Home > Store

Visual Basic® .NET Power Coding

Register your product to gain access to bonus material or receive a coupon.

Visual Basic® .NET Power Coding

Book

  • Sorry, this book is no longer in print.
Not for Sale

Description

  • Copyright 2004
  • Edition: 1st
  • Book
  • ISBN-10: 0-672-32407-5
  • ISBN-13: 978-0-672-32407-9

Visual Basic® .NET Power Coding is the experienced developer's guide to mastering advanced Visual Basic .NET concepts. Paul Kimmel saves readers time and money by providing thorough explanations of essential topics so you can quickly begin creating robust programs that have fewer bugs. He also demonstrates important concepts by using numerous real-world examples that include working code that has been tested against Visual Basic .NET 2003.

After a brief review of language idioms, Kimmel moves to more advanced techniques that help programmers solve their most challenging problems. Central to advanced development and deployment are chapters on security, Web services, ASP.NET programming, COM Interop, and Remoting. This book also covers thin client programming, which offers businesses a real solution to managing deployment and upgrades with Windows Forms using Reflection and HTTP. An appendix walks readers through migrating Visual Basic 6.0 applications to Visual Basic .NET. A companion Web site includes the complete downloadable source code, extensive reusable examples, and updates from the author.

This book can be read cover-to-cover or used as a reference to answer questions faced by experienced VB .NET developers, including:

  • Chapter 4: What can you do with Reflection technology?
  • Chapter 6: How can you safely incorporate multithreaded behavior into Visual Basic .NET applications?
  • Chapter 8: How would you serialize objects and implement Remoting for distributed projects?
  • Chapter 14: How do you return an ADO.NET DataSet from a Web service?
  • Chapter 18: What are the best practices for securing Web applications?

Visual Basic® .NET Power Coding empowers developers to exploit all the advanced features of Visual Basic .NET.



0672324075B06062003

Downloads

Source Code

Download the Source Code related to this title.

Sample Content

Online Sample Chapter

What's .NET Remoting, And Why Should You Care?

Downloadable Sample Chapter

Download the Sample Chapter related to this title.

Table of Contents



Preface.


About the Authors.

I. POWER LANGUAGE ESSENTIALS.

 1. Basic Language Idioms.
 2. Inheritance and Interfaces.
 3. Delegates.
 4. Reflection.
 5. Attributes.
 6. Multithreading.

II. BUILDING SOLUTIONS.

 7. COM Interop.
 8. Remoting.
 9. Building Custom Components.
10. Auto-Updating Smart Clients in .NET.
11. ADO.NET Database Programming.
12. Advanced ADO.NET.

III. WEB PROGRAMMING.

13. Creating Web Services.
14. Advanced Web Services.
15. Building ASP.NET Web Applications.
16. Combining ADO.NET and ASP.NET.

IV. DEBUGGING AND ADMINISTRATION.

17. Debugging .NET.
18. Code Access Security.
Appendix A. Migrating Visual Basic 6 Applications to Visual Basic .NET.
Index. 0672324075T03062003

Preface

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
--Confucius

Introduction

By the time you are reading this I will be well into my third year working with .NET. After looking at some of the books already written about .NET, I tried to figure out what you, the reader, would be interested in by the time you had some .NET under your belt. We planned a bit in conceiving and producing this book. Now that .NET has been out for a while, I feel many readers are ready for some chewy stuff on Visual Basic .NET (VB .NET).

Who Should Read This Book

I wrote this book for professionals who have gotten past the basics and are ready for some torque. This book assumes you have read an introductory book on VB .NET, progressed through a more advanced book like Sams Visual Basic .NET Unleashed and are now ready to turn on the hyperdrive.

There is just a modicum of introductory material inside these pages. If you need to know how to write loops, conditional statements, functions, or subroutines, then set this book on your shelf and try something written at the introductory level until you're comfortable with that material. Then come back to this book.

If you're the kind of code slinger who has trophy projects on your shelf, then this is the book for you. Read on.

What's in This Book

One chapter can be labeled a beginner's chapter, and that is Chapter 1. Chapters 2 through 18 contain advanced subject matter that will help you manage challenging problems whose solutions may be impossible to find in the help files and difficult to locate in other books.

Chapters 2 and 3 in this book cover subjects like inheritance and delegates because even seasoned Visual Basic 6 veterans might be a bit lost when it comes to these subjects. After all, neither inheritance nor delegates existed in VB6, and delegates are unique to .NET.

