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Summary: The Purpose of my book.
Review: After reading a few reader reviews, I see it's important to clarify the intent of my book. As the title states, this is a beginning text. My goal is to teach DB programming to people with some VB experience. I start by explaining how to build a solid, normalized database. We then move to DAO and ADO competence. Along the way we develop our own ADO ActiveX data bound control, an ADO .DLL for use on the Internet, SQL, learn data mining, HTML, how to design bullet proof user interfaces, export data, and examine new VB6 controls such as the data repeater.One reader mentions DAO as pre-VB6.0 technology. Well, this statement is just uninformed. Rather than being pre-VB6, Microsoft is releasing Jet 4.0 (version 3.51 ships with VB6) as the default Access data engine for the Suite 2000. DAO is, and will be for a while, the most popular data access method on the planet. MS is now adding highly requested enhancements such as row-level locking and full UNICODE support for multinational databases. Microsoft's own VB6 documentation uses DAO extensively. As such, we cover DAO in depth. ADO is then covered in depth to show the state of the art. And for many applications, such as where security is needed, ADO is not yet ready for prime time. We cover all of this in the book. We are not pretending to do everything in this book. My aim is to cover the basics in detail. A beginner will gain a rock solid foundation on developing production quality databases. The book is almost 900 pages. I could have easily written another 900 if time permitted. Tomes have been written on databases. I focused on what a beginner needs to know to rapidly get up to speed. Even though advanced developers will gain useful information, this is aimed at the beginner DB programmer. I hope you find this useful.
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Summary: Writing about databases
Review: I'm sure that by now most of you have noticed that all the letters of the word 'database' are typed with the left hand alone. Of course, the layout of the 'QWERTY' typewriter was designed to promote the even use of both hands. Therefore, it follows that writing about databases is not only unnatural, but a lot harder than it appears. Luckily I happen to be left handed. So in this book, we cover evertyhing from data base design and normalization, user interfaces, DAO, ADO, ASP, DLL's, HTML, exporting data to other systems, the future of data access, and much more. And we do it in a very natural and friendly way. Having looked for such a book myself and not being able to find one, I tried to pack everything you need to know (and more) in this book. I hope you find it useful.
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Summary: A very good book on DAO...
Review: The previous reviewers comments on the authors clarity are absolutely accurate. Unfortunately, that clarity comes at the cost of depth. There is no coverage (or the briefest mention) of such topics as security and reports, and no mention at all of most of the VB6 improvements such as the Data Environment. ADO coverage is present, but extremely shallow & not complete enough to be very helpful. If you're working in DAO, & need an entry level book, this one is highly recommended. But be aware that you will likely need to add another book to your library before you'll be able to tackle any serious projects. (As to errors, there were very few in the DAO section, and those were quite obvious. The ADO section could have stood more proofing.)
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Summary: Just in Time
Review: I have been struggling with building a distributed db app for work and was stuck in quick sand. This book turned the light on in my head. Rather like a flood light. Connell shows the way a professional programmer approaches building a VBDB application. I got tons of ideas and am now - as I write this - adding many of them to my own app. I know my boss will think I'm a hero. Great Job - why has it taken so long for a decent, clear book on VBDB to be written. He also clearly explains DAO and ADO and shows when and how to use each. For me, Connell's book was just in time. I give this book my highest recomendation.
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Summary: If you only buy one VB book this year, make it this one.
Review: I have been reading VB books since Version 3. I own over 40 books and am familiar with the rest. Most have academic snippits of code that show some feature or another. Connell's book is focused towards the professional, real world VB app developer. The book is jam packed with real world code that shows this guy has been there. I have been looking for a book like this - that talks to me. You can tell by the style and content that Connell has been there, done that. Reading this is like walking through a field filled with gems. Just reach down and pick them up. Finally! Thanks, John.
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Summary: John Connell's book is a model of clarity.
Review: I fully agree with everything the previous reviewers have written. This is an exceptional book. If you are a beginner and want to learn database programming, get it. If you are a beginner and want to consolidate your understanding of VB, get this book. If you, likeI, have been frustrated by authors who try but cannot seem to clarify the subject, this is the book you have been looking for.
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Summary: Don¿t buy this book!
Review: This book must be based on a pre-beta version of VB6, it is full of errors. It doesn't even mention some of the most exciting new VB6 database technologies like the Data Environment Designer. Most of the book is about DAO and other VB5 technologies. ADO is not covered in detail and there are few useful examples. If you your goal is to learn pre-VB6 database technologies, there are better books out there. If you're interested in the new VB6 Database technologies (I know it's hard) but wait for a good, or at least a complete book on the subject.
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Summary: Demystifies ADO - Finally!
Review: Like the other Wrox books I own, this did not disappoint. I have been reading about Active Data Objects (ADO) for quite some time but this book explains it all. I have been searching for a good VBDB book since VB 3.0 and finally found one that hits all the highlights in a clear concise manner. I recommend this book to both beginner and advanced VB programmers. It is already on my shelf within handy reach!
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Summary: Best synopsis of "all I need to know" ever!
Review: I highly recommend this book to anybody wanting to learn about Visual Basic and database programming. Connell takes you through the gamut - first how to design and normalize a tight database. He says "the best database programs are designed, not built" and shows exactly how to do it. Then the book covers the VB6.0 Wizards, DAO, ADO, ASP and so much more. I came to this book as a beginner and now feel I have the power and understanding to do it all! This is a must for both beginner and pro alike. There is a ton of new stuff here and acres of clear code to explain every detail. Well done!
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Summary: Great description of the Database implementation process
Review: After only one day with this book, I am impressed with the clarity of its description of complex concepts. John's writing style meshes well as a follow-on to Peter Wright's "Beginning VB 6". After some good illustrative beginning examples and exercises in the first half of the book, laying a good foundation in great detail. John launches off into the advanced topics with enough substance to keep the intermediate to advanced reader entertained and learning. The experts don't need no stinking help, but for us poor mortals, this book provides excellent guidance thru the morase of confusing database concepts toward effective implementation. I couldn't hardly put it down long enough to meet my work deadlines but will enjoy working thru the examples ASAP. Destined to become a mainstay reference for DB concepts and implementation. I must praise Wrox for timely bringing us an effective reference in an area most changed in VB6. Thanks John for sharing your insight.
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