8 ADO.NET Books to Sharpen Your Database Programming

Discover carefully selected ADO.NET books written by leading experts like Anne Boehm and Rebecca M. Riordan that deliver proven knowledge and practical skills.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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What if mastering ADO.NET could be less daunting and more rewarding? Many developers struggle to bridge the gap between writing code and efficiently managing data in .NET applications. ADO.NET remains a cornerstone technology for database connectivity, yet its nuances often slip under the radar despite its critical role in enterprise software.

The books featured here are authored by professionals with decades of experience building and teaching database programming. Anne Boehm and Ged Mead, for example, bring a combined 50+ years of expertise in Visual Basic and C# enterprise development, providing hands-on guidance through real-world examples. Rebecca M. Riordan and others break down complex concepts into manageable steps that suit both novice and seasoned developers.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific skill level, interests in C# or VB.NET, or particular ADO.NET features might consider creating a personalized ADO.NET book that builds on these insights and fits your unique learning path.

Best for advanced C# developers mastering ADO.NET 4
Anne Boehm has over 30 years as an enterprise programmer, starting from Visual Basic 5 and evolving with .NET since its early days, while Ged Mead brings extensive experience training developers across military and police sectors, recognized with Microsoft's MVP Award. Their combined expertise fuels this in-depth exploration of ADO.NET 4 programming using C# 2010, designed to support developers grappling with the nuances of database application development in the Visual Studio environment.
2011·712 pages·ADO.NET, .NET Framework 4, Database Programming, Windows Forms, Web Applications

Drawing from decades of combined programming and training expertise, Anne Boehm and Ged Mead deliver a thorough guide tailored for experienced C# developers eager to master ADO.NET 4 within Visual Studio 2010. You’ll gain concrete skills in crafting database-centric applications, including working with datasets for rapid development and implementing three-layer Windows Forms architectures. The book also dives into integrating ADO.NET with web applications and covers advanced programming techniques, all supported by clear code examples and practice exercises to solidify your understanding. If you're comfortable with C# and looking to deepen your database programming capabilities in a Microsoft environment, this book offers a focused, hands-on path without unnecessary jargon.

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Best for VB.NET developers exploring LINQ and EF
Anne Boehm brings over 20 years of enterprise programming expertise to this book, focusing on Visual Basic and .NET. Her extensive experience, including authoring multiple books on VB.NET and ADO.NET, drives a practical approach that helps you grasp complex database application development using ADO.NET 3.5, LINQ, and the Entity Framework with Visual Studio 2008. This guide reflects her deep knowledge and commitment to clear, example-driven instruction.
2009·707 pages·ADO.NET, LINQ, .NET Framework 3.5, Database Applications, Visual Basic

Anne Boehm's two decades as an enterprise programmer culminate in this detailed guide that dives into Visual Studio 2008, ADO.NET 3.5, LINQ, and the Entity Framework using VB 2008. You explore 23 complete applications, from straightforward to complex, which illuminate how to build and enhance database applications through paired pages showing syntax and explanations side by side. The book doesn’t assume prior database programming experience, making it accessible if you already know Visual Basic basics. Whether you're interested in rapid application development with data sources or mastering three-layer Windows Forms apps, this book walks you through the practical integration of ADO.NET technologies in real projects.

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Best for personalized learning paths
This AI-created book on ADO.NET is tailored to your specific skill level and interests. By sharing your background and goals, you receive a book that focuses exactly on the database programming techniques most relevant to you. Personalizing this content makes learning smoother and more efficient, especially with a complex subject like ADO.NET. You get a clear path through the concepts and practices that matter most for your development work.
2025·50-300 pages·ADO.NET, Database Programming, ADO.NET Basics, Connection Management, Command Execution

This tailored ADO.NET book explores database programming techniques closely aligned with your background and goals. It examines core concepts such as connection management, command execution, and data manipulation in a precise manner that matches your experience level. By focusing on your interests, it reveals how to leverage ADO.NET features effectively within your specific .NET environment. The book covers advanced topics like asynchronous data access, transaction handling, and integration with XML and Entity Framework, all synthesized to suit your learning needs. This personalized guide helps you build practical skills and deepen your understanding of ADO.NET's role in modern software development.

