Book Review - SharePoint 2007 Development Recipes by Mark E. Gerow
Category Book Review Mark E. Gerow SharePoint 2007 Development Recipes
In nearly all the technologies I work with, I like to see working examples of code that I can "R&D" (Rob & Duplicate). This holds even more true for new stuff I'm learning, and SharePoint 2007 Development Recipes by Mark E. Gerow is a great book that's already given me ideas for routines I need to build.
Contents:
Site Management; Working with Users; Working with Lists; Working with Web Parts; Working with Event Handlers; Working with Templates; Modifying Pages with JavaScript; Advanced Dishes; Index
As stated in the title, Gerow takes the "recipe" approach to this book, in that each chapter is loaded with working code that is detailed and complete for a specific task. You can then use the code "as is", or you can start with it as your base program for whatever twist you need to add. Each solution includes the type of application it is (like ASP.NET web app or web part), the assembly and class library references you'll need, the classes that will be used, along with any special considerations that need to be kept in mind for this particular program. The preparation section gets you set up to start, and then you have the "recipe" in VB *and* C# (so you can use whatever is most familiar to you). The wrapup has the instructions on how it runs (along with any applicable screen prints), and any variations you might want to consider. There's also a piece in there that I love, which is the process flow of the solution. It's a simple flowchart that outlines in plain language what is occurring, as well as all the decision branches that are made along the way. I find this invaluable when you're first starting out, as you may not yet be adept at reading code to see the overall flow. Consider the flowchart the "Cliff Notes" of what is going on in the program.
Even as a beginner, this book works well for me. I was impressed to see the author's statement as to whether this was a beginner or advanced book. He's more interested in whether the book gave you information you didn't already have, or made the information you had much more usable and accessible. It's that bent towards practicality that drives the entire book, and it's one that I'll be using time and time again as I continue working my way through the SharePoint jungle.
In nearly all the technologies I work with, I like to see working examples of code that I can "R&D" (Rob & Duplicate). This holds even more true for new stuff I'm learning, and SharePoint 2007 Development Recipes by Mark E. Gerow is a great book that's already given me ideas for routines I need to build.
Contents:
Site Management; Working with Users; Working with Lists; Working with Web Parts; Working with Event Handlers; Working with Templates; Modifying Pages with JavaScript; Advanced Dishes; Index
As stated in the title, Gerow takes the "recipe" approach to this book, in that each chapter is loaded with working code that is detailed and complete for a specific task. You can then use the code "as is", or you can start with it as your base program for whatever twist you need to add. Each solution includes the type of application it is (like ASP.NET web app or web part), the assembly and class library references you'll need, the classes that will be used, along with any special considerations that need to be kept in mind for this particular program. The preparation section gets you set up to start, and then you have the "recipe" in VB *and* C# (so you can use whatever is most familiar to you). The wrapup has the instructions on how it runs (along with any applicable screen prints), and any variations you might want to consider. There's also a piece in there that I love, which is the process flow of the solution. It's a simple flowchart that outlines in plain language what is occurring, as well as all the decision branches that are made along the way. I find this invaluable when you're first starting out, as you may not yet be adept at reading code to see the overall flow. Consider the flowchart the "Cliff Notes" of what is going on in the program.
Even as a beginner, this book works well for me. I was impressed to see the author's statement as to whether this was a beginner or advanced book. He's more interested in whether the book gave you information you didn't already have, or made the information you had much more usable and accessible. It's that bent towards practicality that drives the entire book, and it's one that I'll be using time and time again as I continue working my way through the SharePoint jungle.
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