Visual Basic 6 Programming: Business Applications with a Design Perspective

To be honest I haven't had this book long enough for a full review but from what I've been able to read in the past couple of days this is probably the best VB6 programming book I've come across so far. I've acquired all of the top 20 "bestsellers" on the subject but this stands apart from the rest. Author Tsay doesn't just know how to write code, as a teacher he appears to be extremely gifted. For example, his coverage of sorting algorithms and how they work is light years beyond what I've seen in the other VB books. The author has a knack for encapsulating his examples, providing small succinct chunks of knowledge and then making it all stick. Almost like making a sculpture out of clay he goes on to build upon that foundation incrementally to the point where you're fully able to get your head around what were previously considered (by me anyway) to be difficult subjects. Other authors would do well to emulate the techniques used by Mr. Tsay to impart his teaching in this book. Don't be put-off by the "Business" title either, if you're Beginner-Intermediate like me this book is exactly what you need. My only complaint would be internet transfers and such were not covered, but the VB6 language is so feature rich one can't expect a single book to do it all. This is a book you'll build a strong programming foundation with and that's a big key to longterm success, while reading it I almost felt like a private tutor was by my side. Note however, if you're the type of reader who wants a bunch of code to paste from a CD into your application without knowing how it works then you don't want to buy this book.

I have been reading this book for the past 1 month. This book has all you need to learn the VB programming. The author has provided lot of examples and a lot of exercises. I do not see any reason why I can't give 5 stars for this book.

If you are just beginning VB6 or brushing up on basic concepts, this book will fit the bill. Many examples to "explain" how to program and what the functions mean in the real world. No fluff here, just real world programming. It covers basic concepts, controls, built-in functions, input/output (file i/o), Database with ADO, a very god chapter on the use of arrays, Object-oriented progamming, and even some API calls to extend VB6. I have been programming since 1984 and more recently since 1996 to VB. This is a great way to get started. You won't waste you money here!

Jeff Tsay developed this book from his vast experience in both industry and as a college professor. This author possesses the real-world know-how of Visual Basic development as well as the ability to teach difficult topics to large audiences. I studied under this author in college. When I signed up for his class, I was already working in the industry with a little over two years experience as a programmer. This book, along with Jeff's expert instruction, advanced my career tremendously. I still refer to this book for expert advice. Jeff covers everything from the basics of VB programming to more advanced user interface development. He talks about algorithms and teaches optimized coding practices. He explores objects and classes, and ActiveX development. He talks at length about ADO and database connectivity. He even covers Win32 API programming. I can't possible list all of the features it offers. You will take from this book everything you need to become the Visual Basic developer that you've always dreamed. First-time programmers will appreciate Jeff's style and gain a solid foundation from which to grow. Advanced developers will acquire an edge that will differentiate them in the industry. The other VB books I've read are either too dull or don't cover anything beyond the basics. You will find no 'fluff' in this book. Jeff's book is expertly written, delivering the appropriate information in each chapter right when it's needed. I owe Jeff a debt of gratitude for what his instruction has done for my career and my pocketbook. Highly recommended by someone who has used it. Thanks, Jeff.

This is a good book for people who want to study Visual Basic 6, especially for business purpose. The first few chapters talk about the fundamental skills, such as controls, events, and functions, that are necessary for people who start learning VB6. In the middle parts of the book it starts using some complicated concepts, such as Decision and Repetition to solve some business related problems. This book also shows how VB6 can work with MS Access Database file since database and VB6 work together become a powerful application for business. It also mentions a little concepts on SQL and how SQL can be embeded inside the VB6. In the last few chapters of this book, the topic becomes more focus on the Data Error checking, Menu and Multiple Form Application, and Object Oriented Programming. Given that this is a textbook for business application using VB6, some of the examples in the book involves some accounting concepts and might make you feel hard to understand if you are not an Accounting major. However, it is a book focuing on the use of VB6 in business. I would recommend you to read this book if you really want to learn something in VB6 and business.