Jason Vokes worked very closely with Inprise (Borland at the time) when writing this C++Builder book (in fact, he's now working for Inprise UK).
You can easily recognise the affection Jason has for C++Builder while reading this book.
This book assumes you've got a computer and copy of Borland C++Builder (installed or not - it actually assists in installing C++Builder).
Generally, the "for Dummies" books believe that the best way of learning something is by simply using it, so the book most often requires you working at the computer.
Not typing long listings of C++ code, mind you, but simply dropping and arranging a component or two on a form, modifying a property or two, writing one or two lines of code, etc.
Jason will take you by the hand and show you exactly what to do (and what not to do).
The book will make sure you get results right away, while you can learn the technical stuff later on - if you want to, that is.
The book is divided in five parts.
The first part helps you to install and setup Borland C++Builder most effectively, and introduces you to Borland C++Builder and the foundation of a C++Builder application.
The second part covers all basic VCL components that are included in C++Builder's Component Palette, including Win95 components.
The third part of the book covers advanced components, which enables you to write powerful programs in a snap.
Examples are the dialog boxes, data-aware, reporting, file/folder, system and OLE components.
All are treated with detailed (and yet easy to build) examples that'll teach you the internals right away.
The fourth part of the book (called "Advanced C++Builder Development") introduces Project Management, C++ data types, as well as the topic of debugging C++Builder programs.
The final part ("The Part of Tens") is more a description of common tips, techniques and pitfalls you can encounter when working with Borland C++Builder or programming for Windows in general.
This fifth part help you to prepare for potential problems you might encounter in your further exploration of C++Builder.
So, that about sums up what's covered in the book.
What you will not find in this book are syntax diagrams, exhausive function lists, etc.
I also missed information on Component Building, internet support, etc.
For these things you can better look for the manuals, on-line help or another more technical book on Borland C++Builder.
Although the first two or three chapters might be a little slow for experienced Windows or C++ programmers, I'm sure the last two chapters might even offer these programmers something new.
(Bob Swart)
