The book consists of 23 chapters spread across 4 sections.
Section 1 provides a basic introduction to ASP.NET Web Programming including
the steps required to develop a one page/multi page web applications. You will
also learn how to test and debug an ASP.NET application in addition to HTML and
CSS. From my point of view, Chapters 1 and 5 should be swapped since knowledge
of HTML and CSS is must for learning ASP.NET.
Section 2 examines the usage of server controls included with
VS 2010, Validation Controls, Master Pages, State Management, SiteMaps and
Themes. The chapters in section 3 provides an introduction to database
programming including the usage of SQL data sources and various controls such
as GridView, DetailsView, FormView, ListView, DataPager and object data
sources.
The final section covers advanced topics such as securing a
website, authentication, authorization of users in addition to usage of custom
error pages, back button control, and AJAX. You will also learn how to send
email using ASP.NET 4.0 with the help of comprehensive explanations, source
code examples and screenshots.
The author also examines the configuration and deployment of
ASP.NET 4 applications and also provides a basic introduction to WCF Services. The
book includes three appendixes. While the first appendix examines the
installation and usage of various essential tools, Appendix B & C covers
the steps required to work with ASP.NET applications using IIS with Windows 7,
Windows Vista and Windows XP.
I would suggest the author to devote a chapter regarding the
usage of Silverlight and also provide relevant link from where developers can
download tools such as SQL Server Express. It's true that comprehensive
explanation is provided in each section but it may not be sufficient for
beginners as they will look for the exact resource.
The author has provided complete source code and has
followed a uniform layout in all chapters. From my point of view, Murach's
ASP.NET 4 Web Programming with VB 2010 will be useful for computer training
centers since they can make use of the book as a material for a course which
spans 3-6 months.
The book may not be useful for those developers who want to
master ASP.NET 4.0 quickly. It takes time to grasp the entire material covered
on the book as each section is comprised of detailed explanation.
