The book contains 20 chapters divided into 5 sections. Section 1 provides a basic introduction to database and ADO.NET programming including the usage of dataset designing and query builder. The final chapter also includes a sample application titled Invoice Entry project created by the author. I was little disappointed as the author doesn't examine the process involved in generating invoices in PDF. I feel that this project should be covered as a separate chapter rather than discussing it along with the final chapter on Datasets since it will confuse readers. Moreover, readers don’t know that the project is covered in the chapter until they deeply go through either the extended contents or the chapter itself.

The chapters in section 2 help you work with Connections, Commands, Data readers, Parameters, Stored Procedures, Transactions, and Object data sources. The final chapter examines the creation and usage of Payable Entry applications. From my point of view, the sample projects provided in the book will help readers to not only learn the concepts, but also enable them to use these concepts for their daily purposes.

Section 3 examines database programming in ASP.NET 2.0 applications. The chapter discusses the usage of SQL data source controls along with GridView, DetailsView, and FormView controls.

Section 4 elaborates the working of typed and untyped datasets with the help of a project including the concept of dataviews and relationships. I feel that this section will be useful for advanced developers.

The final section helps you learn the role of XML files in ADO.NET applications, usage of Server Explorer, and Crystal Reports. I must say that the Crystal Reports chapter will be extremely helpful for developers especially beginners as there is no need for them to purchase another book as the author provides a comprehensive explanation with screenshots.

The disappointing factor to note is that the book doesn't provide any information on Security and Data access through Web Services. The book also deserves a separate chapter on the usage of SQL Server Reporting Services in ADO.NET 2.0 applications, which I hope will be covered in the next edition of the book.

The author discusses the concepts using SQL Server 2005 Express Edition, which is available for free from Microsoft. Even though it will be useful for beginners, advanced developers will expect some additional coverage of the features included with other versions of SQL Server. I would suggest the author provide a separate chapter to discuss database manipulation techniques using MySQL database as it is widely used by many developers.

The book will be useful for beginners who want to gain a solid expertise in ADO.NET 2.0 programming. Instructors can use the book as course material for imparting training as it will help students to learn the concepts with the help of real world projects. The publisher distributes additional materials such as PowerPoint slides for classroom presentation, Visual Studio Solutions and Test Banks on a separate CD which is available for free of cost upon request. You can download sample chapters and complete source code from the website of the publisher.