SQL Server is a natural next stage for VB developers wanting to expand their database skills, and this book is an excellent choice for any developer wanting to get to grips with SQL Server 7.0, and using it in Visual Basic. Theron Willis's knowledge of this subject shines throughout the book - he covers an extensive range of topics in depth, whilst making it easy for any beginner to understand.

Topics cover - An introduction to SQL server and the tools that come with it
- The basics of relational database design
- The different ways of setting up dns or dns-less database connections
- Defining primary and foreign key relationships and indexes
- Selecting, inserting, updating, deleting data, and dealing with large amounts of text
- The pros and cons of stored procedures
- Security considerations and setting up permissions
- Transact-SQL
- Creating a front-end program to your database
- Writing English Query applications

and a whole host of other topics. The author covers every aspect you could wish to know about the topic, and coverts both the client-side VB ADO and SQL code, as well as its equivalent SQL executed as a stored procedure. The inclusion of a case study towards the end of the book (in this case a fictional auto-dealer company) allows you to combine all your new knowledge, and apply it to a real-world scenario.

Although not targeted at the complete beginner, thanks to the authors great writing style, almost any beginner to intermediate VB programmer can pick this book up. Even with little previous experience of databases, you can quickly become proficient in using SQL Server and ADO in your VB applications. What's more, you can do it without dosing off to sleep - this book is truly excellent. Well done Wrox!