Beginning VB 2008 Databases From Novice to Professional

Beginning VB 2008 Databases teaches you everything you need to know about relational databases, SQL, and ADO.NET 2.0, giving you a sound start in developing console and Windows database applications. The book also includes chapters on the SQL Server XML data type and the LINQ enhancements to the next version of Visual Basic.

In addition to teaching you database basics like using SQL to communicate with databases, this book provides you with detailed, code-practical techniques to access data in Visual Basic 2008 across a range of coding situations. Code-heavy and full of practical detail, this book has been fully revised and upgraded for .NET 3.5 and offers you the best contemporary practice in this core programming area, so that you'll find yourself using it in nearly all your .NET projects.

• Provides step-by-step instructions on how to install and configure necessary tools
• Presents all essential SQL query and update concepts and syntax, so you don't need prior familiarity with relational databases or SQL
• Describes how to use ADO.NET transactions, exceptions, and events
• Covers ADO.NET features for handling XML, text, and binary data within a Visual Basic 2008 context
• Explains all concepts through straightforward code examples

Getting Your Tools.- Getting to Know Your Tools.- Getting to Know Relational Databases.- Writing Database Queries.- Manipulating Database Data.- Using Stored Procedures.- Using XML.- Understanding Transactions.- Getting to Know ADO.NET.- Making Connections.- Executing Commands.- Using Data Readers.- Using Datasets and Data Adapters.- Building Windows Forms Applications.- Building ASP.NET Applications.- Handling Exceptions.- Working with Events.- Working with Text and Binary Data.- Using LINQ.- Using ADO.NET 3.5.

Vidya Vrat Agarwal, a Microsoft .NET purist and an MCT, MCPD, MCTS, MCSD.NET, MCAD.NET, and MCSD, works with Lionbridge Technologies (NASDAQ: LIOX), and his business card reads "Subject Matter Expert" (SME). He is also a lifetime member of the Computer Society of India (CSI). He started working on Microsoft .NET with its beta release. He has been involved in software development, evangelism, consultation, corporate training, and T3 programs on Microsoft .NET for various employers and corporate clients. His articles can be read at ProgrammersHeaven.com, and he also reviews .NET preparation kits, available at UCertify.com. He has contributed as technical reviewer to many books published by Apress, including Beginning VB 2008 Databases: From Novice to Professional. He lives with his beloved wife, Rupali, and lovely daughter, Vamika ("Pearly"). He believes that nothing will turn into a reality without them. He is the follower of the concept "No pain, no gain" and believes that his wife is his greatest strength. He is a bibliophile; when he is not working on technical stuff, he likes to be with his family and also likes reading spiritual and occult science books. He blogs at http://Dotnetpassion.blogspot.com. You can reach him at Vidya_mct@yahoo.com.