- quickly create Windows and web applications by dragging-and-dropping data controls in Visual Studio 2010
- code your own presentation, business, and database classes with ADO.NET 4 to build 3-layer applications...the route the professionals take for flexibility and control
- display and manipulate data in web applications by using ASP.NET data controls designed specifically for that purpose, like GridView and DetailsView
- work with XML-specific features of ADO.NET and SQL Server to read, write, and manipulate XML data in your applications
- create local reports using Visual Studio's Report Designer and Report Viewer to display data easily...and clearly!...in tables, matrices, lists, and charts
- Use the Entity Framework to create an entity data model that maps business objects to database objects, then retrieve and maintain data through that model
- Use LINQ to query datasets, SQL Server databases, and entity data
Practice exercises at the end of every chapter and complete database applications throughout help you master every skill along the way. And Murach's distinctive "paired-pages" format...where each skill is presented with examples and advice in a single 2-page spread...is great for both targeted learning and reference.