Hitchhiker's Guide to Visual Studio and SQL Server: Best Practice Architectures and Examples, 7th Edition (Microsoft Windows Server System Series) (Paperback)

by William R. Vaughn (Author), Peter Blackburn (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Since 1994 when he wrote his first “Hitchhiker’s Guide”, William Vaughn has been providing developers all over the world the intimate details of how SQL Server can be accessed and managed from RAD languages like Visual Basic and Visual Basic .NET. With the 7th Edition, Bill has completely rewritten this encyclopedic work from cover to cover–giving readers his insightful views on how applications should be built to maximize both developer and code performance. Visual Studio and the languages it hosts have never been as sophisticated as they are today–the same can be said for SQL Server. This makes it even more important for developers to understand how to best leverage their features without being held back by their complexity. That’s what this book is all about–making it easier for developers regardless of their know-how.

 

The 7th edition is unique in that it’s designed to provide not only up-to-date tutorials on the latest development tools provided by Visual Studio and SQL Server, but also a solid platform of architectural advice and rich examples for developers trying to choose between the myriad of platform options. Beginners and experts alike will find comprehensive step-by-step instructions that can make the reader’s introduction to the latest versions of Visual Studio and SQL Server far easier.

 

Key topic coverage includes:

•  Data access architectures and how to choose the best strategy for Windows Forms, ASP.NET, XML Web Services, and SQL Server CLR executables. Where

do these make sense and how much will they cost to build and maintain?

•  SQL Server and relational database fundamentals and inner-machinery.

How does SQL Server work and why is it important that developers know?

•  Making the development experience more productive through judicious use of the Visual Studio toolset, and how to know when the wizards can help.

•  Using the latest ADO.NET data provider efficiently and safely.

•  How to protect the security of your database–and your job–by avoiding common mistakes.

•  How to build secure, efficient, scalable applications in less time with fewer resources–how to create faster code faster.

•  How to leverage the potential of SQL Server CLR executables and knowing

when these features make sense.

•  How to work with your DBA to maintain database integrity and security.

•  Working with the new Visual Studio report controls to expose your

organization’s data safely and easily with or without leveraging existing

SQL Server Reporting Services technology.

 

William R. Vaughn is the President of Beta V Corporation and a Microsoft MVP. In 2000 he retired from Microsoft after 14 years to focus on mentoring, speaking, and writing. His specialty is data access application design especially when connecting to SQL Server–over the years he’s written 12 books on the subject. He’s a popular speaker at technical conferences all over the world where his wit and no-holds-barred technical insights win him rave reviews. William is also a member of the prestigious INETA Speaker’s Bureau. His works include articles for SQL Server Magazine and a bi-weekly editorial for Processor Magazine as well as books published by Microsoft Press and Apress.

 

The book includes a DVD that contains a wealth of examples as well as several sample databases used to illustrate points discussed in the book. Authenticated readers will also have unrestricted access to the book’s supporting web site, www.hitchhikerguides.net, where additional examples, online forums, and other supplementary materials are available.

 

www.awprofessional.com/msserverseries

www.hitchhikerguides.net

www.betav.com/blogs/billva

www.betav.com

About the Author

WILLIAM R. VAUGHN has worked in the computer industry since 1972. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Mary Hardin-Baylor and a Master’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Texas. He’s also been awarded an Honorary PhD. from the University of Advancing Computer Technology in Tempe Arizona. Bill spent his early years working in the mainframe data processing industry and transitioned to the personal computer side in the late 70s. Along the way, he worked for the Texas DPS Narcotics Service, EDS (where he was recruited by and worked for Ross Perot), at Mostek/United Technologies, Challenge Systems, Digital Research, and CPT Corporation. After having surfed the PC industry for many years, he began his Microsoft years in 1986 working for the Windows developer liaison team at Microsoft in 1986. For the next 14 years, he worked in various divisions at Microsoft including Microsoft University, the Visual Basic documentation and Visual Studio marketing and Internal Technical Education teams before retiring in 2000 to form his own company, Beta V Corporation. Bill has written seven editions of the popular Hitchhiker’s Guide (the 4th, 5th and 6th published by Microsoft Press) and books for APress, including the bestseller ADO and ADO.NET Examples and Best Practices. Peter Blackburn and Bill also coauthored the Hitchhiker’s Guide to SQL Server 2000 Reporting Services (Addison- Wesley). His latest work is Hitchhiker’s Guide to SQL Server Everywhere–his first e-Book. He writes lead articles for SQL Server Magazine where he is a contributing editor, MSDN, and others. Bill also writes a bi-weekly editorial for Processor.COM magazine. Bill is a top-rated speaker at conferences worldwide, including keynotes and sessions at TechEd, DevWeek, Dev Connections, SQL Connections, VBUG, and many others. He is a Microsoft MVP and a member of the INETA Speaker’s Bureau.

