My experiences with 'Nutshell' books have been both bad and
good. I wasn't sure which I would get with VB.Net Language
in a Nutshell. After reviewing this book I am happy to say
this is a good one. Not only good, superb.I have used this book about 20 times in the last 2 weeks
when I needed to look something up quickly. The funny thing
was that the pile of books I usually keep close by on my
computer table seemed to diminish the more I used it.
I have really only used the VB and VBScript languages (no C
or C++, and just a tiny bit of Java), so going with VB.Net was
definitely the path of least resistance when starting to work
with ASP.Net. This book will be a great asset to someone who
wants to stay in the VB world. Throughout the book you will
find VB.Net / VB 6 differences pointed out. These tips will
really help during the transition to VB.Net.
Chapter by Chapter Summary:
Chapter 1: Introduction
This very short chapter gives a little background on VB and
VB.Net. It is very brief, and I do not know if it is really
needed. Most VB people will know the history of VB, and anyone
getting this book will probably have heard all the info on
VB.Net that is given. That being said it may just be in for
the non-VB people getting the book.
Chapter 2: Program Structure
This chapter goes in to the details and nuts-n-bolts of what
the structure of a VB program is. It also gives quick
overviews of functions, sub procedures, property procedures,
events, console apps and window forms apps.
Chapter 3: Variables and Data Types
This is a good chapter. It talks about everything from
variable properties and scope to arrays and passing objects.
VB data types, binding, and arguments are among the other
things covered. All topics have very concise definitions and
meaningful examples. No extraneous fluff.
Chapter 4: Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming
The chapter title pretty well says what this chapter is about.
Encapsulation, Inheritance, Interfaces, Polymorphism, etc. are
all discussed with a VB.Net twist. In reality this chapter and
chapter 1 could have been integrated together, but I won't bust
them too bad on this since I really liked their information on
Garbage Collection.
Chapter 5: The .Net Framework: General Concepts
This is a short 6-page chapter on general .Net Framework
information. Briefly touches on Namespaces, Assemblies, and the
CLR.
Chapter 6: The .Net Framework Class Library
This is another very brief chapter that highlights just a few
of the more than 90 Namespaces in the .Net Framework Class
Library.
Chapter 7: Delegates and Events
This chapter is an 8-page brief on delegates, events, and event
binding. Not much more to really say.
Chapter 8: Attributes
This 10-page chapter goes into Attributes. Their use and syntax,
as well as instruction on using custom attributes is covered.
Chapter 9: Error Handling in VB.Net
This chapter does a great job of explaining Error Handling in
VB.Net. The difference between error detection and error handling
is defined. Structured (Try, Catch, Finally) and unstructured
error handling are discussed. Exception classes, logical errors,
and error constants are also briefly talked about. This is a great
overview chapter.
Chapter 10: The Language Reference
This is THE chapter. This almost 450-page chapter alone is worth
the price of the book. It is a listing of the VB.Net language elements.
There are many things I really like about the way that they cover
the language elements. Besides return values and descriptions of
the elements, they also have included 'Rules at a glance', which
quickly informs you of all the important information as to the
usage of the element. Another thing I like is the 'Programming tips
and gotchas' section that some of the elements have. All are full
of useful information that will save you time. The thing I probably
like the most is the 'VB.NET / VB 6 Differences' blurbs they give
when there is a difference in the language element from VB 6 to
VB.Net. Those blurbs are invaluable to someone transitioning from
the VB 6 world. Excellent, excellent, excellent chapter. Well done.
Appendix A: What is new and different in VB.Net
This appendix specifically covers the changes from VB 6 to VB.Net.
This is an excellent supplement to the 'VB.NET / VB 6 Differences'
blurbs in chapter 10. I also like that they give a listing of the
obsolete programming elements that have been removed from VB.Net.
Appendix B: Language Elements by Category
This is an excellent supplement for chapter 10. It helps you find
which language elements you need to use when approaching a
specific kind of situation. It is a very nice and useful appendix.
Appendix C: Operators
This appendix covers the 4 kinds of Operators in VB.Net. They are
Arithmetic, Assignment, Comparison, and Logical. Order of precedence
is also covered. Excellent reference material.
Appendix D: Constants and Enumerations
This is a reference for all the built-in Constants and Enumerators
for VB.Net. Again, great reference material.
Appendix E: The VB.Net Command-Line Compiler
A reference for the VB.Net command-line compiler. The switches are
well explained.
Appendix F: VB 6 Language Elements Not Supported by VB.NET
This gives an alphabetical listing of the language elements in VB 6
that are not present in VB.Net. Once again, this reference will be
very helpful for those transitioning to VB.Net from VB 6.
Well folks, without a doubt this book is a 10 out of 10. Well done!
