Have you noticed that the majority of .NET books seem intent on hiding you from real-world code? You can buy a 1,500-page draft excluder, study it intensively for a month, and still be none the wiser as to how to write basic programs. This book isn't like that.
Within these pages, you'll learn how to create exciting new XP-style interfaces, and how to code ultra-thin Windows applications that automatically update via the Web. You'll learn how to apply dozens of ASP.NET secrets, how to push your DataGrid to the max in Windows applications and on the Web, and how to add powerful Google, Amazon, and TerraServer searches to your applications.
You'll also discover ways to obtain Microsoft code and save hours of development time; you'll uncover the truth behind creating fast programs that run on anything from PDAs to mobile phones to microwaves; you'll be exposed to a hidden .NET language; and you'll find out why you need to know at least some C# (and then be given a cheat course on the basics.)
The useful code and .NET programming tips having been personally developed by the author over the past three years&emdash;these aren't updated Visual Basic 6 code scraps. Everything within these pages has been created and tested for VB .NET and ASP.NET.
User review
This book is for VB .NET 2003
I did not get to use this book due to the fact that it was written for VB .NET 2003.
Since the changes between 2003 and 2005 were so dramatic, my search for a good book continues.
I have rated this 5 stars because I didn't use it.
User review
Use just one of two examples and this book pays for itself!
I love this book. When I am not looking for an immediate solution to my .Net issues, I am skimming it to pick up some new techniques. Excellent code and explanations. Great for vb.net and asp.net beginners and seasoned programmers who want to save themselves time.
User review
Not a primer but a great collection of obscure tips and tricks
I found this book to be full of useful and somewhat obscure information that the author had obviously collected by spending time working with VB.NET. Definitely not an ideal first programming or .NET book, but once you understand the rudiments of VB.NET and the CLR this book can save a lot of time by exposing common pitfalls and providing a ton of code snippets that can be directly integrated into projects. A great timesaver and a large collection of tips and tricks - I'd highly recommend it.
User review
Backdoor Tips and Tricks You Never Knew
Being a moderate VB.NET developer I needed a book like this. One that cuts through the chase and show cool tips! I really enjoy the writing style of Mr. Moore. Serious yet comfortable to make you smile and think `I know exactly what you're talking about.` But this book isn't really for the beginner. It's for the programmer that's been playing with Windows Form and Web Form development for a while and just need that extra edge. I've built custom controls from some of the reference in this book as well. Great book, would love to see another one.
User review
too popular
The content is ok, however the writing style of Karl Moore is really bad. He tries to be funny whole the time. The first few pages I thought it would be ok, however he continues until the very last page of the book.
Example: `I'm really pleased you're sticking with the tutorials. You're obviously one of the few people that truly arent't offended by my smell` and ` Well, hurrah and hujjah on coming this far` and `So a round of applause and well done once again! `. You get this type of information every second sentence. It really distracts you from the content and it gets really annoying. Otherwise, it would be a good book (with 100 pages less).
