I absolutely highly recommend this book.



Having read through several .NET books with no rhyme or reason whatsoever as to how they're put together, I was hoping this book would become a concise _beginning_ point of reference for me.



Boy was I wrong! I use this book constantly. The first week I had it, I referenced it almost daily, and not just for the quick-fix-reminders (in which order do those stupid DateDiff arguments come?). There are nine chapters before the actual reference, which are a veritable tome of information not found anywhere else (at least, not by me). In fact, I'd venture to say that the chapter on OOP should be required reading before you can even download the framework. There are a lot of concepts in that chapter that are required even to build simple apps in ASP.NET (not to mention VB.NET) that in Classic ASP were not necessary.



So, who is VB.NET in a Nutshell good for? The book goes into great detail about the differences between VB 6 and VB.NET: each chapter includes the relevant differences to the topic at hand; and each reference entry includes a section on VB6/VB.NET differences. So if you're looking for a book to ease your transition to the .NET world, this is all you need. If you are new to programming, then you have several chapters on the major concepts, as well as a roughly 450-page section on the VB.NET Language. In fact, on page xi of the preface, it actually says (and I paraphrase): Developers who know Visual Basic; developers who know other programming languages; and developers who are new to programming. Well, shucks, that's pretty much anyone who's reading this review, isn't it?

Stop reading now. Buy it.



I said stop.

I absolutely highly recommend this book.

Having read through several .NET books with no rhyme or reason whatsoever as to how they're put together, I was hoping this book would become a concise _beginning_ point of reference for me.

Boy was I wrong! I use this book constantly. The first week I had it, I referenced it almost daily, and not just for the quick-fix-reminders (in which order do those stupid DateDiff arguments come?). There are nine chapters before the actual reference, which are a veritable tome of information not found anywhere else (at least, not by me). In fact, I'd venture to say that the chapter on OOP should be required reading before you can even download the framework. There are a lot of concepts in that chapter that are required even to build simple apps in ASP.NET (not to mention VB.NET) that in Classic ASP were not necessary.

So, who is VB.NET in a Nutshell good for? The book goes into great detail about the differences between VB 6 and VB.NET: each chapter includes the relevant differences to the topic at hand; and each reference entry includes a section on VB6/VB.NET differences. So if you're looking for a book to ease your transition to the .NET world, this is all you need. If you are new to programming, then you have several chapters on the major concepts, as well as a roughly 450-page section on the VB.NET Language. In fact, on page xi of the preface, it actually says (and I paraphrase): Developers who know Visual Basic; developers who know other programming languages; and developers who are new to programming. Well, shucks, that's pretty much anyone who's reading this review, isn't it?
Stop reading now. Buy it.

I said stop.

I absolutely highly recommend this book.

Having read through several .NET books with no rhyme or reason whatsoever as to how they're put together, I was hoping this book would become a concise _beginning_ point of reference for me.

Boy was I wrong! I use this book constantly. The first week I had it, I referenced it almost daily, and not just for the quick-fix-reminders (in which order do those stupid DateDiff arguments come?). There are nine chapters before the actual reference, which are a veritable tome of information not found anywhere else (at least, not by me). In fact, I'd venture to say that the chapter on OOP should be required reading before you can even download the framework. There are a lot of concepts in that chapter that are required even to build simple apps in ASP.NET (not to mention VB.NET) that in Classic ASP were not necessary.

So, who is VB.NET in a Nutshell good for? The book goes into great detail about the differences between VB 6 and VB.NET: each chapter includes the relevant differences to the topic at hand; and each reference entry includes a section on VB6/VB.NET differences. So if you're looking for a book to ease your transition to the .NET world, this is all you need. If you are new to programming, then you have several chapters on the major concepts, as well as a roughly 450-page section on the VB.NET Language. In fact, on page xi of the preface, it actually says (and I paraphrase): Developers who know Visual Basic; developers who know other programming languages; and developers who are new to programming. Well, shucks, that's pretty much anyone who's reading this review, isn't it?
Stop reading now. Buy it.

I said stop.

This is basically a reference book to VB.NEt Functions.

The book is divided into 2 parts.

Part 1: Gives you A very simplified introduction to VB.NET
and is only 143 small pages.(If you put them together it is only 71 normal page). So do not expect much from this book.

Part 2: about 400 pages is only a reference to the functions.


