Product Description
PowerBuilder 5: A Developer's Guide is a comprehensive guide to the leading client/server developmentenvironment for Windows. PowerBuilder 5: A Developer's Guide covers all aspects of PowerBuilder from the PowerBuilder Desktop to advanced data handling, automatedtransactions, and SQL programming. DataWindows, DatabasePainter, and OOP programming techniques are also covered and the CD-ROM contains all the sample applications from the book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Too much fluff, not enough code
This book continues the tradition of large margins, lots of screenprints that don't reflect what the IDE actually does, and not giving the information you need where you need it. For example, on page 722 under theheading "Distributing Applications," McClanahan writes, "Animportant fact that you may not be aware of is that you must distribute aset of PowerBuilder DLLs with your EXE files." He then proceeds NOT totell you what those files are, leaving you to your own devices. Gee, thanksDavid.

A good reference, perhaps, but a poor introduction.
I am still looking for a good introduction to Power Builder, but this isn't it.Perhaps for someone with extensive experience in another very similar visual tool, this would do as an only reference.However, it is of little use to someone attempting to learn the environment and the PowerBuilder methodology.For example, I have worked my way through almost 500 hundred pages and still have not seen how to connect a data window object to a data window control or how to bind and script the control with a program.Since these (amongst other missing) concepts are key to fishin' with PowerBuilder, the reader is left cuttin' bait.

Probably the best PowerBuilder introduction
We used McClanahan's Developer's Guide for the training of our entire staff when converting programmers to client/server development with Powerbuilder. Most of the programmers became certified Powerbuilder developers using only this book.I have purchased and read most of the PowerBuilder books, and this is easily the most informative and pratical introduction. Every concept is explained with a working code example. A number of typos, all minor and obvious. Advanced concepts are explained in more detail than most of the "advanced" PowerBuilder books

Less than adequate introduction
McClanahan's book provides a less than adequate introduction to the features of PowerBuilder 5;much of the book reads like a copy of the PowerBuilder Help files. Also, the number of typographical errors is extremely high - sentences are left incomplete, references to figures are incorrect, controls are referenced by incorrect names, etc. You would think that someone also responsible for teaching PowerBuilder classes would take the time to ensure that the material which he presented in his book lived up to the highest standards!

Very clear and easy to follow.
I am an experienced Foxpro 2.6 programmer changing to PowerBuilder.This book was written at just the right level for a programmer switching to this environment.My experience programming in FoxPro made the transfer to PowerBuilder very easy. The book is written in a very easy logical order with excellent examples. I also program in dBASE5 for DOS and if this was the only language I programmed in I wouldfind this book very difficult to follow.The reader must have experience in a windows environment to really understand the topics covered. This book is definetly for advanced programmers only! ... Read more

Product Description
Taken from our five day Advanced PowerBuilder course, this book introduces the reader to advanced techniques used to develop fully functional, well-performing business applications using PowerBuilder.Among the topics presented are advanced DataWindow reporting and presentation styles, dynamic modification of DataWindow behavior, use of DataStores and DataWindow sharing, user objects,

advanced GUI controls, and implementation of drag and drop. The lab setup and solution diskette included with the book provides the files required to perform the hands-on labs, and includes a set of solutions to the lab exercises for student review. For an additional$175.00 an instructor kit is provided, the kit includes the PowerPoint Slides and the instructor notes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Powerbuilder power lesson
This is definately the book to get to get up to speed with powerbuilder. I just picked up the advanced book in this series. by the way, newer versions covering powerbuilder versions thru 10.5 are available from the author/publisher, [...] And you won't have to pay more than the list price, which is what some used copies are listing for.

An excellent book for further PowerBuilder learning
The intro book was excellent, so it was a no-brainer getting the advanced book. The advanced book provided excellent help for me as a new PowerBuilder user. As soon as you open the book, you're already learning plenty of tips that will help you later. Yes, this info is in PowerBuilder help, but here it's all in a nice, consise 'get-to-the-point' format. This book is used in the company's actual advanced class, so you also get a disk with exercises and solutions. The price may seem a little much for some, but for someone having to learn this quickly, which makes sense economically - 1)spend a couple of thousand in some 3 day 'quick' class or 2)spend a couple of hundred and get what you need without leaving your desk? This book is definitely worth it.The chapters on the datawindow report presentation styles (tabular, grid, etc) are excellent!