Tailored Guide
Asynchronous Data Access
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for VB.NET beginners to pro database skills
Peter Wright’s ADO.NET: From Novice to Pro, Visual Basic .NET Edition stands apart by providing a clear, hands-on pathway for developers new to .NET and database programming. The book methodically introduces ADO.NET’s architecture before guiding you through essential components like data providers, Connection, Command, and DataSet objects. Wright’s approach includes practical examples that build your ability to handle sophisticated tasks such as transactions, concurrency, and XML integration. This makes it an ideal resource if you want to transition from basic data access to creating professional-grade enterprise applications using Microsoft's data-access technology.
384 pages·ADO.NET, Database Programming, XML Integration, Transactions, Concurrency

Unlike most ADO.NET books that focus heavily on theoretical concepts, Peter Wright’s work walks you through practical steps that elevate your skills from basic database access to handling complex XML manipulations seamlessly. You get detailed explanations of ADO.NET architecture, working with data providers, and mastering essential objects like Connection, Command, and DataSet, with particular attention to transactions and concurrency. For example, the chapters on typed DataSets and integrating XML show you how to build robust enterprise-level applications. This book suits developers new to .NET or those seeking to solidify their professional database programming capabilities with clear, adaptable code examples.

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Best for practical ADO.NET beginners and intermediates
Rebecca M. Riordan is a renowned author and expert in programming, particularly in the Microsoft .NET framework. With a strong background in software development, she has written several influential books that guide readers through complex programming concepts with clarity and practical examples. Her work is highly regarded in the tech community, making her a trusted source for learning ADO.NET and other programming languages.
Microsoft® ADO.NET Step by Step book cover

by Rebecca M. Riordan··You?

2002·528 pages·ADO.NET, Databases, Software Development, Data Access, Visual Basic .NET

When Rebecca M. Riordan wrote this book, she brought her deep experience with the Microsoft .NET framework into focus, aiming to demystify ADO.NET for developers at various skill levels. You’ll learn to navigate the ADO.NET object model in detail, mastering how to create connections, manage data commands, and manipulate DataSets and DataViews effectively. The book’s practical examples, drawn from everyday development challenges, make it especially useful if you're looking to build data-bound Windows and Web Forms applications. It’s a solid choice if you want to understand how ADO.NET works seamlessly with XML and legacy ADO systems, without wading through unnecessary jargon.

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Best for VB programmers deepening ADO.NET expertise
Anne Boehm, with over 30 years of enterprise programming experience and deep expertise in Visual Basic and .NET, brings unmatched authority to this guide. She has authored numerous books on Visual Basic, C#, and ADO.NET, grounding this work in real-world development challenges and solutions. Her long-standing involvement with .NET since its inception uniquely qualifies her to guide you through ADO.NET 4 database programming using VB 2010.
2011·712 pages·ADO.NET, Database Programming, Visual Basic, SQL Queries, Entity Framework

Drawing from decades of hands-on experience in enterprise programming, Anne Boehm offers a thorough guide that immerses you in ADO.NET with Visual Basic 2010. The book walks you through essential concepts like binding data to controls, crafting SQL queries, and building database classes for layered applications, while also introducing LINQ and the Entity Framework. Its practical approach includes clear examples on using the Report Designer and Report Viewer to create local reports, making it a solid resource if you want to move beyond basics and develop robust database applications. This book suits you well if you have some Visual Basic background and seek a deep dive into ADO.NET's capabilities for both Windows and web projects.

