ASP 3.0 Programmer's Reference

Let's face it, no ASP programmer can remember it all, so having a handy-dandy reference book that cuts to the chase is a must. This book does just that, and then some. I turn to it all the time(mostly because I can't stand the MS online doc). A great companion to this book is Proffesional Active Server Pages 3.0, goes into more depth and more examples. Also, Beginning ASP Databases and SQL in 10 minutes was very helpful. Using mostly these four books, I've been able to develop several full blown, database driven ASP web sites.

As an ASP programmer, I use this reference almost every day on the job. It covers the API's of ASP, ADO and other related MS technologies very thoroughly indeed. Examples are plenty, and useful. Looking up for something takes me a few seconds, and the text is quite to the point.For beginnning programmers, or those new to ASP, you might need another book before this one...got this reference, so I could find information quickly during my time-sensitive job...So make sure you know the script language well enough before you use it for ASP...In fact, the book shows examples in both VBScript and JScript, unlike most other books which just mention VBScript...I found ALL the specific details of ASP, and saved precious time on the job.

As a Reference it is great. If you learned the basics of ASP and DNA in a basic course or using one of those "Teach Yourself" books, you should be able to take advantage of this book. If you are new to it, learn it first, then come back. There are no real life example heres or big case studies. The examples are relevant to what this is: A Reference. If you enjoy the "In a Nutshell" series, you will like this one. Always on my desk I feel I can acomplish anything my boss troughs at me.

As an intermediate ASP programmer many times you need to find reference for how to do something in a hurry. Well this book is the answer. Concise clear well organized. Good reference coverage of XML to the end. I've had it for a couple months and it has proven invaluable to me and my team for reference. This book is not designed to teach you to code elegantly and efficiently, but even if you are a seasoned ASP programmer.. don't pass this one up. Definitely a good buy for your reference shelf.

Generally, I buy Wrox books to get an overview of the terrain, then buy an O'Reilly nutshell book for reference purposes. ASP 3.0 Programmer's Reference is the exception that proves the rule. It's excellently put together, easy to navigate, and unusually broad in scope. You get a lot for your money.One more thing: since ASP programmers tend to be less steeped in technology than, say, C++ programmers, it's especially important to have a reference that's easy to use and clear on every point. That's the best part about ASP 3.0 Programmer's Reference -- you never feel like you're lost (unless you're totally unfamiliar with the language, like the gentleman below.)