Excellent Book
If there was ever a book teaching Powerbuilder 7 advanced secrets thenthis is it.A must have for all developers of Powerbuilder.What youlearn in this book is invaluable

Get the right way
This book realy help me in construction of classes and objects using the PowerBuilder 7. It's desvending and show the secrets. If you want a way to mastering PowerBuilder, this is the right way. ... Read more

Product Description
This timely, comprehensive guide to the industry's foremost graphical user interface development tool-Powerbuilder-covers all of the features of the long-awaited Version 5 using an object-oriented approach to design and development. Powerbuilder authorities William Green and Millard Brown deliver an advanced primer on development with Powerbuilder 5, focusing on managerial issues, class library application development, documentation, training, and deployment. ... Read more

Product Description
The datawindow is the single most important and complex object in the PowerBuilder language.A discussion of SQL, which is the bedrock that PowerBuilder datawindows are built on, provides the foundation of this book.The properties of all of the objects that can be placed in the datawindow are discussed, readying readers for advanced datawindow use.The advanced concepts covered include three-dimensional graphing, Serviced Based Architecture, and the use of DataStores in distributed computing.The numerous tables and screen shots will help readers move from beginner to advanced quickly and painlessly. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Don'twaste your time in this book
Brooks does not know how to write books. The 5 stars in other books of this author makes me think reviews are coming fromhimself. I saw the web page of the author and it's only too sample codes for beginners, and he wants to sell them !!!! ... Read more

Product Description
Taken from our five day Basic PowerBuilder course, this book provides a hands-on introduction to all aspects of application development with PowerBuilder. Each component is covered in the context of using PowerBuilder to develop Windows-based, client/server production business applications. The topics are reinforced through a series of hands-on lab exercises in which the reader creates a fullyfunctional PowerBuilder application. The lab setup and solution diskette included with the book providesthe files required to perform the hands-on labs, and includes a set of solutions to the lab exercises forstudent review. For an additional $175.00 an instructor kit is provided, the kit includes the PowerPoint Slides and the instructor notes. This is the most popular PowerBuilder courseware on the market. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent Intro to Powerbuilder
Learning PowerBuilder from scratch wasn't a problem with this book.It took me down the concepts step by step and has been an excellent reference.This book did hand-holding, which for someone who was using PB for the first time, was a great help.The price may seem alot but you get the exercises on disk with the solutions.For those IT people who don't have time to go to a class outside work and spend big $$$ this book is definitely worth it. You won't be sorry you bought it.The next logical step is to get her Advanced PowerBuilder 7 book!

A must for Previous PB Users
Makes you very comfortable with PB 7 techniques and tricks.... A must Buy/ A must Try....... Tooo Good! ... Read more

Product Description
Covers important new features for developers including compiled code, distributed objects, and Windows 95 applications and provides extensive coverage of advanced object-oriented techniques.(Intermediate). ... Read more

Product Description
A complete reference that covers every feature of PowerBuilder 6, with an expert's look at the mechanics of the software. Includes numerous tips, tricks, troubleshooting techniques, and previously undocumented information. Provides solutions to most problems encountered with PB 6. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Not up to'advanced'
Being a novice PB programmer I wanted more from the book than just a mention of all PB elements.It does mention more than the Fundamentals book. I guess I was looking for a book called 'Operational PB' which might have had more real-world examples in it about how to do the ordinary type things any programmer might weant to do in the average PB application. This wasn't it.I'll have to write it myself, sometime. This book was more an advanced accessory to PB help.

Good book!
Hello. I read this book. It was okay! I have read many powerbuilder books and to this date, I have not found one that really covers what I want. Maybe my expectations are too hight! I guess all of the authors write forwhat they would like to write about and not for what we want.

However, Iregistered my book, and I did receive a corrections page. I think thecorrections page is also available on the publisher's web site.

I knowfor a fact that this author, on his web site is looking for suggestions forhis next book. So I guess they are listening....

