Book Description
Knowing how and when to work in C++ is the key to building better, more efficient Windows applications. This book teaches you how to use C++ to enhance your VB applications—without rewriting them from the ground up. In this book, you will learn to write DLLs that use the performance and capabilities of C++, which provide access to APIs not easily supported by VB. Using C++ and the ATL (Active Template Library), you can even write ActiveX components that don’t require a huge runtime library.

Writing from the perspective of an advanced VB programmer—and using his own learning process as the framework—author Jonathan Morrison teaches you how to harness the development power of C++. Beginning with an overview of the ways in which C++ complements VB, he moves on to cover the VC++ development environment that most VB programmers will turn to first—Visual Studio—exploring a wealth of topics including the differences between VB and C++ compilers, the C preprocessor, and the process of memory management in C++.

In the second half of the book, Morrison discusses the basics of the C++ language, including data and variables, operators, loops, and control statements. He then covers pointers, classes, and templates. The book also contains comprehensive coverage of VB and C++ DLLs, how to use C++ DLLs with VB programs, the ATL, and COM objects.

No prior knowledge of C or C++ is assumed, but readers should have a working knowldege of VB.


Download Description
Morrison teaches VB programmers how to use C++ while addressing their Visual Basic knowledge--making the transition as easy as possible. The only book by a VB programmer for VB programmers specifically written for those trying to learn C++. Learn to create DLLs and COM components that can be used from Visual Basic. A copy of the Introductory Edition of Visual C++ is included with this book! Visual Basic can be used to quickly create Windows applications and it is a relatively easy language to learn. However, there are limits to what Visual Basic alone can do. C++ is used for very complex and advanced systems programming, but it, unlike VB, is very difficult to learn. Together this creates a dilemma for many programmers who are forced to develop in only one language or the other. C++ for VB Programmers gives Visual Basic programmers what they need to know in order to combine these two powerful tools to create truly world-class applications.


Book Info
A guide for those familiar with Visual Basic to learning to use C++ programming language to enhance Windows applications without rewriting them from the ground up. The included CD-ROM comes with and introductory edition of Visual C++ 6.0. Softcover.


About the Author
Jonathan Morrison has written several books on C++ and Visual Basic programming, and has over 7 years of experience developing applications in Visual Basic, C++, and Java. He has consulted for Racal Datacom, The Maxim Group, and Cyberguard, and has held lead development positions at AIG, Autonation USA, and Digitalbond Inc. He currently works for Microsoft’s Solution Integration Engineering Team, where he helps Microsoft’s enterprise customers design, develop, and debug their large-scale applications.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

- Morrison teaches VB programmers how to use C++ while addressing their Visual Basic knowledge—making the transition as easy as possible - The only book by a VB programmer for VB programmers specifically written for those trying to learn C++ - Learn to create DLLs and COM components that can be used from Visual Basic - A copy of the standard edition of Visual C++ is included with this book! Visual Basic can be used to quickly create Windows applications and it is a relatively easy language to learn. However, there are limits to what Visual Basic alone can do. C++ is used for very complex and advanced systems programming, but it, unlike VB, is very difficult to learn. Together this creates a dilemma for many programmers who are forced to develop in only one language or the other. C++ for VB Programmers gives Visual Basic programmers what they need to know in order to combine these two powerful tools to create truly world-class applications.

Author Biography: Jonathan Morrison has over five years of experience developing applications in both Visual Basic and C++. He has consulted for Racal Datacom and Cyberguard, and has held lead development positions at AIG, Autonation USA and Digitalbond Inc. Morrison has vast experience integrating Visual Basic and C++ in enterprise environments.

SYNOPSIS

Visual Basic is the most popular programming language in the world today. It can be used to quickly create a Windows application and has a short learning curve. However, there are limits to what Visual Basic alone can do. By contrast, C++ is used for very complex and advanced systems programming and it has a very steep learning curve.

Because of the differences between the two languages, many programmers develop expertise in either one language or the other. The optimal situation would be for a programmer to be able to harness the power of C++ and take advantage of VB, thus allowing him to create Windows software in the most efficient manner possible.