Customer Reviews (15)

Worth it for the query-by-form alone
Because it is so rarely mentioned in other books, the coverage ofhow you build a complex search form that allows users to dynamically construct their own queries makes this book worth the price.

There is also a lot of other coverage of advanced topics such as advanced queries, security, ActiveX controls, using the Windows API, custom error handling and on and on. I don't think any Access programmer who gets this book will be disappointed. I can't wait to see Access 2000 (or 2002) Power Programming.

Excellent book for serious programming, NOT for beginners
The code in this book and that supplied on the CD was marvelous at helping me solve some serious problems and questions I had in a major database last year. I found it easy to understand and it was real life! Not somethingsimple that no one can use.

I also emailed the author with a comment andreceived a reply within 2 days! I was impressed to say the least.

I teachVB And Access classes and tell all my advanced Access students (and thosein VB that use Access) to get this book.

Terribly disappointing!
I gave up on this book after going through the first 6 chapters. The writing style is terrible. The book is not designed to teach rather dumps out information in a disorganized fashion.You could go through this book,cover to cover, and still be unable to handle a simple Access project. It'sa waste of money.

For the experienced Access/VB Programmer only!
This book taught me how to do a lot, but also left me puzzeled on the very advanced stuff. On some things it tended leave out a step and seemed to just assume I knew what to do. But over all I did learn a lot. Whoever canmaster this book really will be a master of Access.

The best and most comprehensive book for Access Programming!
As a programming instructor, I am always on the lookout for books that go from beginning to intermediate (if not advanced) and yet stay simple.I find that this book works for all levels of my students and I haverecommended it to all my classes! ... Read more

Book Description
Sams Teach Yourself Access 2000 Programming in 24 Hours considerably improves the quality of the database applications that you can create with Microsoft Access. Upon completed this book, you will be able to understand any sample VBA code that you see, and possess the skills to attack all of the most common Access programming tasks. Topics covered include using data aware controls, creating data aware Web pages, creating views to organize data, building reusable code modules, programming reports, communicating results with graphing, automating contact and task management with Outlook, and Access programming for Internet Explorer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Some useful information, but poorly presented and edited.
This book is intended for very novice programmers, and, at least in the first seven chapters I have managed to slog through, covers Visual Basic and only passingly covers how to program for Access.The presentation is poor, both due to the awkward and affected style (e.g. "Conditional code is the traffic cop of computer programs.Individual lines of code solve singular problems.") and completely indecipherable statements such as "A collection is a user-defined datatype.The users who defined the collection are the programmers who wrote Access." Parts of the book are very basic, such as the sections describing the parts of the computer--the RAM, hard disk, bus, etc, and also has problems, such as "The electircal wire along which information travels is referred to as a bus.The microprocessor's address and data bus store the information of where data resides in memory."Confusing and inaccurate.

There are more blatant errors, such as the code example where the circumference of the circle is defined as pi*radius^2;this is actually the area.Also, a digression on an "aha" moment using Archimedes is wrong on the law of bouyancy, on Archimedes being "the father of geometry" and on Grady Booch originating the "aha" concept.

I don't recommend the book either for a begining programmer--there are many other books that are better written and more accurate or for someone, like myself, looking for a text to teach how to program specifically using Access VBA.However, if any of you are insistent are getting the book, I'll be happy to sell you my copy.

This book is really great!
I've been trying to learn programming now for about 7 years.Actually I started trying to learn exactly 20 years ago.I just never could figure it out.Now that I've worked through the first 10 chapters of this great book, I'm doing all sorts of things, I wrote an access basic double line word wrap module, as well as a module that interprets musical signs for input into MUP (a really great program...).I also wrote code to calculate totals for expenses in different categories and currencies as well as mileage calculation, which was impossible to do with the normal report tools.I've also written code for inputting a ms-directory listing (print to file) and outputting a file path and filename, which can then be imported and made into functional links.I've also written code to generate numbers (to print labels of consecutive numbers) and I wrote the code faster than I could have done it for example with excel.I highly recommend this book for anybody who wants to do programming and just can't seem to figure it out.Of course if you do have a knack for programming, you'll learn all sorts of neat tricks, I found this book very inspiring.And even then, I only have Access97, and was still able to adapt it (since it is written for Access2000) and the adapting was very little problem.I'm sure his new book for Access2002 will be just as good!

