Learn to Program with Visual Basic 6

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Summary: It Doesn't get Any Better Than This
Review: In June of 1999, I enrolled in a Certified Microsoft Training Program specializing in Client Server Technology. I was an absolute beginner in this area, only having two college introductory courses to computers under my belt. For the first three weeks of this twelve week course I was totally overwhelmed and I seriously thought of giving up, despite the huge financial invenstment I had incurred. Then one night I went on a search for a textbook that could approach programming at my level. The textbooks we used were too technical and were more of a hinderence than a help. Well, I ordered this book and as soon as I opened it I knew that this author approached the subject at a level that I could understand. During the rest of the course, many of my fellow students borrowed the book and unanimously agreed that this was the quintessential beginners book. I have since purchased three more of John Smiley's books, and each one is just as good as or better that the first. I strongly urge anyone who is entering the field of programming with no prior exposure to get this one. It is truly a great book. Thank you John, keep up the good work.

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Summary: Don't Do It
Review: Do not buy this book. You will regret it, i'm telling you.

But if you insist, then okay. Of course this will lead to you purchasing anything with John Smiley's name on it.

His technique is unique, and his style is wild. You will learn Visual Basic and all the components, toolbars, and coding to actually write a professional program. This hour by hour or step by step stuff won't follow these guidelines. You'll go deep into the night as your quest for knowledge overwhelms you and his insight into your next question is continually answered.

So save yourself some sleep and sell the computer. Or buy every John Smiley book you can and quell that quest for knowledge.

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Summary: Review of Learn to Program with Visual Basic 6
Review: This a really good book to learn beginning Visual Basic 6. It is easy to read with lots of examples and computer screen shots. It begins with lessons on programming in general with easy steps to understand and definitions of any pertinent computer terms. The book then goes on to describe the VB 6 Enviornment in language that's easy to understand. The reader prepares an actual program that is completed by the end of the book using a class with students, asking questions and giving input and suggestions. In summary, I think anyone could pick up this book and be able to learn Visual Basic 6.

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Summary: Learn to Program with Visual Basic 6
Review: I am a Visual Basic programmer! I could not say that a few months ago, but now I can because I studied John Smiley's books, both Part I and Part II. The books are written in a clear style that works for self study. The projects used as learning studies are well thought out for communicating skills to beginners and intermediates. These books worked for me! I recommend them to you without reservations.

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Summary: Learn to Program with Visual Basic
Review: A thorough communication of how to program with Visual Basic. It is written in an informative but non boring manner so that you can learn and like to learn it. It is so well written, I could use for the text book at the ZDU class. Highly recommended.

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Summary: Learn to Program Databases with Visual Basic 6
Review: As one who picks up a book titled "Visual Basic for Dummies" and then walks away with anticipation of a book tittled "Visual Basic for Morons" I have found a savior in a worldly being by the name of John Smiley.

If you are a person, like myself, who breaks out in a cold sweat at the sight of any type of program language, or even suffers angonizingly over a simple query in a computer program then this is the book for you. Mr. Smiley has the uncanny knack of unlocking all the unmarked doors to Visual Basic that so many authors assume we already know. If you would like to learn Visual Basic in a step by step, practical and easy to relate style then "Learn to Program with Visual Basic 6" is a must.

By the way if your library is short on space this book will take you to the critical stage due to the fact that one book from John Smiley will lead to the rest of his books.

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Summary: Perfect Initial Stage for Learning VB6
Review: The best thing about this book is that it guided you from the concept in your mind through the actualization of a business application while learning the basics of a new language. It helps fill the gaps in what ever knowledge you already have. And it has this personal touch that gives description of the external environment (classroom, weather) that makes your mind destress thus more receptive to technical knowledge.

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Summary: THE BEST PLACE TO START!
Review: I posted my first review for this book almost a year ago, at which time I gave it a five star rating. I have gone on from there into a deeper study of Visual Basic. The wisdom of hindsight allows me to honestly say that this book has provided the foundation for all my subsequent Visual Basic skills. Prior to discovering this book, I "attempted" to work through the first chapter in several so-called beginning VB programming books only to give up in utter frustration because the author "assumed" his readers to posess far more knowledge than most beginners actually have. John Smiley really does start at the beginning without making the reader feel like an idiot. If you are even thinking about learnig Visual Basic I strongly recommend that you start with this book. Don't waste your time with any other books...You can use the other books later and you'll actually be able to understand them because of the foundation you will acquire from doing the project in this book.

Since I have completed this book almost a year ago I have purchased the other 3 books written by John Smiley. I have posted a five star review for each book in the series. As good as this book is, the other John Smiley books are even better. This book however, is the best palce to start!

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Summary: Good source for beginners
Review: Mr. Smiley's book "Learn to Program With Visual Basic 6" is an excellent tool for those who have virtually no programming background. The size of the book was, for me, very intimidating. However, after only a few hours, I found myself rapidly going through the steps outlined in the book. Before too long, I had sped through 400 pages without even realizing it!

I also felt that the way the book presented the material (i.e. as if you, the reader, was part of a class Mr. Smiley was teaching)lent itself to enhancing my learning style.

Mr. Smiley's humor was placed in all the appropriate places. I can not wait until I complete this book and crack open and learn from another Smiley production.

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Summary: The Real Deal
Review: My title for this review says it all; this book is the real deal for anyone new to programming, as are all John Smiley's books in the "Learn to Program" series. I have read lots of computer books over the years, but in terms of thought preparation by an author, this one is without peer. Not a single time throughout the book does this author seem to forget who his target audience is - Novice programmers. Absolutely no assumptions are made concerning the reader's knowledge of programming, nor any other facet of computer program development. If you have ever considered a career change into the field of programming and I.T., but felt you never knew where to start, START HERE - DEFINITELY START HERE.

If you TRULY want into the field of computer programming, John Smiley's books are the place to start.