ASP.NET 2.0 Instant Results

September 1, 2006
ASP.NET 2.0 (see Computer Media, LJ 10/1/05), an essential technology in Microsoft's .NET 2.0 framework, works with languages like Visual Basic and C# to allow programmers to create dynamic web sites. Most useful to intermediate .NET developers upgrading to 2.0, ASP.NET 2.0 Instant Results teaches via 12 real-world project examples (e.g., creating a chat server, a blog, and an appointment booking system). Its CD contains source code for all projects. Clear explanations about why and how each component works are especially useful; a recommended supplementary guide for all libraries. For beginners, SAMS Teach Yourself ASP.NET 2.0 in 24 Hours walks readers through topics ranging from installation to how to gather user input to the creation of an online photo album application. Each chapter is structured as a one-hour lesson, including summaries, Q& A, quizzes, and exercises. The book includes Microsoft Visual Web Developer 2005 Express Edition on CD-ROM; examples use Visual Basic (VB). A clear, friendly tone and thorough explanations make this a winner; recommended for all libraries.

Most useful to those with previous VB experience, Murach's ASP.NET 2.0 Web Programming with VB 2005 covers using ASP.NET 2.0 with VB. It primarily demonstrates features through screen shots, descriptions, and explanations rather than real-world examples, a feature that makes the book a better reference than a self-study guide. Source code and databases are available online. Thorough yet less beginner-friendly, this title is appropriate for larger libraries; supplement with more basic how-to guides. For beginners, Beginning ASP.NET 2.0 in VB 2005 assumes no previous VB or .NET knowledge, starting with introductions to the .NET framework and VB 2005. Clear step-by-step examples require sample code available online. Concluding chapters cover more advanced topics like component-based programming, custom controls, and caching and performance tuning. Strong in showing when and why to use each technology, it is recommended for all libraries. For beginning programmers, Beginning ASP.NET 2.0 with C# walks readers step by step through examples and creating an entire real-world web site, which makes it useful for self-study. Chapter summaries and exercises also aid in learning, and source code is available online. Beyond the code, Beginning ASP.NET 2.0 with C# includes helpful insights on the design process as a whole and best practices in designing and planning complex data-driven web sites. Just enough background and clear explanations of why things work and when to use them; highly recommended.

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