REALbasic for Dummies (with CD-ROM) [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

by Erick Tejkowski (Author) "A REALbasic project is a container for the various items you'll using to create a completed application..." (more)
Key Phrases: plugin programming, instant functionality, movable modal, Window Editor, End Sub, Language Reference (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
A guide for getting your feet wet in beginning REALbasic while creating useful and impressive applications. Also a professional reference that will give you the functionality you need in a hurry.

With drag-and-drop ease, REALbasic puts the power of programming within everyone's reach. Yet, the long list of features will impress the most discriminating professionals. REALbasic For Dummies briefly introduces you to the REALbasic environment and quickly moves to the creation of an application and its interface. Next, an examination of the various features available in REALbasic is accompanied by appropriate code examples. Finally, your REALbasic knowledge is put to good use building three example applications. All code examples presented in the text are available on the CD along with a trial version of REALbasic.

From the Back Cover
"After you read REALbasic For Dummies, you'll be amazed at how quickly you can begin creating fun and useful software." Steve Wozniak

REALbasic trial and all sample code on CD-ROM!

Create software for your Mac, Windows PCs, or both platforms

The fun and easy way™ to start writing cool computer applications REALbasic is the easiest way ever to develop programs on your Mac. But writing programs is still kind of complicated — which is why you need this unbeatable guide. Beginning with REALbasic basics, Erick Tejkowski shows you step-by-step how to build real-world applications that'll make life easier and more interesting — and wow your friends and colleagues. all this on the bonus CD-ROM REALbasic trial version Demo version of Custom Grid Control from Einhugur Software Demo version of Valentina for REALbasic All sample code from the book Power Macintosh running System 7.6 or later. See the About the CD Appendix for further details and system requirements.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Hungry Minds (March 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764507931
• ISBN-13: 978-0764507939
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #569,988 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Learning REALbasic: Newburg vs. Tejkowski, October 22, 2001

By	Dan Jerry "danjerry" (West Chazy, NY United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After more than twenty years programming computers, I decided to learn REALbasic, as I wanted more control over the presentation of my FileMaker databases. I bought REALbasic, the "Standard" version (mistake #1 - it isn't full-featured). Then I bought Newburg's book (mistake #2 - too difficult to start with). Then I upgraded REALbasic to "Professional" (good move), and bought Tejkowski's "REALbasic for Dummies" (at last I could understand!) Don't do as I did. If you REALLY want to learn REALbasic, get the "Professional" version, and BOTH Tejkowski's and Newburg's books. Start with TejKowski; it reads easily; do the examples. When you're through, use Newburg's book to give you the philisophical understanding, and as a reference. The manuals that come with REALbasic are well done, but still - start with "REALbasic for Dummies".

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Dummies or O'Reilly's book: Which one to buy?, September 1, 2002

By	macktheknife (Northern, CA) - See all my reviews

I work in the economic research and finance industry, and while I have some experience with Excel VBA, I am by no means a programmer. I was thus already more or less familiar with object-oriented programming (OOP) and the overall syntax of the Basic language. I had started programming with REALbasic for only a few weeks, and I had purchased both the Dummies and O'Reilly's book. Both have their strengths and weaknesses.

Dummies: If you already understand OOP and how to write commands in Basic, then you won't need to read half of book. However, Tejkowski takes the reader gently through different topics in REALbasic and actually shows the reader--step by step--on how to do this and that.

O'Reilly's: Much more theoretical and advanced. It actually has less to do with showing the reader how to do something step by step than discussing good programming techniques. Expect to invest the time and patience in reading and understanding it.

The Dummies book is a good start for anyone completely new to REALbasic. I found half the book not useful for my purposes, but it's still a good reference when you want to do certain things, say set up a database. The O'Reilly's book is also a must to understand *why* you need to do certain things in REALbasic. The manuals included with REALbasic are good, and the step-by-step tutorial is excellent, but the O'Reilly book fills in the theoretical underpinnings.

I would recommend both books to anyone who's serious about programming with REALbasic. Assess your programming skills and background honestly to determine which book you should start with.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Decent Intro to RB, December 28, 2001

By A Customer

Unlike some other reviewers, I did not find this book to be the "worst programming book ever". Rather, it was concise and practical. If it wasn't a "dummies" book, I might be upset. The author covers the basics in a clear fashion and provides easy-to-understand examples.

Sure, the book has a few errors, but what books don't? The 1st edition of Neuburg's "Definitive Guide" had a pile of errors that dwarfed the list of errors in this book. After I read this book, I could at least put together some simple applications. In contrast, after wandering through Neuburg's tome, I was left scratching my head. What the heck was that guy talking about?

Dummies books have never been about super detailed, in depth coverage of topics. Rather, they get you going in short order. REALbasic for Dummies delivers. If you're a "pro", maybe this book isn't for you. If you're a newcomer, I'd say "dive in!".