Customer Rating: 
Summary: It is OK
Comment: For those beginners who want to learn how to program in VB.net or VB 2008, this book is not for you. Note that the book cover says "Programmer Reference". If you are already a programmer in VB, then this is your reference. I know how to program in VBA (Visual basic for application) yet I found it hard to follow the book beyond chapter 8. The first 7 chapters were spent explaining some very simple stuff, like how to color a button and how to rearrange the control menu, etc. and when the "Getting Started" part started, I got lost.
Don't expect simple examples that teach you how to create your first VB program. In other words: No "Hello World" program. Maybe I will find this book useful next year when I'm more knowledgeable in VB.
Customer Rating: Summary: Visual Basic 2008 Programmers Reference
Comment: Your VB2008 book is terrific. I'm now using it all the time.
It's a great reference library. It has been very helpful in making my applications user friendly and accomplishing my objectives. Great Job.
Customer Rating: Summary: Another Excellent Stephens Book!
Comment: I have taught programming for about 20 years in a local college. I have several other Rod Stephens books so when I needed a book to help me with the new features in Visual Basic 2008, this book was my first choice. I was not disappointed. At over 1000 pages it covers just about everything you might need, whether you are a beginner or an expert. The good explanations are backed up by good examples. I highly recommend it.
Customer Rating: Summary: Solid examples: a great book for beginners, or seasoned vets.
Comment: For the novice user this book will take you by the hand, and guide you through VB.NET from the IDE, to basic principles and concepts of OO programing, and into concrete examples, covering a vast amount of information. There is an incredible 200+ page appendix.
Like most other books on the subject, the sections that cover parts of VB that I work with daily (and thus understand well) offered few new insights. The other 75% of the book has proved to be extremely helpful!
If you truly "know" VB.NET '08 inside and out, then you don't need this book (or any others for that matter!), for the rest of us the useful information abounds.
Customer Rating: Summary: Stephens never disappoints
Comment: A weighty tome with substance to match the heft. Mr. Stephens knows his material and knows how to make his knowledge accessible. This book has become a necessary adjunct all of my VB projects.