It's a good book, but there are some unacceptable errors...
I'd start to say that only buy this book if you are an experienced powerbuilder developer. Why? Because there is some errors that could lead an inexperienced developer to sink. To be more precisely, I will list someerrors that scared me:

Page 89: ... the control array for the Tab controlis only updated when tab pages are created in the Painters. It's wrong. Thecontrol array is update automatically by Powerbuilder when you use thefollowing funtions: 1. OpenTab( ) 2. OpenUserObject( ) 3.OpenTabWithParm() 4. OpenUserObjectWithParm( ) 5. CloseTab( ) 6.CloseUserObject( ) 7. MoveTab( ) It's a new feature of Powerbuilder6

Page 41: ... Code table can be defined for the following edit styles: *Checkbox * DropdownDatawindow * Etc There is no table code forcheckbox.

Page 473: ...Here are validvalues: (communication drivers) *Winsock * OpenClientServer* NamedPipes * Local OpenClientServer driver isno more available in Powerbuilder 6

Well, there are others errors. But ifyou are good enough to detect them...go ahead.... buy the book, it'd worth. Butif you are not prone to detect and correct others mistakes, I'd suggest tryanother book.

I liked this book.
I wanted to say that I really liked this book. I am surprized that someone posted a message saying that the validation rules were wrong. The order of the validation rules are CORRECT. I guess this person needs to learn PowerBuilder. Since version 5, Powersoft changed the order of the validationrules. I enjoyed reading this book. I also found the database chapters verygood too.

My suggestion to Mr. gorgani is to concentrate on one majorfeature of Power Builder for the next release like pfc or distributed.

I read the book. It was excellent.
This is to the reader from New York, NY:

I think you need to call Powersoft and find out for yourself that the "Validation Rules" are as described in this book. These validation rules were changed sinceversion 5.0 and differ from version 4.0.I made the same mistake as youwhen I took the datawindow advanced course but to my surprize, I found outthat the validtion rules were changes.

Sorry but I had to jump in. ... Read more

Product Description
Taken from our five day Advanced PowerBuilder course, thisbook introduces the reader to advanced techniques used to developfully functional, well-performing business applications usingPowerBuilder.Among the topics presented are advanced DataWindowreporting and presentation styles, dynamic modification of DataWindowbehavior, use of DataStores and DataWindow sharing, user objects,advanced GUI controls, and implementation of drag and drop. The labsetup and solution diskette included with the book provides the filesrequired to perform the hands-on labs, and includes a set of solutionsto the lab exercises for student review.Available in 5.0 or6.0. $150.00. For an additional $175.00 an instructor kit is provided,the kit includes the PowerPoint Slides and the instructor notes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

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fsdfgs gsdf gfd gdf g fdgd ... Read more

Product Description
Programming with the PFC 8.0 is a hands-on PFC tutorial. It provides plain English examples of how to implement the PFC into an application. Programming with the PFC is filled with over 230 pages of code examples, explanations, and easy to follow labs. It is the best selling PFC book on the market. It is self-paced and can be used with or without an instructor. This programming guide is an exceptional value for the student who can't attend our three-day PFC class, but would like to own the course material. Also available in version 7.0. Please be advised that little has changed in the PFC from the 7.0 version. The content of this book is unchanged from the 7.0 version ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

This is not a book, this is a course binder
I have attended Chet's course's before on other subjects and found them to be very helpful. So when I need a book on PowerBuilder and saw his name, I was thrilled. The only problem with this book is that it is not a book...It's a course binder. I think for[dollar amount] I should have received a true book. ...My comments are in no way a reflection of Chet's work, I think he does a great job of instructing, and informing. I beleive that the Publisher's were the ones that are [charging too much].

i want one book
dear sir, I'm a student of thailand, i'm interest in powerbuilder6 program but i cann't buy your book because it's so expensive for me ... Read more

Product Description
This comprehensive guide to the PowerBuilder Foundation Classes lists all the objects and functions that a programmer might use for a project including notes on each function. Service-based architecture and appropriate object-oriented techniques are stressed throughout. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

a total flop
Mr. Brooks is possibly the worst author I have ever read. The help files really were more helpful than this book was. He ought to go move to the Hedonism resort he reviewed a book on because the programing world could not possibly miss him if his wok is on the level of his writing.

Hard to read.
This is the worst book I have ever read. I put my nose through the thick book and learn nothing. Later I read a thin book from Powersoft PFC training. I learn a lot from each page of it.

The author of this book does not know how to write book.

