Reviews for Microsoft Visual Basic 2008 Express Edition: Build a Program Now! Book/CD Package (PRO-Developer)

1. OK but... why bother?

   Rated 3 out of 5 stars, July 12th, 2009

   This book provides a good introduction to beginners to the free Visual Basic 2008 Express Edition, starting with a very simple but functional browser application that is created in about a minute, and working towards a full, albeit small, application taking web service feeds to create a fun weather station, readily customisable to default to your own home town. The content is easy to follow for the most part, though the author canters through a lot of unfamiliar material in the final chapter. That said, it remains a useful learning resource with commendably few errors or omissions. However, this is not a book that you are likely to return to once it has been worked through and your experience grows. Since the publication is available as a free eBook (PDF format) download from the Microsoft site complete with source-code solutions, I find it hard to recommend purchase of the hard-copy as a one-time resource unless you find constant switching between the PDF file and the development environment unbearably irksome.

2. Basic by name ....

   Rated 3 out of 5 stars, February 12th, 2009

   Interesting introduction to the product but rather more trivial than I had expected. OK for a starter guide but if you are looking for anything more, this is not the book for you.

3. A fantastic Introduction

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, August 12th, 2008

   I always say there is no better way to learn than to create and this book is exactly what I was looking for, learn to build projects (software application) streight away, starting from the basic pop up window with some text to building your own web browser and so on.
   
   The book goes from building basic windows forms applications to WPF applications and the quality of the applications you build are up to you, you can stick with the samples given on the cd rom or you can create or download your own bits and bobs to really personalise your projects.
   
   The book teaches you both design and code so you might drag and drop a button control but you will know what the code looks like.
   
   The book does get a bit confusing sometimes but if your like me and learning from scratch that will happen, but don't panic take a few deep breaths and you will figure it out.