It's OK
Still haven't got some of the examples to work even though I have gone blind picking thru the code to see why. This book taught me some things but I think it jumps ahead at teams leaving gaps.

Good but could have been better
I'm an Excel Word VBA person and had some problems with this book. The projects didn't always work properly unless you set the right references in Tools, which shouldn't be necessary in internal programs. Most of the projects were about 60 lines of code, which is a general problem with programming books. They try to show you how to program by taking you on the Grand Prix the first day. In contrast, most Dummies book would show you a series of small procedures, about 15 lines of code, then piece them together towards the end of the book. That's the way to teach a new disciple. 'Here's how to do this. Here's how to do that. Here's how to put both together.' Most books (Especially Wrox) say, 'Here's how to do this and that and that and that and that. You don't have to understand all of it now, but well go through all 60 lines step by step and after doing 12 complex problems you should be able to figure some of it out.' Wrong.

Good but could have been better
I'm an Excel Word VBA person and had some problems with this book. The projects didn't always work properly unless you set the right references in Tools, which shouldn't be necessary in internal programs. Most of the projects were about 60 lines of code, which is a general problem with programming books. They try to show you how to program by taking you on the Grand Prix the first day. In contrast, most Dummies book would show you a series of small procedures, about 15 lines of code, then piece them together towards the end of the book. That's the way to teach a new disciple. 'Here's how to do this. Here's how to do that. Here's how to put both together.' Most books (Especially Wrox) say, 'Here's how to do this and that and that and that and that. You don't have to understand all of it now, but well go through all 60 lines step by step and after doing 12 complex problems you should be able to figure some of it out.' Wrong. ... Read more

Book Description
Covers all major facets of database development, including desktop, client/server, and Web. Emphasizes the RAD (Rapid Application Development) features of Access 2000 for highest developer productivity. Includes treatment of industry-standard SQL as used in Access 2000 queries. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

This Book is worth $10 at most. Great Challenge in debugging
The book is for a more experience VBA programmer whose up to the challenge in debugging others' careless mistakes. The book covers Macros well. Other programming books ignore the subject. The book also covers the Common Dialog and the Rich Text controls Active X object in detail, which other books don't cover at all.
The book has a good appendix on the most common run time errors.
Other than all the code errors, this book gets too tedious in its exercises, such that it becomes soporific. In general, avoid the book, but for (a low price) it's okay.

This Book is worth $10 at most. Great Challenge in debugging
The book is for a more experience VBA programmer whose up to the challenge in debugging others' careless mistakes. The book covers Macros well. Other programming books ignore the subject. The book also covers the Common Dialog and the Rich Text controls Active X object in detail, which other books don't cover at all.
The book has a good appendix on the most common run time errors.
Other than all the code errors, this book gets too tedious in its exercises, such that it becomes soporific. In general, avoid the book, but for (a low price) it's okay.

Don't buy this book
I grant you that I am only about 90 pages into the book. But almost every example of code they provide contains mistakes or errors that have taken me hours to unwind.

From the number of typos and code mistakes, it appears to me that no one ever took the time to read through the book to see if it made sense, or if the code would work. This is the shoddiest computer book I have ever shelled out [a lot].Coriolis should be ashamed.

The worst... most frustrating... waste of money...errors
This book has to be the most carelessly written book considering its intended readership.

The reader should not have to contend with code that is incorrect.Learning VB is difficult enough without the frustration of feeling like you are being sabotaged by the authors.

This book is a nightmare.I take back my 1 star.

