Visual Basic 6 Weekend Crash Course [With]

I found this book very beneficial. I hadn't done any programming other than some basic scripts for about 15 years. I found this book brought me up to date with VB6 and made me productive quickly.I find myself returning to the book as a resource for syntax help quite frequently.It may take someone completely new to VB a little longer to go through, but it is well worth it.

Actually I bought this book because it said 15 hrs and I wanted to wave it in front of the 21-day person. Little did I know that it was so good. I did not buy it for programming practices or tips. Starting from ground zero I needed to learn this to finish a project for a demo used for marketing. I was amazed at how easy the book was to follow. However it would be impossible without the VB in front of me. I know there is a disk, but it is not the same. My only problem was that the writer thought I needed help where I did not. That, I could live with. I understand programming. Then there were the times that the author left me hanging, thinking I knew how to think like Microsoft and would say, "Now just open the project window", like that was supposed to mean something? I was planning on some great mystery and was surprised to find that VB is BASIC with a few objects thrown in. I still have a ways to go but I think I can create replacement objects that are not "Microsoft proprietary", and can transfer the project to x-windows and other environments. Do not tell the 21-day person that it still takes me 21 days but this book got me off the ground with a running start. In the mean time this book is better than it promises.

I read the review dated 12/10 and thoughtabout it for a while. This guy, Lester, is a fool. His quibbles make it sound like you get no value from this book. Well let me hit his reasons and explain to you why THIS book rocks. Chatty..Dunno but Dickie never spoke much to me. Perhaps you have to be attuned to that; Errors...yeah there are some. He noted ALL of them so if Dickie puts up an errata you're good OR use Lester's errata, same thing. The ReverseString (Mandy) I think is getting neurotic. What book doesn't throw in perverse things BECAUSE you may be interested or may think of a reason (e.g. password generation); what book doesn't have errors? What software doesn't have errors? My quibble? More time on assignments and initialization (like a few extra notes). But beyond that, the book is great. I think one weekend is extreme, but if you are motivated I think it could be done. I am not that motivated and instead I think 1 section a day (Friday morning is a day, Saturday is 3 days; Sunday 1 or 2 days depending upon interest) is great and in 1 week you're up and running. Great concept flawed execution but this is a Microsoft book, eh? In the meantime, Dickie you really ought to put up an errata and think about assignments -- it would have made me life easier. Merry Christmas

If you can keep the author's marketing catch phrase of "learn VB6 in a weekend" in perspective you will quickly appreciate the organizational and presentation features incorporated into this book. I am taking a college course in VB6 and was trying to find supporting resources to supplement the assigned text book. The "weekend" Crash Course book is excellent for what it does - which is present in short condensed sections a lot of material that would otherwise be difficult to absorb in a short time. The short little quizzes at the end of each chapter (which also provide a short "hint" as to where to go back to re-read the paragraph to get the answer) are subtle yet effective. Like most things in life - you don't get good at something unless you practice! I have had this book for almost 3(+) weeks and have found that I can pick it up - jump around in it - and get back into the material without going straight through the chapter sequence.

I bought this book as to refresh my VB skills for a new job. This book was exactly what I was looking for: A good, thorough coverage of the basics. What I liked about this book was the way it was written. It was designed to be used Friday night, Sat, and Sunday, so by Sunday night, you will have a very capable working knowledge of visual basic. Even if you already know the basics, this is an excellent refresher, but I did learn some new stuff as well.The author did an extremely good job at designing these lessons. The book consist of thirty 30-minute lessons for a complete 15-hour course. That is what is great about this book. Each lesson can be done in thirty minutes. In plenty of other computer books I have purchased, the lessons and samples sometimes drag on, taking days to complete. By then, you usally have forgotten the main concept of what you are doing.The thirty minute lessons allow you to remain focused and really learn. Have you ever read a computer book, stopped to see how much more you had to read in your section, only to discover, "Gee, only 127 more pages to go for this topic." Well, not so in this book. The lessons also have little motivational reminders: "20 more minutes to go, 10 more minutes to go, etc." You don't feel overwhelmed or mentally exhausted. You are constantly rewarded with a sense of accomplishment as you complete each 30-minute section.You could give this book to your mom or sister, and they would be capable of programming in a few days.However, after it is read, it makes an excellent reference book. I am always referring to mine to look up topics and issues that arise.