Not useful for PFC 6+
This reference book restates most of the reference material available in the PFC online books. The reason for this (as stated in the book) is that back in PB 5 days, the online books were only available if the CD was in your drive. As of PB 6, the books can be installed on a hard drive. The PFC 6 features are only glanced at. The focus is on PFC 5 features. So if you're using PB 5/PFC 5, this book is great. Otherwise, it's not useful at all. I returned this book.

I agree with Daniel J Brunkow ...
... and many functions are obsolete. If you want to learn about PFC, read the Online Books.

Hard copy of online help
The "PFC Programmer's Reference Manual" is basically a hard copy of the online help that comes with PFC.If that's what you're looking for this book is good, otherwise, you can get the same information from onlinehelp.

This book also has some publishing errors - on page 83 itreferences Appendix M - the book has no appendix M! ... Read more

Product Description
-Special Edition Using PowerBuilder 6is a tutorial that teaches how to program and use PowerBuilder 6 in a clear, step-by-step approach. -Special Edition Using PowerBuilder 6goes beyond the teaching of other PowerBuilder books by including intermediate to advanced level information that can be referenced later.-New:Among the new features are the additions of notes and tips aimed at people interested in obtaining the Power Builder Certification (CPD). -Expanded: The Tips from the Expert section will be improved and expanded. -New:Features requested by readers as well as new features to PowerBuilder will be added to the book. This will include coverage of the PowerBuilder Foundation Classes, Internet functionality, distributed programming, and more.

• PowerBuilder continues to be one of the primary solutions to creating Client/Server and distributed systems at the corporate level.
• Improved Edition: Special Edition Using PowerBuilder 6has been updated to cover all the new features that have been added to PowerBuilder since the release of version 5 as well as adding features requested by our readers.
• Improved Product: PowerBuilder 5 was a limited upgrade to the previous bestselling version 4. Version 5 focused primarily on moving from Windows 3.1 to Windows 95. Since the release of version 5, Powersoft has added key features.
• Special Bonus: Includes coverage of how to become a Certified PowerBuilder Developer (CPD).

Customer Reviews (10)

Clear and Step-by-Step THIS.
This was the textbook chosen by my educational institute to introduce us to PowerBuilder and Object-Oriented Fundamentals. I'd have to say it fails on each of those counts.

You're not introduced to PowerScript untilnearly halfway through the book, the code is NOT laid out in a step-by-stepfashion AT ALL after the first chapter or so (and even then), there arecoding errors all over the place, and the finished product that you candownload has all sorts of inconsistencies with what's in the book (it's asthough they kept the application the same from PowerBuilder 5 and neverbothered to check the new text against it or something).

I'm in theprocess right now of trying to reverse engineer the example from Que'swebsite and compare my own to figure out what snippets the book has omittedthat are preventing my application from functioning properly. Thank you,William Heys, for depriving me of some much-needed sleep. :P~

Good as a reference, Look elsewhere if you're a beginner
While the book is good for referencing topics when you already know PowerBuilder.You might find yourself lost if you're starting out and trying to follow the example from the book.There are points where thefigures in the book don't match where you are at that point in the code. Not to mention the fact that the code that you can download is differentthen the code descibed in the book.Definetly not a book to learnPowerBuilder from.

Needs work.
There are numerous errors throughout which would turn many developers away from PB, especially beginners.I cannot recommend this book.

Just an awful book which makes the project very complicated
The book does not help beginners at all as it claims to. It assumes aprior knowledge of PB otherwise you get lost. The project which the book takes you through has parts missing when you compare it to the downloadableversion. You go crazy trying to figure that out. There are other books outthere which are much better. Do not waste your money on it esp beginners asthis book will only make you hate PB.

It is full of theory.
I have not learned too muchfrom thisbook ... Read more

Product Description
Covering PowerBuilder (DPB) in great detail, going over various concepts and components that are involved with building an application and making it available over the network, this resource begins with an explanation of the main thrust behind distributed computing, followed by the steps of creating a simple application. An exploration of how PowerBuilder can be used in distributed solutions both with and without using DPB is also provided. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A must buy for "Advanced" Developers!
Distributed Application Development with PowerBuilder 6 is dedicated to distributed application development in the PowerBuilder environment. Itfocuses on Distributed PowerBuilder.This text is packed with code samplesto guide you every step of the way. Also included is a robust serverframework I have used on real-world projects. A "must buy" foranyone preparing to go to the next level of PB development!

