Mastering Web Development with Microsoft Visual Studio 2005

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Mastering Web Development with Microsoft Visual Studio 2005

Yet another Visual Studio 2005 book has been released forMicrosoft s latest development environment, with this title clocking in at morethan 800 pages of solid information. In MasteringWeb Development with Microsoft Visual Studio 2005, prolific author JohnPaul Mueller has created a soup to nuts training manual that delves into nearlyevery aspect of what constitutes modern-day ASP.NET 2.0 development.

Mueller relies primarily on Visual Studio Web Developer(the version installed with VS2005 Standard or higher, not the one included inthe Express edition), SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, and VB2005 syntax forits educational purposes. Mueller also makes the assumption that readers arealready comfortable with HTML, JavaScript, SQL, VB, and XML syntax. This makesthe large book size even more impressive, considering its exclusive focus onASP.NET 2.0 behaviors and best practices.

Part 1 starts off with the installation, configuration of,and acclimatization with the Visual Web Developer environment. A simple Youclicked me button application, followed by examples of event log andperformance counter samples close this section. Part 2 introduces readers toASP.NET 2.0 s Master Pages and Themes, server-side behaviors such as detectingclient configuration, form construction, XML transformations, Web controls, andthe concept of Web parts. Part 3 details the creation of user feedback formsand help request forms, XSLT-rendered SOAP call site search pages, and evencreating the dreaded pop-up forms and page redirects. Part 4 presents a goodoverview of SQL Server 2005, from designing databases, diagrams, and storedprocedures to demonstrating its XML support. Reports generated using CrystalReports, followed by a chapter on multi-tier application development formulti-browser, multi-device support closes out this part of the book.

Part 5 shows how to liven up client presentations withDHTML, media, and client-side controls. Unfortunately, the word AJAX ismentioned only once in a call-out box urging developers to seek moreinformation about this over-hyped (in my opinion) technology. Part 6 reviewsthe debugging features available in the Visual Web Developer 2005 environment,as well as practical chapters on security, application optimization,downloadable apps, and authoring accessible pages. The last part of the book isdedicated to corporate developers seeking Java/.NET interoperability,leveraging the team features in Visual Studio Team System, and upsizing ASP.NET1.1 to the 2.0 platform. Rounding out this hefty title are three appendixes oncommon development errors, character codes, and tips and techniques, as well asa glossary of terms with URL references to other sites to help the readerunderstand any technical word in the book.

By working through this book, readers will have developedan ABC Incorporated Web site that incorporates most of the ideas discussedin the seven parts. In addition to the straight informational aspects, theauthor frequently interjects gray box call-outs that provide fine orientation,history, or deeper explanation on a topic or technique. I especially applaudthe author for summarizing each chapter with an encouraging section called DefiningYour Development Goals. These brief concluding paragraphs prompt readers to gofurther with their own explorations based on the knowledge imparted in therespective chapter.

All in all, I was very pleased with the technicalcompetence and amount of information bound into this title, and recommend it toany VB-centric ASP.NET 2.0 developer.

Mike Riley

Rating:

Title: Mastering Web Development with MicrosoftVisual Studio 2005

Author: JohnPaul Mueller

Publisher: Sybex,Inc.

ISBN: 0-7821-4439-X

Web Site: http://www.sybex.com/sybexbooks.nsf/2604971535a28b098825693d0053081b/89cddd9351814d2d88256fcc008055c5!OpenDocument&Highlight=0,2005

Price: US$49.99

Page Count: 822