Fast Track ASP.NET

By focusing on ASP.NET itself as an important area of the .NET platform, the authors manage to streamline their presentation. That approach makes this text a strong choice for those with previous ASP and/or C++/Java experience and who want to understand the new advantages for Web development afforded by the new ASP.NET. Coverage here of the new event-driven model used in ASP.NET, undoubtedly a hurdle for developers, is some of the best we have seen. Simple examples show off how the ordering of page events will get you started fast.

One standout section covers the new ASP.NET Web Form controls, which are essential to productivity. Besides discussing basic controls, the authors do a fine job of covering validation, plus the available list controls (like DataGrid components). Common programming techniques for binding data to Web pages come next. A nicely in-depth guide to ADO.NET (with some clear examples of code and essential programming techniques) will help you get started with databases.

After looking at security issues in ASP.NET, this book closes with a nicely comprehensive guide to Web services, including creating them and then "consuming" them from different types of clients (for example, a Windows Scripting Host, a Web page, and a standalone Windows Forms client). Coverage of some advanced techniques, like asynchronous processing for Web services, helps show the range of options for new ASP.NET developers.

Overall, Fast Track ASP.NET covers some essential Web development APIs and techniques that you can use to do Web development on Microsoft's latest platform. It shows that you can use C# effectively without mastering its more arcane features. (As such, this title is perfect for VB developers wanting to make the switch to C# used with Web development on .NET.) It's a valuable choice, one that can bring you up to speed with the latest in Web development from Microsoft in an intelligently packaged and fast-moving tutorial. --Richard Dragan