 

PETER BLACKBURN has worked in the computer industry since 1981. He studied computer science at Cambridge University, England from where he holds an M.A. degree. Through his consulting company, Boost Data Limited, Peter has designed, built, and implemented small- and large-scale database systems including reporting systems based on SQL Server. He has contributed countless hours to the development and honing of Microsoft Reporting Services and remains directly involved with the development team. He is also a Microsoft MVP. He supports developers through newsgroups and beta programs, and trains teams of developers working with SQL Server and Reporting Services. Having worked closely with .NET since before the launch, Peter and Boost Data have ensured the technical accuracy of many leading .NET books. Peter lives in the United Kingdom and travels all over the world to consult, speak, and provide support for his fellow developers, fellow MVPs, his writing team, and Microsoft itself.

 

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 1128 pages
• Publisher: Addison-Wesley Professional; 7 edition (November 12, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0321243625
• ISBN-13: 978-0321243621
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 2.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #372,228 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In true "Hitchhiker" tradition, November 27, 2006

By	Miguel Castro (Lincoln Park, NJ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Bill Vaughn's Hitchhiker's series has been on my bookshelves since the first edition. I've always acknowledged Bill as one of the industry experts in SQL Server and his knowledge of the subject is well illustrated in the latest addition to his book series. The "Hitchhiker's Guide to Visual Studio and SQL Server" can very well become the one "bible" you need on this topic if you insist on having only one book on any particular topic. There are many books on SQL Server out there, each with their strengths and weaknesses, but the Hitchhiker's Guide explains things in plain English while still appealing to the techie in me. Great job - again - as can only be expected from the author. Oh, and if you throw it at somebody, you are likely to kill them.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is excellent, January 12, 2007

By	Carl Franklin (New London, CT United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Bill Vaughn is a stickler for attention to detail. I wouldn't want to work for him :-) but it is truly priceless to have his knowledge, experience, and expertise handy in book form when you are faced with taming the beast that is SQL Server 2005, and programming against it.

No stone is left unturned in this book, in true Bill Vaughn fashoin. He not only nails the fundamentals, but offers countless insights that come from experience, as well as a a never-ending supply of his famously dry and searing humor.

I would pay twice the cost of this book for the utility I'm getting out of it.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you Bill for another great journey., January 28, 2007

By	Brian A. Randell (Upland, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

So, you want to program SQL Server 2005 using Visual Basic 2005. Then you should buy this book. No one does things quite as Bill does. In a tour-de-force effort, Bill, with the some help from Peter, shares a treasure trove of valuable information about how to build the best data-enabled applications regardless of your skill level. Bill's a master and his experience with SQL Server is legendary. What's even better is you get Bill's candid view on things. He's not afraid to tell you what works and what doesn't. He takes his job as an author seriously.
At over 1000 pages, this is a serious book. The range of topics covered is rich. Bill covers writing code by hand and using drag & drop. He compares new features like CLR stored procedures with more traditional approaches and he backs up his opinion with code and tests. Bill has filled this seventh (yes, he's been doing this a while) edition with annotated screen shots, code listings, and thoughtful commentary--all of which help you, dear reader, to have a safe and happy journey. For the price of this book, you're getting priceless amounts of help and guidance. Buy it now.