6 ActiveX Books That Separate Experts from Amateurs

Keith Brophy's extensive experience in Visual Basic programming shines through in this focused guide to ActiveX control development. The book dives into the property, method, and event model integral to creating custom ActiveX components, offering hands-on instruction on building controls with property sheets and licensing features. You’ll learn how to develop data-bound controls, implement design-time property sheets, and even craft controls compatible across web pages and Visual Basic applications, with practical debugging techniques woven throughout. This is suited for developers comfortable with Visual Basic 5 who want to deepen their expertise in ActiveX control programming and component customization.

Daniel Appleman leverages his deep experience in Visual Basic and ActiveX development to demystify the complexities of COM component creation. This book guides you through essential programming concepts and necessary technical steps to build robust ActiveX components, while also highlighting frequent pitfalls and their solutions. Notably, the chapters delve into practical challenges like COM+ integration and ATL usage, offering clarity beyond introductory material. If you’re a Visual Basic developer aiming to master component development with real-world insights, this book provides a targeted, no-nonsense approach to elevate your skills.

This tailored book explores the essentials of ActiveX control development with a sharp focus on your unique background and goals. It covers the creation, integration, and management of ActiveX controls, examining key concepts such as COM architecture, Visual Basic integration, and component automation. By tailoring content specifically to your interests, it reveals focused insights that align with your current skill level and developmental objectives. This personalized guide bridges expert knowledge and your personal learning journey, helping you navigate complex topics efficiently and deepen your understanding of ActiveX controls in practical contexts.

What started as a need to demystify ActiveX technology led Vivian Neou to craft this detailed guide that blends technical overview with practical resources. You’ll gain clear insights into embedding ActiveX controls in web pages, managing security considerations, and understanding how ActiveX stacks up against Java and browser plug-ins. The book also offers a comprehensive directory of controls, complete with sample code and developer contacts, which is especially useful whether you’re a seasoned web designer or new to programming. Neou’s approach balances foundational knowledge with hands-on tools, making it a straightforward reference for anyone working with web technologies in the late '90s.

The methods Weiying Chen developed while deeply engaged in web development unfold throughout this extensive guide to ActiveX programming. You’ll gain detailed insights into Component Object Model (COM) principles, crafting HTML with ActiveX scripting, and mastering complex OLE controls, alongside practical chapters on ActiveX server frameworks and document technology. The inclusion of trial software versions and tools like Microsoft Visual J++ offers hands-on experience that complements the dense technical content. This book suits developers aiming to move beyond surface-level scripting to full command over ActiveX’s capabilities within web environments, though its length and depth mean it’s best for those ready to commit to a rigorous study.

Unlike most ActiveX books that focus solely on basic component creation, Daniel Appleman’s guide dives into the practical challenges developers face, such as debugging and navigating incomplete documentation. Drawing from his deep experience in Visual Basic programming, Appleman offers detailed explanations and sample source code that illuminate how to overcome common pitfalls in ActiveX development. You’ll gain insights into the quirks of the environment alongside robust techniques for building reliable components. If you’re working beyond beginner level and need a resource that addresses real-world coding obstacles, this book offers a focused, hands-on approach tailored to your needs.

This tailored ActiveX book invites you to explore focused, goal-driven learning designed specifically for your background and interests. It covers the essential concepts of ActiveX development, including component creation, control programming, and integration techniques, all structured around your personal goals. You’ll engage with practical exercises that reinforce understanding and build skill progressively. By matching content to your current skill level and desired outcomes, this personalized approach accelerates your mastery of ActiveX. It navigates complex topics like COM interaction and Visual Basic integration in a way that suits your pace, ensuring you gain meaningful, applicable knowledge without wading through irrelevant material.

While working as an automation developer, Tom Armstrong noticed a gap in practical resources explaining the complexities of ActiveX controls. His book walks you through fundamental concepts like Microsoft's Component Object Model and the Microsoft Foundation Class Libraries, offering detailed guidance on creating and customizing ActiveX controls with Visual C++. For example, you'll explore chapters on automating Internet Explorer and developing reusable components, supported by a CD with over 30 custom controls and source code. If you're involved in software development requiring ActiveX integration, this book provides a focused, technical foundation without unnecessary jargon.