Poor does not begin to describe this book or the Publisher
After completing the first 4 chapters, I found numerous errors in the code. Then I made the mistake of opening the CD at the back of the book. Well interestingly enough the code on the disk is correct sometimes. However, I did not make this purchase so that I could learn by de-bugging their errors. So I attempted to return this book and since the software has been opened I can not take it back. So I contacted the publisher, they said they would send me a refund, 6 weeks later I contacted them again, they said it must have got lost in the mail. It has been another month to the day and still no refund. Save your money... ... Read more

Book Description
This introductory book teaches you the essentials of Access programming and how to write client/server applications...all at once. In fact, by the end of the first 4 chapters (just 157 pages), you'll be writing your first true client/server application, using Access as the front-end and DAO as the data access method. The data itself can be in an Access database or in an ODBC database such as SQL Server whose tables are linked to Access tables. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great Resource
I have been developing applicaitons for a number of year now with Access 97 and have many books I have used.This book has become my most recommended.I have found many books on Access to be either too basic or too advanced for me.This book talks about basic concepts and then adds enough advanced information that almost anyone could learn something from it.The concepts are explained in a very understandable way.I wish I had bought this years ago!

must for anyone who develops serious applications in Access
Client/Server Programming for Access 97 is a must have for anyone who develops serious applications in Access 97. It contains clear, practical guidelines to create and polish client/server applications using Access 97.I recommend this book to both novices and experts since it impossible tobelieve that there will not be something of value for anyone who reads it.It can be read cover to cover or used as a reference. As a footnote, I mustalso add that the paper quality is unusually good and the layoutscompletely avoid descriptions on one page and diagrams on the other.

Excellent coverage of the entire topic
I just finished the book and I loved it! It does a very nice job of covering the entire topic in enough depth to provide real answers, while leaving plenty of room for exploration. I'll be downloading some of theexamples soon. I particularly liked the "Paired-Pages" arrangement wherethe right page summarizes and supplements the material presented on theleft. It delivers the concepts in convenient bite-size pieces withimmediate, built-in reinforcement. It will get my highest recommendation.It now takes it's place on my shelf alongside the other Access "Bible", theSybex Access97 Developer's Handbook. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Surely one of the larger computer books in the Wrox line, Professional ASP Data Access presents a wide-ranging tour of Microsoft technologies, centering on databases and Web development. It's a rich grab bag of information that will benefit anyone who needs to understand databases and other standards used with Visual Basic and/or C++.

Comprising 1,300 pages, the book provides a significant range of material on Microsoft-centered APIs, like ADO and OLE DB, COM+ and RDS, but it's the cross-vendor perspective that makes it even more valuable. For instance, when discussing database administration, you find out how to do it on SQL Server, Oracle, IBM DB2, and MySQL (a popular freeware database package). You also learn how to use database stored procedures and XML on Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM databases.

The real focus of Professional ASP Data Access is on demonstrating some of today's best practices for programming databases with Microsoft tools. This includes building three-tier Web applications that use database and business objects built in VB and/or Visual C++ ATL and COM+ for better scalability on the server with ASPs used to build browser-based front ends. There's also good coverage of beginning and advanced uses of SQL (including an excellent section on joins) and today's popular XML standard for delivering data between tiers. Many chapters look at newer Microsoft database standards, like OLE DB and UDA, plus coverage of SQL Server 2000 advances like data mining, natural language query capabilities, and other features. E-commerce is explained using a sample Web site that includes membership features. Throughout this title, you'll find plenty of screen shots for setting up and using the variety of tools under discussion (including screen shots for non-Microsoft tools).

Professional ASP Data Access will teach beginning to advanced readers databases from the ground up, and get them up to speed on the latest in Microsoft (and non-Microsoft) APIs and standards. --Richard Dragan

Topics covered:

