Book recommendation (Reference/Advanced)

Hi.

I am experienced in C++ and Java (as well as a range of other languages). I am new to VB.NET, but had a few looks at Visual Basic many years ago.

I need to get up and running with VB.NET fast; specifically I need to be able to create web applications using webforms in VB.NET.

I purchased Deitel's "VB.NET How to program" which was a mistake, since it is an extremely slow introduction for programming novices (yes, my fault).

So I need a recommendation for a book/several books. Requirements:

1) Subject: should cover what I need for doing web programming (mostly webforms) in VB.NET.

2) Should be complete, accurate and concise.

3) I don't need general descriptions of programming language concepts such as control structures or OOP, but I need a description of how these are implemented in VB.NET.

4) Should describe the .NET Framework (with which I don't have any experience).

Will a volume like Balena's Core Reference cover all I need, or is it best to go for seperate references for e.g. VB.NET language, .NET Framework and ASP.NET (such as O'Reilly's Nutshell books)?

Or do I need any works (in addition to an introductory book) at all, or will I find everything I need in the electronic documentation?

Thank you very much in advance.

Phanthomas

Best Books I've purchased:
1) Visual Basic .NET and the .NET Platform, Andrew Troelsen, APress
2) Programming Visual Basic .NET, Francesco Balena, Microsoft Press

The troelsen book is based on beta 2 code with a deal where when they update the code in the book to the latest version they'll send you an electronic copy of the changes(all apress books promise this which is kinda cool, wrox should take note)

Both books are pretty pricey, i'd suggest amazon(cuz they always have free shipping and 30 percent off)

Book to avoid:
Moving to VB.NET::Strategies, Concepts, and Code, Mr. Appleman is a smart man but a horrible teacher/writer.

Thanks for the reply, pvb.

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Originally posted by pvb
Best Books I've purchased:
1) Visual Basic .NET and the .NET Platform, Andrew Troelsen, APress
2) Programming Visual Basic .NET, Francesco Balena, Microsoft Press

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It seems like these books are quite similar. For you, do they cover different needs? As I said, I am thinking of Balena.

Quote:

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Both books are pretty pricey, i'd suggest amazon(cuz they always have free shipping and 30 percent off)

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Yes, Amazon.com definitely have the best prices on these ones. (Unfortunately, I don't get free shipping to Europe).

Quote:

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Book to avoid:
Moving to VB.NET::Strategies, Concepts, and Code, Mr. Appleman is a smart man but a horrible teacher/writer.

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Thanks again.

Phanthomas

I'd say go with Balena's book, it's a little more in depth than the Troelsen's.

Programming Microsoft Visual Basic .Net: Core Reference
Fransesco Balena
ISBN: 0-7356-1375-3

Just a quick suggestion, I would use C# if I were you. C# is really similar to Java and C++. Since your experience is in those areas, it would take you less time because you already know the syntax. You would then just need to learn the framework. Your C# code can be used with vb.net also if you need it to work with other members on a team.

I think hellswraith has a good suggestion there. As for Balena's book it is very good but it doesn't really cover much in the area of web forms, or it at least doesn't focus on it. It covers more of the core of VB.NEt.

I also like the Mastering Series books. However, I really dont dig the 1000+ page books b/c they cover so many topics. What I usually do is by a seperate book for each different topic (ADO.NET, ASP.NET, Remoting, etc..) It's all a matter of taste. The only downside is that is costs alot of cheese to buy all these damn books..;)

Where can you find these mastering series books or CDs for .NET?

They are published by Sybex. I've read a few of them, covering VB6 and databases and they were so so...
But the mastering series which targets .NET is excellent. I would
strongly recommend Mastering Visual C# .NET.