Beginning VB.NET 2003

Three expert authors guide you through the basics of building working applications, creating windows and boxes, handling unexpected events, using object–oriented programming, and more. You ll learn to use menus, toolbars, dialog boxes, and other controls in Windows ^® applications, and how loops and branching structures function in decision–making. You will get a thorough overview of object–oriented programming concepts and theory.

After mastering these levels, you ll be able to explore database programming, look into creating ASP.NET applications for the Web using Web forms, and get a basic introduction to XML. Finally, you can discover how functionality offered online can be integrated seamlessly into your applications with Web services.

What you will learn from this book

• Programming basics, how VB.NET functions, and the principles of the .NET Framework
• How to work with data structures and build and deploy Windows® applications
• Object–oriented programming concepts and theory
• Debugging and error–handling techniques
• What you need to know about Web services and .NET remoting
• How to build class libraries, create your own custom controls, and program custom graphics
• Database programming with SQL Server^® and ADO.NET
• A basic understanding of mobile applications and how to build them

Who this book is for

This book is for beginning programmers who have chosen VB.NET as their first programming language, and also for programmers who know other languages but are new to .NET programming.

Wrox Beginning guides are crafted to make learning programming languages and technologies easier than you think, providing a structured, tutorial format that will guide you through all the techniques involved.

Introduction.

Chapter 1: Welcome to Visual Basic .NET.

Chapter 2: The Microsoft .NET Framework.

Chapter 3: Writing Software.

Chapter 4: Controlling the Flow.

Chapter 5: Working with Data Structures.

Chapter 6: Building Windows Applications.

Chapter 7: Displaying Dialog Boxes.

Chapter 8: Creating Menus.

Chapter 9: Debugging and Error Handling.

Chapter 10: Building Objects.

Chapter 11: Advanced Object–Oriented Techniques.

Chapter 12: Building Class Libraries.

Chapter 13: Creating Your Own Custom Controls.

Chapter 14: Programming Custom Graphics.

Chapter 15: Accessing Databases.

Chapter 16: Database Programming with SQL Server and ADO.NET.

Chapter 17: Web Forms.

Chapter 18: Creating Web Server Controls.

Chapter 19: Visual Basic .NET and XML.

Chapter 20: Web Services and .NET Remoting.

Chapter 21: Deploying Your Application.

Chapter 22: Building Mobile Applications.

Appendix A: Where to Now?

Appendix B: Architecture and Design Patterns.

Appendix C: An Introduction to Code Security.

Appendix D: Exercise Answers.

Appendix E: Differences Between .NET Framework Versions 1.0 and 1.1.

Index.

Jonathan Crossland, is a co–author of Professional Windows DNA, Professional VB.NET, and Beginning VB.NET. He is currently working at Yokogawa Electric Corporation in the UK, where he is happily involved with the creation of software for the Batch manufacturing industry. Jonathan has been working in and out of various software technologies for eight years now, and spend most of his time in C# and ASP.NET. Jonathan also works with VB, VB.NET, and Web technologies such as JavaScript, DHTML, XML, ASP, and Web Services.

Thearon Willis, currently works as a senior consultant and develops intranet applications using ASP.NET, DHTML, XML, JavaScript, VBScript, VB COM components, and SQL Server. Over the years, Thearon has worked on a variety of systems from mainframe to client–server development.

Richard Blair is a Web application architect specializing in Microsoft Web Technologies, focusing on emerging technology and its impact on business and development. Key areas that he has helped clients evaluate include: streamlining the electronic business process, expanding access to vital information, and creating usable systems. He now works as a Senior Consultant for SEI–Information Technology. Besides his consulting work, he has also co–authored Professional ASP XML, Beginning Visual Basic .NET, and Professional VB.NET.