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Rating: 
Summary: Don't be fooled...
Review: ...this is NOT Pocket-sized. The book is about 9in. x 6in., and would only fit in the pockets of a giant. I wanted something 1. portable and 2. a good desk reference for TCP/IP sockets. This book fits nicely into the second category if not the former. It has a reasonable index, and is organized nicely to quickly find information. Why on earth it's called the "Pocket Guide" is beyond me.
Rating: 
Summary: Concise intro to sockets
Review: Compared to other network programming books, this IS pocket sized. However, you shouldn't judge a book based on its size (like a previous reviewer). It's a great introduction to sockets programming. Very clear and concise, with no wasted pages. I had never worked with sockets before reading this book, and now I understand enough to build non-trivial applications. It's essential for the beginning sockets programmer. Also, if you're new to sockets and looking to jump into the Stevens book, this might make that book a little easier to read.
Rating:
Summary: Superb book
Review: I can say without exaggerating that this is one of the best (if not the best) programming books I have ever read for four reasons: 1) Explanations are clear and very easy to understand 2) There is plenty of code and at the same time there isn't too much code. Some programming books have unnecessarily long code examples that only slow down the reader. 3) All code examples are explained line by line. 4) There is a handy reference section at the end of the book for all the functions that were discussed.My only complaint is that it is a bit short - 108 pages if you don't count the api reference section and index. However, it is also very cheap. Don't be fooled by the small size though, you will learn a lot about sockets and even a little about signals, processes and pthreads. I think it is safe to say (or write) that this book is written primarily for Unix/Linux users.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book on TCP/IP socket programming.
Review: I didn't even know what a socket was before I got this book. Less than a week later I have successfully completed several programs for my employer that use sockets to communicate. This book is written for Unix, but with the supplemental Windows programs at the MKP website I was able to write programs in a Windows environment with ease. This book is clear and concise and contains all the information you need at a price that is at least three times less than that of other books I have seen. I would certainly recommend it to anyone trying to learn sockets.
Rating: 
Summary: Good, could have been better
Review: I was disappointed in this book, but it is still usually the first of the many on the shelf that I reach for when I need a quick sockets reference. The examples are excellent. The API reference is the biggest disappointment, it is incomplete and occasionally inaccurate. There are many better books for WinSock programmers, but for C/Unix programmers this is a handy book to have on the shelf. Be sure to check out the Stevens _Unix Network Programming_ book for a deeper and more authoritative reference.
Rating:
Summary: High quality
Review: If you speak C and need a good introduction to TCP/IP sockets programming, this is what you need. Brief, concise, focused, highly recommended. Authors also provide examples, both in the book and on their web site. Edgar Danielyan
Danielyan Consulting
Rating:
Summary: Every computer science book should be so clear
Review: The Pocket Guide to TCP/IP Sockets is a wonderful, hands-on introduction to socket programming. It's small, light, and inexpensive. Perfect!!! I wish that all computer science books were as well-presented and affordable as this one. Definitely a keeper. I know people who refuse even to loan their copy to friends :)
Rating:
Summary: An ok book, basic coverage on the subject
Review: This book is a good introduction to programming sockets in C. The presentation is UNIX/POSIX based but is fine for Windows programmers who wanting to get an introduction to TCP/IP programming. This is a practical guide that gets to the point, theory and TCP/IP design underpinnings are left to other books. Don't expect to much from this book it is short, 130 pages, and 20 of that is an API reference. It's ok for those simply interested in the subject or if used as a primer before reading something more substantive on the subject. A more complete book on the subject is "Network Programming for Windows" by Jones and Ohlund.
Rating:
Summary: Concise coverage.
Review: This book is excellent. It not only gives a concise, yet adequate coverage of Unix / Linux sockets; but does it in an accessable manner. Although it presents the topic in a tutorial manner, it is also very easy to find the bit of information that you are looking for; a good reference. Of course, for an in-depth coverage, Stevens' Unix Network Programming Vol 1 is the ONLY book you need; but for a concise, quick, and effective coverage, this book has got it. If you have both books, your covered! I like this book so much, I intend to buy the Java Version too!
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