• History of databases
• Introduction to database design
• Normalization
• SQL tutorial (basics and joins)
• Stored procedures and triggers on SQL Server
• Oracle and DB2
• ODBC and ADO database standards
• OLE DB and Microsoft Universal Database Access (UDA)
• Creating an OLE DB provider in C++
• Tutorial to ADO database programming
• Connecting and retrieving records
• ADO and stored procedures
• Overview of Windows DNA (data, business, and user services)
• COM+
• Building COM+ components with VB and C++/ATL
• Microsoft Transaction Server (MTS)
• MSMQ and COM+ queued components
• ASP and user interface design for Web applications
• Database components (including building OLE DB components in VB)
• Tutorial for using major relational databases (SQL Server 2000, Oracle 8, IBM DB2, and MySQL)
• Nonrelational data sources
• Active Directory
• LDAP and ADSI
• NDS
• The Microsoft Indexing Server
• Internet publishing and WebDAV
• Exchange 2000 tutorial
• Connecting to legacy mainframe data (IBM SNA and Microsoft SNA Server and Host Immigration Server)
• XML tutorial
• XLST and style sheets (including Microsoft XSLISAPI)
• XML capabilities in SQL Server, Oracle and DB2
• Introduction and sample code for a simple e-commerce site (including personalization and security issues)
• Data shaping
• Multidimensional data and data mining in SQL Server 2000
• Remote Data Services (RDS)
• Advanced query support
• Performance and security tips
• Windows 2000 security
• Case studies for a Web-based reports application and using dynamic elements in a Web application

Active Server Pages, together with ADO and OLEDB, can bring about this access to a myriad of data stores. Existing data access technologies have concentrated on relational databases, but ADO now brings the benefits of semi-structured data. So not only can you provide fast access to existing stores of data, but you can also access data in a less structured form, such as mail messages, web pages, XML and so on. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Wrox keeps getting worse.
I was hoping this would be the sequel to the awesome beginners asp database book by John Kauffman.It was not even close.This book trys to cover so many platforms that it ends up not covering anything very well.The examples are terrible and confusion will set in after the second chapter. I have found that with Wrox books, if there is more than one person on the cover, then it will stink up the place.

ASP Data
As a reviewer for this book I have read the book from cover to cover.The strong point about this book is that it covers many different aspects of data access.If you are somewhat new to ASP this book will show the ropes on ADO, XML and how to mix data from many different sources.If you are an experienced developer this book covers many areas that will interest you - data warehousing, the use of several different DB other than the very familiar SQL Server and non-realtional data sources.I have taken my copy of this book to work and everyone wants to borrow it.

Not bad for a Database programmer
My favorites were Section 5,7 and 8. The case studies were okay. Good cover on MTS and Novell Directory Services with ASP. ... Read more

Book Description
Access 2000 is the database of choice for the home and small business user. While its intuitive interface makes data storage and manipulation incredibly simple, you really need its underlying language to make the most of its features. The focus of the book is the programming language that underlies Access 2000 - Visual basic for Applications (VBA). VBA is the language that Microsoft is making standard across the whole Office suite of applications. VBA allows you to automate and secure your database, so your end-user need never know what goes on underneath. Its simple style allows even complete novices to programming to achieve impressive results with very little effort. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

DAO, not ADO
Although the authors were very clear in the beginning that they focused on DAO, it was not until I read 195 pages that I really understood what that meant.For other novices that may be reading this that don't know the difference between DAO and ADO: if you are making an Access (.mdb) file, get this book (because it uses DAO language); if you are making an Access Project (.adp) file, then this book does not emphasize the language you need (which is ADO).

Good intermeditate learning tool
This is a good resource for taking the steps from standard uses of Microsoft Access into allowing the programmer flexibility using VBA. Lots of relevant examples and isa good companion with more technical resources which do not have extensive explanations. A more usable library of functions might be beneficial. Much better than a $1500 Advanced VBA course.

Ice Cream Overload
I hate cutsie-pie programming books with cutsie-pie programming examples of cutsie-pie business applications. The ice cream example contributed to this book's ability to provide me with almost 900 pages of non-help. When I write a programming book, I will use sample apps that deal with a firearms dealership or tracking down the world's terrorists. Something more macho.

I echo the other readers' sentiments about ADO -- altough, to be fair, this was written for an audience who probably needed to get a background in DAO apps and the authors did make a plausible explanation of why they emphasized DAO.

Sorry to be a pill on this one, old chaps, but your behemoth was purchased for $45 by me in an attempt to get me up to speed on VBA and that it did not do. It just made me ill with all the references to ice cream and its ingredients..

..pass the bi-carb.