This book is terrific!
If you are a Powerbuilder Guru, you must read this book, otherwise you'd take the risk to know less than your apprentices. If you are a novice, you must read it to become a Guru. Don't loose time with me, go to buy one!

Two Thumbs Up !!!
I just can't wait until I finish reading the entire book before I post this review because this is the best PowerBuilder book I have ever read. This book leads you through the steps on how to develop a distributedPowerBuilder applications. This is a must have and the only book you needto learn how to write DPB applications. Well done, Michael !!

Excellent book
This book cover all aspects of Powerbuilder Distributed components.It is clear, informative, well written and contain many examples.Although covering what is generally considered an advanced topic, this book shouldbe understandable by Powerbuilder beginners.Most technical books coveringa product are bad.This is a welcome exception.Overall an excellentbook.

This is a very good book covering Distributed Powerbuilder
This book is very helpful in covering all of the details of building an Distributed PB Application. I recommend it for others to read for it is very helpful and informative. ... Read more

Product Description
A thorough presentation of the use of PowerBuilder 6.0 for Internet/intranet and web-based applications. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent Technical Jumpstart
This was an excellent technical jumpstart into using Web.PB and other PowerBuilder 6 internet development tools.Fortunately, Powerbuilder 7 is much richer (read better) for web development.But unfortunately this bookonly covers PB 6 techniques. I would still recommend it for folks needingto get PB6 to do web stuff.There are even fewer books out on PB7 and EAS.

I would also highly recommend "Distributed Application Developmentwith PowerBuilder 6.0" by Michael J. Barlotta. (another Manning book).

An Incredible Book
This book covers every aspect of programming in PowerBuilder for the net.This is not a difficult subject, but it is complex. There are a lot ofsetup issues and there is a change in programming style from thetraditional PowerBuilder. This book covers all of that in easy tounderstand style. It does so completely and in such a fashion as to make iteasy to follow.

I would recommend this book to all PowerBuilderprogrammers, you never know when you are going to be faced with aPowerBuilder project that has to be on a net. ... Read more

Product Description
Contains a solid introduction to object oriented, GUI development environments with no programming experience necessary. Provides client/server fundamentals with guidelines for writing successful applications. Presents design standards for creating effective interfaces and databases. Includes Internet techniques for deploying applications globally, with an introduction to creating full-featured, Internet-enabledprograms. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Must have for beginners
Of all the books for PowerBuilder I have used this is the greatest!I learned PowerBuilder in depth in less than a week with this book.While I have an extensive programming background, it would not be necessary to make use of this book.Well written and documented.If you are using PB 6.5 there are some minor differences between what is in the book and how your PB will work.The book was written with a prerelease version of PB 6.Hats off to the authors, this is one of the best books I have bought in a long time!

I thgought it was great !!!
I'm a VB, ASP and Coldfusion programmer. I've read the "Using Powerbuilder 6" and the "Powerbuilder Unleashed" series. The "Powerbuilder Unleashed" is a good reference for the intermediate and the "Using Powerbuilder 6" is worthless!! After purchasing this book I was up and coding, creating a multi-form application in a week. If you're a beginner and want a solid foundation this is the book.

This book was a waste of money.
This book was full of gaps in the tutorials. I would be on a complete roll and then be stuck with the worthless index. This book is only good if you have someonewho knows PowerBuilder near buy.

Beginners...Start Here!!!
I had no PowerBuilder experience whatsoever, but after going through this book I have developed several applications. The book is written in a very basic and step-by-step manner. This is the best PowerBuilder book I havecome across for beginners ever!

One of the worst issues on PowerBuilder available
This book tends to be a comprehensive guide and the name even chosen as "Official PowerBuilder".What you are going to find inside some very brief description of the most difficult subjects and a very solidguide on how and where to click without even minimum description needed.Authors of the book first showing you some meaningless examples.First,the introduction of DataWindow (one of the most complicated classesavailable in PB) happens to be even before discussing a PowerScriptlanguage used throughout the "tutorial".The"tutorial" in it's turn is just nothing else, but a set ofinstructions that doesn't mean anything to you (unless you are aPowerBuilder programmer).Only after you went through a half of the book,the authors very briefly covering the most important bases of the languageand the development environment. As the conclusion, this is one of thebooks you might find useful to read if you are a working programmer andwant to refresh your memories.This is not the choice to start or toimprove your PowerBuilder studies. ... Read more