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.