*erp*

How to make VBA impossibly confusing
The book seems to be written with the objective of showcasing how much the authors know about VBA without imparting any of this understanding to the reader."Don't try to understand this now, we will explain it later" is used in almost every chapter.The concepts and syntax are poorly narrated and the text suffers from the needless and boring injection of the authors humor.If you wish to understand VBA, buy the Access 2000 VBA handbook by Susan Novalis.I learned more that I could practically apply to my databases within 30 minutes of picking up her book than I learned after reading and re-reading the Sussman/Smith text multiple times.

Only two complaints
Overall, yes it is a very good book, but I have two issues with it.
1.The authors sometimes give code examples that use functions/syntax that are not explained until several chapters later.They inevitably state something to the effect 'Don't worry about such-and-such, it will be covered in chapter whatever.'In the meantime, I still can't do anything with what I'm learning.
2. (and more significantly)By the author's own admission, they chose to focus on DAO rather than ADO.Maybe at the time it was written that really was the best decision, but learning DAO is a big step in the wrong direction now as ADO is already more the standard, especially as everything moves toward .NET ... Read more

Book Description
This book gives you all the information you need to access relational database data through SAS/ACCESS software. This complete reference for the ACCESS and DBLOAD procedures and the SQL Procedure Pass-Through facility includes two chapters of examples from all the currently supported relational databases. This book must be used in conjunction with a DBMS chapter, which is separately bound and separately ordered. Each chapter describes DBMS-specific procedure statements, options, windows, and database administration information for each SAS/ACCESS interface. This book is bound in a three-ring binder so that you can place your DBMS chapter(s) in the binder. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Although Java is touted for its simplicity, it also has its thornier sides, and Java Database Connectivity (JDBC)--Java's database class library--is certainly one of them. Thankfully, the creators of the JDBC specification at Sun Microsystems have brought out JDBC Database Access with Java, an authoritative guide to basic and advanced topics in JDBC. Though the book suffers from a bland writing style, it does include some indispensable information. The guide begins with a basic tutorial on Structured Query Language (SQL) and teaches the rudiments of using Java as a programming language. It then provides instructions for performing basic database operations in JDBC, from simple topics such as joins, updates, and queries with result sets to more advanced topics such as transactions and stored procedures. The section on how to use MetaData classes, which allow programmers to read and manipulate table structures, is quite valuable. In addition, all basic database problems include short sample code.

The second half of JDBC Database Access with Java contains a useful reference to the dozen-and-a-half classes in the JDBC library. Each section provides a general overview of the class and a guide to all APIs. This portion of the book also includes a guide to data types in JDBC and all of today's major SQL server platforms. The final chapter recounts how the JDBC specification was created. Appendices offer short tips for developers who are writing JDBC drivers (who will absolutely want this book on their shelves). Although most Java developers will want to write to a higher level of classes, those new solutions will rely on JDBC, an effective tool for writing database-independent code in Java. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Time Tested
I bought my copy of "JDBC Database Access with Java" in the fall of 1999.It's sitting next to me on my desk here at work as I write these words.The right side is choked with Postit page markers that get me back to my most frequently referenced pages quickly.The binding has finally worn out within a part of the DatabaseMetaData section - and some of the pages are loose there.I have relied on this book for the past seven years of Java SQL database programming like no other.That's not to say that I don't have others.I just don't use them.The organization and writing style of this book fits my needs perfectly.I happen to be here today to check to see whether there has been an update to this wonderful reference.Nope.Apparently they got it right the first time back in 1997.

If you're looking for a reference book that will enable you to expand your Java capability to JDBC (or to expand your JDBC capability to using all of it) - this is the one.Not too terse.Not too wordy.It covers everything from initial access to database reflection.It has just enough examples to show you how to use JDBC without over-burdening you with code.The index is terrific for quick lookups.Postit notes stick reliably to the pages for many years.A real gem.

sasa
sas

good coverage, not much depth.
I am an experienced Java programmer who bought this book in the middle ofimplementing a JDBC based application. After staring at the opaque JDBCdocumentation from Sun, I hoped to find in this book an in depthexamination of design and performance issues.The examples here do not govery far. My feeling is that this book covers the subject adequately, butin the end it is not a very complex subject. The hard issues are oftenimplementation specific, and I suppose an in depth look at the details ofconformance and performance is not really possible in a book format (e.g.which databases require that resultsets read every column and only once).Now I wish I had purchased a more general book with one good chapter onJDBC, though I do appreciate the reference section in the back and stillrefer to it.

