Extending the Macintosh Toolbox: Programming Menus, Windows, Dialogs, and More (Macintosh Inside Out)

Rating:
Summary: Not very helpful.....
Review: Although I'm glad to see that there are some 3rd party documentation about the Macintosh Toolbox, I do not find "Extending the Macintosh Toolbox" helpful for any programmer. My main impression was that the book tries to address beginner and advanced programmer in the same time, which leaves both parties unsatisfied. In addition the book gives many examples, where some of them are redundant. Unfortunately these exemples aren't explained very well in the context of the Toolbox library and definitions. Too often 'magic numbers and definition' appear or it is mention that 'you have to do it this way' without any explaination why. I also miss an appendix or reference to the most common Toolbox functions, which are not cover by the main part of the book. Another point is that the concept of Macintosh resources are poorly documented, leaving the reader in the state that he barely can set up the resource file for his own program. Despite this the book is very well written and gives a detailed explaination of all examples.

In conclusion other books (such as the Macintosh Toolbox Essential) exist which give a more detailed and understandable description of the Macintosh programming concept, making this book absolute obsolete.

Rating:
Summary: Not very helpful.....
Review: Although I'm glad to see that there are some 3rd party documentation about the Macintosh Toolbox, I do not find "Extending the Macintosh Toolbox" helpful for any programmer. My main impression was that the book tries to address beginner and advanced programmer in the same time, which leaves both parties unsatisfied. In addition the book gives many examples, where some of them are redundant. Unfortunately these exemples aren't explained very well in the context of the Toolbox library and definitions. Too often 'magic numbers and definition' appear or it is mention that 'you have to do it this way' without any explaination why. I also miss an appendix or reference to the most common Toolbox functions, which are not cover by the main part of the book. Another point is that the concept of Macintosh resources are poorly documented, leaving the reader in the state that he barely can set up the resource file for his own program. Despite this the book is very well written and gives a detailed explaination of all examples.

In conclusion other books (such as the Macintosh Toolbox Essential) exist which give a more detailed and understandable description of the Macintosh programming concept, making this book absolute obsolete.