Button line:
Do not buy this if:
You want to learn VB.NET throughly.

Still I bought it, only because at $2.5(I bought it for that price) it is a good deal for an Index book.

This is basically a reference book to VB.NEt Functions.

The book is divided into 2 parts.

Part 1: Gives you A very simplified introduction to VB.NET
and is only 143 small pages.(If you put them together it is only 71 normal page). So do not expect much from this book.

Part 2: about 400 pages is only a reference to the functions.


Button line:
Do not buy this if:
You want to learn VB.NET throughly.

Still I bought it, only because at $2.5(I bought it for that price) it is a good deal for an Index book.

A very handy reference manual. Be aware that the included CD will not integrate the book into Visual Studio.NET 2003.

I think the book stands up to it's title. It's a quick tour of the VB.NET language for the pro(specially for VB6 users). After i took some courses in VB.NET i was looking for books to read further and this out of many i read has the most clarifying and to the point examples. Certainly has not detailed explanations but that's not it's purpose. It's an overview and i think a bright one.

I think the book stands up to it's title. It's a quick tour of the VB.NET language for the pro(specially for VB6 users). After i took some courses in VB.NET i was looking for books to read further and this out of many i read has the most clarifying and to the point examples. Certainly has not detailed explanations but that's not it's purpose. It's an overview and i think a bright one.

Let me say this: THIS IS NOT A "HOW TO" BOOK. Aside from that, anyone who is using VB .NET will love and rely on this valuable and well-organized reference. The "In a Nutshell" series by O'Reilly is among the best out there.

My experiences with 'Nutshell' books have been both bad and
good. I wasn't sure which I would get with VB.Net Language
in a Nutshell. After reviewing this book I am happy to say
this is a good one. Not only good, superb.

I have used this book about 20 times in the last 2 weeks
when I needed to look something up quickly. The funny thing
was that the pile of books I usually keep close by on my
computer table seemed to diminish the more I used it.

I have really only used the VB and VBScript languages (no C
or C++, and just a tiny bit of Java), so going with VB.Net was
definitely the path of least resistance when starting to work
with ASP.Net. This book will be a great asset to someone who
wants to stay in the VB world. Throughout the book you will
find VB.Net / VB 6 differences pointed out. These tips will
really help during the transition to VB.Net.

Chapter by Chapter Summary:

Chapter 1: Introduction
This very short chapter gives a little background on VB and
VB.Net. It is very brief, and I do not know if it is really
needed. Most VB people will know the history of VB, and anyone
getting this book will probably have heard all the info on
VB.Net that is given. That being said it may just be in for
the non-VB people getting the book.

Chapter 2: Program Structure
This chapter goes in to the details and nuts-n-bolts of what
the structure of a VB program is. It also gives quick
overviews of functions, sub procedures, property procedures,
events, console apps and window forms apps.

Chapter 3: Variables and Data Types
This is a good chapter. It talks about everything from
variable properties and scope to arrays and passing objects.
VB data types, binding, and arguments are among the other
things covered. All topics have very concise definitions and
meaningful examples. No extraneous fluff.

Chapter 4: Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming
The chapter title pretty well says what this chapter is about.
Encapsulation, Inheritance, Interfaces, Polymorphism, etc. are
all discussed with a VB.Net twist. In reality this chapter and
chapter 1 could have been integrated together, but I won't bust
them too bad on this since I really liked their information on
Garbage Collection.

Chapter 5: The .Net Framework: General Concepts
This is a short 6-page chapter on general .Net Framework
information. Briefly touches on Namespaces, Assemblies, and the
CLR.

Chapter 6: The .Net Framework Class Library
This is another very brief chapter that highlights just a few
of the more than 90 Namespaces in the .Net Framework Class
Library.

Chapter 7: Delegates and Events
This chapter is an 8-page brief on delegates, events, and event
binding. Not much more to really say.

Chapter 8: Attributes
This 10-page chapter goes into Attributes. Their use and syntax,
as well as instruction on using custom attributes is covered.

Chapter 9: Error Handling in VB.Net
This chapter does a great job of explaining Error Handling in
VB.Net. The difference between error detection and error handling
is defined. Structured (Try, Catch, Finally) and unstructured
error handling are discussed. Exception classes, logical errors,
and error constants are also briefly talked about. This is a great
overview chapter.

