Since their introduction, the MCSD certification exams have been enthusiastically received by VB programmers who consider certification very important to their professional credibility. Programmers tend to be specialists--they tend to do the same kind of programming over and over. The MCSD exam is targeted at technical generalists--developers familiar with a broad array of Microsoft technologies and development approaches that are incorporated into Visual Basic. With its comprehensive overview of core technology areas, MCSD in a Nutshell is the perfect study guide and resource to help developers master technologies that are less familiar to them. In fact, its thorough review of Visual Basic-related development technologies also makes this an excellent tutorial for experienced VB programmers who wish to get up to speed on speed on some technology with which they work infrequently, if at all. Most certification books are really tutorials in disguise. In contrast, this book focuses on the advanced topics about which developers are actually tested on the exam. Topics include:

• Understanding COM
• Creating ActiveX Code Components
• Creating ActiveX Controls
• Creating and Using ActiveX Documents
• Creating Internet-Aware Applications
• Testing and Debugging
• Integrating Help with an Application
• Optimizing an Application
• Package and Deployment
• Incorporating Microsoft Transaction Server (MTS)

Incredibly, most certification books appear to assume that the reader has no prior experience with VB programming. In contrast, this book assumes an intermediate to advanced programmer who is concerned with learning more about each of the core technologies that are covered by the exam. And unlike some certification books, MCSD in a Nutshell is written by an author who has successfully passed the certification exams.

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MCSD in a Nutshell: The Visual Basic Exams Review,  April 06 2002
Submitted by Wendy   [Respond | View]

Although there are a lot errors on the exam questions at the end of each chapter, I would still rate this book as one of the best VB certification books I have ever read. It's well written and easy to understand for experienced developers - definitely not for beginners.


MCSD in a Nutshell: The Visual Basic Exams Review,  January 08 2002
Submitted by Sam Fernandez   [Respond | View]

This book is great. Unlike those very thick books, the author deals with the topics that you REALLY need in order to pass the exam. I recently passed the desktop exam and I give a lot of credit to this book. It is also indispensible reference after you used it as a reviewer. To James Foxall, I really admire your writing style. To those who want to pass the exam, you'll be sorry if you don't have a copy of this book.


MCSD in a Nutshell: The Visual Basic Exams Review,  November 01 2001
Submitted by Dorian   [Respond | View]

I have purchased a number of certification books and have now passed both VB exams. This book is unquestionably the best. It doesn't try to teach you how to write VB code - you should already know! However it gives details of all those obscure features you've probably never used that may well come up on the exam. It's also the only certification book I kept after passing the relevant exam.


MCSD in a Nutshell: The Visual Basic Exams Review,  October 18 2001
Submitted by Martin Dillon   [Respond | View]

Very good in terms of getting the balance right between being full and being concise - concentrates on stuff relevant to the exams.

Lots of error however - some wrong answers given to the assessment questions at the end of each chapter and lots of annoying syntax errors in the sample code.

Despite this its still worth getting if you're doing the VB exams - good format, good content....but shame about the errors!


MCSD in a Nutshell: The Visual Basic Exams Review,  August 02 2001
Submitted by Petie   [Respond | View]

This book is BY FAR the best VB book, for all-purpose general VB knowledge and also for preparing for the Microsoft tests. This book is well-written and thorough. It is not a beginner book... only one chapter on overview topics. But then, if you need someone to explain to you how to draw a form, perhaps you are not ready for the exams. I have looked at a handful of "exam cram" style books for the VB tests. I can't believe anyone could rely on those books and actually pass the tests. Foxall is right on!


MCSD in a Nutshell: The Visual Basic Exams Review,  May 22 2001
Submitted by anonymous   [Respond | View]



Simply The Best Book For Visual Basic Exams.




MCSD in a Nutshell: The Visual Basic Exams Review,  May 10 2001
Submitted by Gregor Suttie   [Respond | View]

I have little experience in using VB except for registering dll's and creating class modules. I have to say that after reading through the Exam Cram book and the official Microsft Book for the VB exams, MCSD in a Nutshell is by far the most informative and useful book I've read for the VB exams. Aoar tfro being in the UK and it only costing around £20 it covers both exams at once which is a great idea and is wriiten by a guy who has sat and passed the exams himself.

Five out of five - the only computer book I've ever read cover to cover.

Greg




MCSD in a Nutshell: The Visual Basic Exams Review,  January 16 2001
Submitted by Edward Franks   [Respond | View]



I just passed my first Visual Basic exam today using this book as my exam guide. If you are interested in the VB exams, use this book and no other. This one will show you everything you need to know for the exams *and* how that information is useful in the real world (or not).

I hope O'Reilly comes out with Nutshell books for the rest of the MCSD exams. :)




MCSD in a Nutshell: The Visual Basic Exams Review,  November 24 2000
Submitted by Anonymous   [Respond | View]

The book MCSD in a nutshell is a must have! Not only does it teach you the material needed for the exams, it is written in a way that you don't have to be sitting at your computer to read it. I especially found the practice questions at the end of each chapter along with the hands on a great help. This book is for advanced programmers studying for the MCSD or who are trying to deepen their knowledge of VB. This is definitely not a book for beginners, only the first chapter is aimed at beginners or intermediates, but a must have for anyone's VB library. I enjoyed it so much, I read it twice.

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