it is done in both using both. I am learning C# now, but I need to be able to work with VB also. So this worked great.
This book would work well for someone who is just starting with 2.0. I think as long as you have some programming experience, you will be able to follow along. But an experienced .net developer will enjoy this book also, because of the detailed explanation of advanced topics. It starts off talking about web forms and controls then moves to web services and validation controls. It has a detailed section on Master pages and themes, two of the really cool new features in 2.0. It has a great section working with data, roles, site navigation, security, debugging, business objects and overall administration.
I am coming from a classic asp background, and was a little nervous about getting a "professional" book to start with. But after reading it for a week now, this is the book that stays on my desk all the time when I am writing code.
To sum up,
* Great book
* Easy to read and follow
* Uses Visual Web Developer and Visual Studio 2005
* both VB and C# code in the book (not as a separate download)
* Starts off slow enough for beginners
* Has advanced topics for pros.
|
Amazon Store