Excellent book for anyone who wants to learn JDBC and more
This book is well-written and has examples on using the SQL select, insert, delete and update commands.In addition, the topics on metadata is thorough. This is the best of the bunch, you won't be disappointed.It covers everything about database transactions - stored procedures, rollbacks and more.

Very good book for Database Programming using Java
Excellent book for starters in either Java/DB. Can be used by expert prorammers to write their own APIs. My favorite in this book is metadata explanation. A must reference for everyone whose working with JAVA/JDBC. ... Read more

Amazon.com
If you've stopped using Access database wizards because you've become one, you may want to look to Microsoft Access 2000 Visual Basic for Applications Fundamentals to further your programming knowledge. Written for Access 2000 application developers, or those switching from other applications, its programmed lessons offer about 15 hours of instruction on customizing events, writing and debugging code, working with new features like Web connections and interoperability, and creating your own applications from scratch.

The book's format makes learning easy, with easily digestible chunks of information, previews and reviews, appropriate illustrations, and many hands-on opportunities. All the files you'll need for learning are provided on the enclosed CD-ROM, so if you've already got Access 2000 running you can be poking around under the hood in minutes.

Even if you've never programmed before, you'll find Microsoft Access 2000 Visual Basic for Applications Fundamentals useful for getting started. With a little patience and a lot of practice, you'll whip your data into shape until it perfectly suits your needs. --Rob LightnerBook Description
Microsoft - Microsoft Access 2000/Visual Basic for ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

EXCELLENT!!!
I am not a programmer -not even close- but am responsible for developing complex Access & Excel applications.Most books are written as if the user understands programming concepts.This book did not.It explained EVERYTHING in detail.It was exactly what I needed.If you need a book that assumes you KNOW NOTHING - this is the book for you.I am so so so glad that I read user reviews.I am so happy, and excited about writing modules rather than avoiding it like the plague.

Most Excellent Book
I have many books on Visual Basic for Applications, none of them explain the concept like this one does.Mr. Evan Callahan breaks things down in laymans terms.I have learned and accomplished more using his book than any I own.I will not buy books written by other authors-Mr. Evan Callahan has all of my business from this day forward.Hat's off Mr. Callahan and am looking forward to a 2003 visual basic for applications.

Excellent for Beginners
So you have created your Access database and have exhausted every wizard and control that you can use without actually coding. You still need a little something, but aren't sure how to get a little (or a lot) more out of Access - then this is the book for you.
This book will ease you into writing come code while jumping right in with both feet. The examples are simple enough to understand, but you are given enough information to make them work for you. Many times when you are beginning, the example is exactly what you want to do, but you are not given enough information to insert it into your project and make it work - this is not the case here. I had this book (and its predicessor) open on my desk regularly during my first Access project and still crack it open for ideas and reference. (Sure I could look it up in an advanced book - but why?)
If you can only buy one beginner book on VBA - this should be it.

Very Good Beginner's Book
This book helped me a lot. I was at the point where I knew the basics of Access, but nothing about writing code. This book is excellent for taking you by the hand and helping you to start learning VBA. Another feature I really like is that the examples are examples that you are likely to find useful for the application you are developing. So I was able to got a very practical use out of this book (the Access 97 version is very similar).
On the negative side, sometimes the book gives poor explainations. For example, they never really explain why create variables, what's the advantage. There are several similar areas where the author simply never thought of explaining something that, to a beginner, is very confusing without an explaination.
So, by itself, the book is very helpful but you need other books to fill in the gaps. However, as far as I've seen, it's the best book I've seen to get you started in VBA.

Very Good for Beginners
Before I started I knew some VBA and some Access.This book helped to me learn the things I needed to know. Well written, organized, accurate.