Chapter 10: The Language Reference
This is THE chapter. This almost 450-page chapter alone is worth
the price of the book. It is a listing of the VB.Net language elements.
There are many things I really like about the way that they cover
the language elements. Besides return values and descriptions of
the elements, they also have included 'Rules at a glance', which
quickly informs you of all the important information as to the
usage of the element. Another thing I like is the 'Programming tips
and gotchas' section that some of the elements have. All are full
of useful information that will save you time. The thing I probably
like the most is the 'VB.NET / VB 6 Differences' blurbs they give
when there is a difference in the language element from VB 6 to
VB.Net. Those blurbs are invaluable to someone transitioning from
the VB 6 world. Excellent, excellent, excellent chapter. Well done.

Appendix A: What is new and different in VB.Net
This appendix specifically covers the changes from VB 6 to VB.Net.
This is an excellent supplement to the 'VB.NET / VB 6 Differences'
blurbs in chapter 10. I also like that they give a listing of the
obsolete programming elements that have been removed from VB.Net.

Appendix B: Language Elements by Category
This is an excellent supplement for chapter 10. It helps you find
which language elements you need to use when approaching a
specific kind of situation. It is a very nice and useful appendix.

Appendix C: Operators
This appendix covers the 4 kinds of Operators in VB.Net. They are
Arithmetic, Assignment, Comparison, and Logical. Order of precedence
is also covered. Excellent reference material.

Appendix D: Constants and Enumerations
This is a reference for all the built-in Constants and Enumerators
for VB.Net. Again, great reference material.

Appendix E: The VB.Net Command-Line Compiler
A reference for the VB.Net command-line compiler. The switches are
well explained.

Appendix F: VB 6 Language Elements Not Supported by VB.NET
This gives an alphabetical listing of the language elements in VB 6
that are not present in VB.Net. Once again, this reference will be
very helpful for those transitioning to VB.Net from VB 6.

Well folks, without a doubt this book is a 10 out of 10. Well done!

After looking to this book as a reference, I have found that it is lacking and missing many of the new, and some old features of VB.NET. Keep your web browser open to MSDN and save your self some money on this one, you will be much better off.

My experiences with 'Nutshell' books have been both bad and
good. I wasn't sure which I would get with VB.Net Language
in a Nutshell. After reviewing this book I am happy to say
this is a good one. Not only good, superb.

I have used this book about 20 times in the last 2 weeks
when I needed to look something up quickly. The funny thing
was that the pile of books I usually keep close by on my
computer table seemed to diminish the more I used it.

I have really only used the VB and VBScript languages (no C
or C++, and just a tiny bit of Java), so going with VB.Net was
definitely the path of least resistance when starting to work
with ASP.Net. This book will be a great asset to someone who
wants to stay in the VB world. Throughout the book you will
find VB.Net / VB 6 differences pointed out. These tips will
really help during the transition to VB.Net.

Chapter by Chapter Summary:

Chapter 1: Introduction
This very short chapter gives a little background on VB and
VB.Net. It is very brief, and I do not know if it is really
needed. Most VB people will know the history of VB, and anyone
getting this book will probably have heard all the info on
VB.Net that is given. That being said it may just be in for
the non-VB people getting the book.

Chapter 2: Program Structure
This chapter goes in to the details and nuts-n-bolts of what
the structure of a VB program is. It also gives quick
overviews of functions, sub procedures, property procedures,
events, console apps and window forms apps.

Chapter 3: Variables and Data Types
This is a good chapter. It talks about everything from
variable properties and scope to arrays and passing objects.
VB data types, binding, and arguments are among the other
things covered. All topics have very concise definitions and
meaningful examples. No extraneous fluff.

Chapter 4: Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming
The chapter title pretty well says what this chapter is about.
Encapsulation, Inheritance, Interfaces, Polymorphism, etc. are
all discussed with a VB.Net twist. In reality this chapter and
chapter 1 could have been integrated together, but I won't bust
them too bad on this since I really liked their information on
Garbage Collection.

Chapter 5: The .Net Framework: General Concepts
This is a short 6-page chapter on general .Net Framework
information. Briefly touches on Namespaces, Assemblies, and the
CLR.

Chapter 6: The .Net Framework Class Library
This is another very brief chapter that highlights just a few
of the more than 90 Namespaces in the .Net Framework Class
Library.

