Reviews for ASP in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference

1. A Hard Nut to Crack

   Rated 2 out of 5 stars, June 12rd, 2004

   I've bought A'Reilly 'nutshell' books before, so this seemed a good idea. But if this is asp in a nutshell, the shell is really, really hard to crack.

   Yes, it's all there. Yes, it's good stuff - accurate as far as I can tell,and a lot of info in a small(ish,at 400pp plus) space. But could I find anything fast? Bluntly, No. Could I makes sense of the sequence of operations needed? Not a hope.

   Example: you need to connect to a database (absolutely basic stuff for .asp). Use the Server object's method to create a Connection object, give the Connection object a connection string via its Open method, and form a recordset using a SQL query using the execute method for the Connection object.
   Now this is far from intuitive stuff, thanks to Yet Another MS Object Model. The thing you most need here is clear, sequential guidance on what to do, and not only the existence, but the form and exact content of the various strings (especially the all-important 'connection string').
   ASP in a nutshell failed me utterly here. Every object is wonderfully described in terms of the methods and properties supported. But a) each object is in its own chapter with (as far as I could see) separate lists of methods and properties, so I ended up dodging all over the book and had to resport to the (mercifully adequate) index to find the three or four separate things I needed, and b) it's all in general terms; like a Microsoft manual. Yes, there are examples of using the Open method - but they seemed to me to be isolated and out of context. And surely they could have included something about specific connection strings; I would have paid double the price if it just included the dozen most commmon connection strings you might want on an MS box. And finally, .asp is critically dependent on VBscript or jscript; I didn't find so much as a list of VB functions.

   Compare this with O'reilly's 'Web design in a nutshell', which manages to give clear descriptions of HOW to use the technologies as well as giving a definitive topic-by-topic reference section in clear alphabetical sequence, and there really is a wide gap; the ASP book is a maze by comparison.

   As a reference for things you already know by name and can look it up in the Index, this is an OK book - maybe even a very good book - and it is pretty good value at the price. But if you want to get started with .asp and be up and running fast, forget it. Find another book.

2. Get Results with O'Reilly

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, October 12th, 2003

   A Fantastic reference and syntax lookup reference.
   A Must have for any ASP developer.

3. this is a GREAT book

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, August 12nd, 2003

   I have been programming in VB for the last 4 years and thought I would try ASP, cos after all it is VB script. when i got this book i just could not put it down. I still use it constantly when writing ASP code.
   the book explains all the major commands that you may come across in any ASP page and also includes an example. what more do you need in a quick reference. It is split into logical sections making it easy to find the command you are looking for and is easy to follow.
   I reconmend this to any one that is writing ASP pages. Also i would reconmend the "VBSCRIPT Pocket Reference" by O'Reilly as well, to accompany the "ASP in a nutshell"

4. A very good reference book

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, November 12st, 2001

   A very good reference manual for ASP with all the objects and methods. Simple examples for each object. Don't have VBScript reference.

5. Top class easy to read reference book

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, May 12th, 2001

   Yet another top book from the O'reilly gang. The beauty of the "nutshell" series is that there is plenty of code samples throughout.

   Sure you'll never be able to write an entire app after reading this, but that's not the aim of these books.

   As a reference book, it's superb.