It's NOT a good tutorial on either VBA or Access, tho. ... Read more

Book Description
This hands-on guide shows Java developers how to access data with the new 3.0 Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) API, use LDAP-enabled directory services with Java Network Directory Services (JNDI), and manipulate XML data using Java APIs for XML Processing (JAXP).

Pick up this book to acquire the skills needed to effectively create Java applications that can access a variety of data sources. Learn the basics of JDBC 3.0 and how it relates to the Java programming language as a whole. Then from this base, build your knowledge by reading about common advanced uses such as connection pooling, JSP implementations, and Enterprise JavaBeans. You will also gain an awareness of several object oriented design patterns for implementing JDBC solutions, and gain a knowledge of JNDI and how to use it to store and retrieve data using LDAP. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Not perfect, but a great find
This was one of those books I bought because I *really* needed some documentation on the JDBC that I couldn't find anywhere after poking around and googling up a storm. So, I took a chance before reading the reviews and was plesantly surprised. This book does have some duplicated material that can be found in less than a minute of googling, but its it really the middle of the book where the meat resides. The author's sample programs are well done and their writing style is easy to follow. Given that about 60% of the material is both useful and not easily found elsewhere this makes it a computer book above most others.

Excellent for JDBC, Poor for JNDI and JAXP
I came to Amazon looking for good books on JNDI and JAXP.So when I found this book that was supposed to cover both of these topics, I was quite pleased and bought it.Unfortunately, what I found out is that there is one chapter on JNDI, one chapter on JAXP, one chapter on EJB, and the other 16 chapters are on JDBC.I found the JNDI coverage to be acceptable, but certainly very short, and lacking in some areas.I found the JAXP coverage to be almost useless.
Although I know JDBC well, I figured I might as well read the rest of the book to recover some value from my purchase.I was surprised to find that the JDBC chapters were excellent.I learned many new things that I did not know about JDBC.Overall, I would say that this is the best JDBC coverage I've seen in any book.
So, if you're looking for a JDBC book I believe you'll be extremely pleased with this book.For just the JDBC section, I would give the book a perfect 5 rating.
However, if you are looking for a JAXP or JNDI book I believe you will be quite disappointed.For those topics I would give the book a 2 rating.

An Effective Tutorial, a Solid Guidebook, and a Great Read
When I pulled this book off the shelf, it just felt right, like all the pieces I needed were there.I'd been looking for a JDBC-type book for some time, but I didn't want a simple quick reference that left me wondering how to code for applications.I also didn't care to sift through a 1,000-page API reference in order to understand what JDBC was all about.This book is something completely and impressively different.

This is not a book for newcomers to the Java language, though I suspect anyone who's developed in Java will be able to follow along quite well.In fact, it's the author's writing style that makes learning JDBC almost effortless.The examples are numerous, easy to follow, and largely independent.However, the author frequently ties the concepts together nicely and it's plain to see how the examples may be incorporated into larger applications.I like that approach.

Another thing I especially appreciated was the author's effort to provide useful tips for solving real-world problems.In many cases, Todd provided an example implementation, but would describe cases where such an implementation may not be the most appropriate solution.Then, he would either give a short description of what to do instead or provide a snippet of code.That's a mark of a good instructor.

Other enjoyable and extremely useful parts of the book include patterns for implementation, discussion of JDBC data types and how they may differ for some databases, attention to the use of result set meta data, overview of EJB and JDBC uses, and various means for connecting to data sources including JNDI and LDAP.There's even a complete framework for wrapping JDBC calls within application logic.All of this is presented in the context of JDBC 2.0 and 3.0 and Todd clearly defines the version differences as they relate to implementation where appropriate.

I must point out that a few of the chapters were written by contributing authors, specifically chapters 15, 17, 18, and 19 (from what I can tell).These chapters are less related to JDBC itself but do concern the topic of "data access;" though, you may find that these chapters naturally have a somewhat different feel.

I can hardly imagine buying another JDBC book because I believe I've found most, if not all, of what I need.With great authors like Todd teaching us, we'll all end up experts! ... Read more