Visual Basic .NET Programmer's Reference review

Who better than the author of the Visual Basic 6 Programmer's Reference, Dan Rahmel, to write this handy paperback novel-sized reference providing essential programming information for the Visual Basic .NET developer?
Rahmel has a no-nonsense, authoritative, straightforward approach to his writing, which means that in spite of the small dimensions (21 x 14cm) you get 400 pages packed with pertinent reference material from start to finish. Although not for the beginner, you'll find it invaluable, provided you're already up to speed with Visual Basic. To get the best from the whole .NET framework, however, it may be a good idea to buy a copy of the sister publication by the same author, .NET Programmer's Reference, if you like his style, as it holds reference information for the class libraries required.
This book could just as easily have been called a 'quick reference' guide, since it seems to be all about getting your hands on the relevant information as quickly as possible and with the least sidetracking. As such, in the first chapter you'll find a lucid and concise overview of changes from earlier versions of VB to the new .NET version (including some not listed in the what's new documentation itself) and all of the functions and statements for VB .NET listed alphabetically in chapter 6. Need how-to coding examples for such tasks as adding data to an array from a database or filling a combo box from an array? Check out chapter 4.
In fact, wherever you look, you find exactly what it says on the cover, nothing less, and often more. For example, chapters 7 to 13 are full of object diagrams, each showing a single level of the object model rather than the more commonly found collections approach, which usually just copies the Microsoft diagrams wholesale.
Leaving the best to last, scattered throughout the book are code samples that accompany each reference command, enabling you to see exactly how that command is used by entering these simple examples and executing them immediately. Forgive me if I've missed anything, such as using XML and ADO.NET, key detailing of syntax, data types and structured error handling, or even the design basics like how the tabbed format of the book makes finding information a breeze.

Author: Davey Winder