Recently we made the decision where I work that all developers should pass
the MCAD
within 12 months as a part of our effort to move all new projects to .Net and to
raise the bar for minimum proficiency. Agree or disagree with certification,
it's a good way to get everyone moving and it gives a decent metric of progress
towards the goal. How it works out....we'll see!
Anyway, the point of this is to talk about the book we selected to use as an
initial study tool - Developing
Windows Based Applications with Microsoft VB.Net and C#.Net. Hardcover, 541
pages, retails for $69.99, about $49 from Amazon. The MCAD is fairly new and
there isn't a lot of choice for study materials. Book includes a 60 day eval of
.Net Pro edition on DVD plus a fully searchable ebook.
The book consists of 10 chapters, starting with the basics of the framework,
working through objects and forms, finishing up with chapters on security and
deployment. So far we've worked our way through chapters 1-4 and have found the
material fairly easy to understand. If you've never programmed this book isn't
going to work for you. If you have programmed and have a decent understanding of
objects it should work fine.
I didn't expect to like the book because of the dual coverage of VB and C#.
I'm a VB guy, yes, and if you prefer C#, that's ok with me! I can do what I need
to do in VB and since it's now a first class citizen, why would I want to
change? Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised to see how it works out in the book.
All code examples are duplicated in both languages and the differences where
they exist are clearly explained. I may not want to use C#, but being able to
read it is worthwhile for sure an this is a great way to get comfortable with
it. Have to say it's interesting seeing some of the differences. Nothing huge,
but interesting all the same. (Read the book!)
It's an exam prep book and so covers a lot of ground. If you're looking to
learn either language, I think you'd be better off looking for an intro book
rather than this one. I'm also reading Programming
Microsoft Visual Basic .NET and will try to write something up on it in the
next few weeks.
I'll report back once I've had a chance to work through the Transcender exam
and take the actual exam, let you know if the book does a good job of exam prep.
So far I think it does, but who knows until you take the test? (Note: I won't
write anything that will violate the exam NDA, just comment on whether I think
if you study using the book you'll be properly prepared for the exam.)
Anyone else pursuing MCAD or MCSD for .Net? Found a book you like or have you
tried this one? Add your comments to the article using the link below.
