Visual Basic .NET and ADO.NET facilitate the development of a new generation of database applications, including disconnected applications that run on the Web. Mastering Visual Basic .NET Database Programming is the resource you need to thrive in this new world. Assuming no prior experience with database programming, this book teaches you every aspect of the craft, from GUI design to server development to middle-tier implementation. If you're familiar with earlier versions of ADO, you'll master the many new features of ADO.NET all the more quickly. You'll also learn the importance of XML within the new .NET paradigm. Coverage includes:

Getting familiar with the ADO.NET object model
Using the data access wizards
Taking advantage of new SQL Server 2000 features
Carrying out XSL Transformations and XPath queries
Generating XML using the T-SQL FOR XML statement
Binding controls to ADO.NET result sets
Arriving at a sound database design
Tuning your SQL Server 2000 database
Using the XML Designer in Visual Studio .NET
Leveraging the data access tools available in the Visual Studio .NET IDE
Working with .NET data providers
Choosing between streaming data and caching data
Working with the Data Form Wizard in Visual Studio .NET
Using advanced ADO.NET techniques
Building a threaded application
Using .NET's advanced exception handling capabilities
Using the .NET Deployment Project Template

About the Author
At Plural, she consults for Fortune 100 companies in architecting distributed enterprise solutions using Microsoft technologies such as SQL Server, ASP.NET, and VB.NET. She also speaks globally at Microsoft conferences for emerging technologies such as Office XP and .NET.You can contact her at asli@mindspring.com.