The most obvious feature of this book is its larger-than-average format (it measures 11 by 8.5 inches). FoxPro developers will turn again and again to the 800 pages of reference material provided here because of its completeness. In addition to every language statement, the authors cover built-in controls, including properties and events. Each topic is described along with sample usage and short code excerpts.
Other sections of the book provide a lively guide to many essential topics specifically applicable to FoxPro, from a good tour of its history (as a product with its roots in XBase compatibility) to its present-day incarnation (with objects and Web capabilities). Peppered with dozens of quotes from literary sources, the authors clearly enjoy sharing their considerable expertise: they include plenty of tips for getting the most out of objects and components in FoxPro, with notable material on debugging and Web development.
Visual FoxPro 6 is designed to be the easiest tool to use in Microsoft's Visual Studio for creating database applications. Hacker's Guide to Visual FoxPro 6.0 shows that this product has considerable power too. This title will surely be useful to anyone who develops with today's FoxPro. --Richard Dragan
Topics covered: Visual FoxPro 6 overview and history, data containers, XBase and SQL, field types, Web publishing, FoxISAPI, Active Documents, wizards and builders, debugging tips and performance tips, FoxPro controls, objects, ActiveX controls and automation, Visual FoxPro reference.