Reflection

In Chapter 4 we will jump into the deep water with Reflection. If you have heard of Runtime Type Information (RTTI), then think of Reflection as RTTI on anabolic steroids. All of the things that can be done with Reflection haven't even been invented yet, but what has been invented and discovered is amazing.

For example, .NET code is converted to Intermediate Language (IL) code before it is JITted and run. .NET emulates the Java byte code model to a limited degree. VB .NET supports emitting new types at runtime directly into IL and then creating instances of those types on-the-fly. This book will show you how to emit IL using Reflection and provide you with a means of extending your code in the most fundamental ways after it is deployed.

Assemblies

"DLL hell" is vaporized in VB .NET by adding metadata to assemblies. For now think of an assembly as an application that carries extra information with it, eliminating the need to monkey around with the registry and Globally Unique Identifiers (GUIDs) so much.

Another cool technology is the ability to dynamically load assemblies over an HTTP wire. This means you can implement automatically deployable and updatable Windows applications emulating the thin client browser model.

Windows Forms-based applications provide a richer client experience than Web Forms-based applications, and thin client programming using assemblies may finally allow the convergence of Web and Windows development technologies.

This book will demonstrate how to use assembly metadata as well as how to implement thin client Windows applications that deploy over the Web and seamlessly update without user intervention.

Multithreading

There are times when you absolutely need multithreading capabilities. I will demonstrate how to use synchronous and asynchronous processes, thread pooling, and the thread class to safely incorporate multithreaded behavior and even how to do so with Windows Forms controls.

Multithreading in VB .NET is definitely a cruise missile you want in your arsenal. Read Chapter 6 to learn how to use threads safely and professionally.

COM Interop

A huge body of code exists in the COM world. Microsoft hasn't pulled the plug on COM, so why should you? Even Visual Studio .NET (VS .NET) uses COM; look at the Add-Ins Manager.

COM Interop allows you to use COM components in .NET and .NET code in COM-based applications. In Chapter 7 you will learn the ropes of COM Interop in VB .NET.

Remoting

Moving toward open standards, Microsoft has developed new ways to solve existing problems. Remoting supports the management of solutions in a distributed environment. Read Chapter 8 to learn how to serialize objects and implement remoting for your distributed projects.

Building Components

Historically, building advanced components for Visual Basic often required using ActiveX and a C++ compiler. VB .NET supports building professional components for VB .NET with VB .NET.

By working through Chapter 9 you will have an opportunity to build user controls, custom controls, and server controls. Several examples demonstrate the nuts and bolts of implementing and testing controls and adding those controls to VS .NET.

ADO.NET

A sweeping change in .NET is found in ADO.NET technology. .NET follows the disconnected data model necessary for Web applications. The disconnected nature of ADO.NET is supported by XML DataSets, which replace the Recordset.

DataSets are based on XML and require you to rethink the way you build database, client-server, and Web-enabled applications. Chapters 11 and 12 in this book demonstrate how to use DataSets and work with disconnected data, as well as how to use XML and XSD schemas to connect to any kind of data anywhere.

Web Services

One of the most exciting new technologies is Web Services. A Web Service represents code that can be called from anywhere in the world. Web Services use open standards protocols, like SOAP and XML, allowing any connected computer to request services from any other computer.

You will learn about XML, SOAP, Web Services, and UDDI as you read the pages of this book (especially Chapters 13 and 14). I will provide many examples and describe these technologies (and acronyms, like UDDI).

ASP.NET, Debugging, and Security

The world of exciting new innovations includes ASP.NET. The ASP.NET model facilitates building Web applications very similar to how you build Windows-based applications.

While writing this book I was also working on an enterprise solution using ASP.NET. Through that experience, I learned the best practices for implementing, debugging, and securing Web applications and included them in Chapters 15 and 16.

You will have an opportunity to learn about Web Forms and server controls, as well as managing state using caching and XML serialization, connecting Web applications to data, and using the Policy Manager and new security attributes in .NET.

After reading this book you will agree that there is much to VB .NET.

Looking Ahead

I wrote this book to be readable from cover to cover, beginning with Chapter 1. I was also mindful that many readers are busy and may not have the time to read hundreds of pages in one sitting.

The many code listings will help you find examples to support the theoretical material presented; the chapters are organized to require only a modest amount of interdependency. If you are looking for answers to specific questions, you may be able to find all the material in one location.

I stand behind what I write, and I strive to offer the most accurate and informative content available. If you have any specific questions, feel free to e-mail me at pkimmel@softconcepts.com. Any feedback is appreciated.

Happy reading.



0672324075P03142003

Index

Download the Index file related to this title.

Updates

Submit Errata

More Information

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020