Chapter 7: Delegates and Events
This chapter is an 8-page brief on delegates, events, and event
binding. Not much more to really say.

Chapter 8: Attributes
This 10-page chapter goes into Attributes. Their use and syntax,
as well as instruction on using custom attributes is covered.

Chapter 9: Error Handling in VB.Net
This chapter does a great job of explaining Error Handling in
VB.Net. The difference between error detection and error handling
is defined. Structured (Try, Catch, Finally) and unstructured
error handling are discussed. Exception classes, logical errors,
and error constants are also briefly talked about. This is a great
overview chapter.

Chapter 10: The Language Reference
This is THE chapter. This almost 450-page chapter alone is worth
the price of the book. It is a listing of the VB.Net language elements.
There are many things I really like about the way that they cover
the language elements. Besides return values and descriptions of
the elements, they also have included 'Rules at a glance', which
quickly informs you of all the important information as to the
usage of the element. Another thing I like is the 'Programming tips
and gotchas' section that some of the elements have. All are full
of useful information that will save you time. The thing I probably
like the most is the 'VB.NET / VB 6 Differences' blurbs they give
when there is a difference in the language element from VB 6 to
VB.Net. Those blurbs are invaluable to someone transitioning from
the VB 6 world. Excellent, excellent, excellent chapter. Well done.

Appendix A: What is new and different in VB.Net
This appendix specifically covers the changes from VB 6 to VB.Net.
This is an excellent supplement to the 'VB.NET / VB 6 Differences'
blurbs in chapter 10. I also like that they give a listing of the
obsolete programming elements that have been removed from VB.Net.

Appendix B: Language Elements by Category
This is an excellent supplement for chapter 10. It helps you find
which language elements you need to use when approaching a
specific kind of situation. It is a very nice and useful appendix.

Appendix C: Operators
This appendix covers the 4 kinds of Operators in VB.Net. They are
Arithmetic, Assignment, Comparison, and Logical. Order of precedence
is also covered. Excellent reference material.

Appendix D: Constants and Enumerations
This is a reference for all the built-in Constants and Enumerators
for VB.Net. Again, great reference material.

Appendix E: The VB.Net Command-Line Compiler
A reference for the VB.Net command-line compiler. The switches are
well explained.

Appendix F: VB 6 Language Elements Not Supported by VB.NET
This gives an alphabetical listing of the language elements in VB 6
that are not present in VB.Net. Once again, this reference will be
very helpful for those transitioning to VB.Net from VB 6.

Well folks, without a doubt this book is a 10 out of 10. Well done!

After looking to this book as a reference, I have found that it is lacking and missing many of the new, and some old features of VB.NET. Keep your web browser open to MSDN and save your self some money on this one, you will be much better off.

Lucks important subjects. Also it is typographically poor - letters are small, thin and hard to read, and the titles are almost the size of the body text which makes navigation harder (...I don't have any eye problems).

This book is a good light easy to carry overview but really short on some very significant details (com interop in particular) and has too much on useless topics like how to draw a circle on a form. It works as a readable introduction to vb.net but comes up short as a reference. After reading it I found myself constantly failing to find the information I needed.

Great new additions to vb.net such as regular expressions are largely ignored and the coverage of the .NET framework is very thin.

If you are an experienced vb developer you really should look for a book with more information on how to leverage your existing knowledge. Look for information on com interop and porting.

Just when you though it was time to kick back and enjoy your accomplishment in the VB world, someone would just had to come and messed it up - "So, have you look into VB .NET yet?". Tell you the truth, a few months ago, you would have to drag me kicking-and-screaming to get me in the .NET water with my VB swimsuit! With all the rumor of many changes to VB, the idea of re-learning VB was like decaffeined coffee!

So for me to convert to VB .NET, it has to be quick and painless. And this book did just that. It cuts right through the red tape and gets straight to the core. VB .NET language are explored from A to Z. Aside from being labeled as a language reference, the authors go extra the mile to include dedicated chapters on significant topics in VB .NET that are new to VB such as class inheritant, new datatypes, .NET concept and framework. Not to mention the little details such as tips and gotchas added along side with the reference section which make this book quite enjoyable to read too.

I recommend this book for the VB fan, including those who are reluctant to convert to VB .NET like I was. This book is will ease your transition to VB .NET quickly and efficiently.