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Best for rapid skill boosts
This personalized AI book about ADO.NET mastery is created after you share your background, current skill level, and which ADO.NET topics interest you most. Using your goals, it crafts a focused learning path to quickly boost your database programming skills. AI helps tailor the content so you get exactly what you need without sifting through unrelated material. This means you spend your time mastering the parts that matter for your projects and grow your expertise efficiently.
2025·50-300 pages·ADO.NET, ADO.NET Basics, Data Connections, Command Objects, DataSets

This tailored book explores a practical, step-by-step plan designed to quickly elevate your ADO.NET skills and project impact. It focuses on your specific interests and background, offering a personalized pathway through core concepts like data connections, commands, and dataset management. The book examines techniques to efficiently manipulate databases within .NET applications, emphasizing hands-on learning and rapid progress. By matching content to your goals, it reveals focused steps that build confidence and mastery without overwhelming you. Whether you're integrating data in C# or VB.NET, this customized guide bridges complex expert knowledge with your unique learning needs, making skill advancement both accessible and rewarding.

Tailored Guide
Data Access Optimization
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for quick foundational ADO.NET knowledge
Kevin Hoffman is an experienced software developer with a passion for writing and a background in building software applications. His expertise in programming and .NET technologies led him to author this concise guide to ADO.NET, aiming to help developers grasp essential data access concepts and apply them effectively in their projects.
Fast Track ADO.NET book cover

by Kevin Hoffman, Donald Xie, Kourosh Ardestani··You?

2002·300 pages·ADO.NET, Data Access, XML Integration, Data Manipulation, Enterprise Applications

Kevin Hoffman, an experienced software developer with a strong background in .NET technologies, brings a practical perspective to this introduction to ADO.NET. You’ll learn how to efficiently access and manipulate data using key components like DataReaders, DataAdapters, and DataSets, with clear explanations of their roles and interactions. The book also explores the integration of XML and ADO.NET, offering insights into when and how to use these technologies within enterprise applications and distributed systems. If you’re looking to build a solid foundation in ADO.NET and understand its place within the broader .NET Framework, this book serves as a focused guide without overwhelming you with unnecessary complexity.

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Best for intermediate developers enhancing data access
Richard Hundhausen is an independent trainer and consultant, MCSD, MCDBA, and MCT with over fifteen years of experience architecting database applications. Having taught SQL Server and Visual Studio since 1997, his expertise provides the foundation for this authoritative guide on ADO.NET. His background ensures that the book delivers practical insights for developers aiming to master data access within the .NET Framework.
Programming Ado.Net (Gearhead Press in the Trenches) book cover

by Richard Hundhausen, Steven Borg··You?

892 pages·ADO.NET, Databases, Software Development, Data Access, VB.NET

Richard Hundhausen's decades of hands-on experience with database applications and certification credentials shine through in this detailed exploration of ADO.NET. You’ll gain a solid understanding of ADO.NET’s core objects and how to manipulate data effectively using VB.NET and C#, with concrete examples illustrating server-side tools and XML integration. The book doesn’t just skim the surface; it dives into practical techniques for retrieving and updating data, making it especially useful if you're involved in .NET Framework development. This volume suits intermediate developers aiming to deepen their grasp of data access layers and those who appreciate learning from someone who has been both a practitioner and instructor in the field for years.

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Best for VB.NET developers mastering database access
Jeffrey P. McManus is a developer specializing in online application development and a popular speaker at conferences such as VBITS, VSLive, and VBConnections. He has authored multiple books on database and .NET technologies, bringing considerable expertise to this guide. His experience contributing to journals and speaking engagements underpins the practical, example-rich approach found in this book, designed to equip VB developers with the tools needed for effective database application development using ADO.NET.
Database Access With Visual Basic.Net book cover

by Jeffrey P. McManus, Jackie Goldstein, Kevin T. Price··You?

441 pages·ADO.NET, Database, Visual Basic, SQL, SQL Server

What if everything you knew about database programming with Visual Basic .NET was reconsidered through practical, example-driven learning? Jeffrey P. McManus and his co-authors offer a thorough walkthrough of using ADO.NET objects to efficiently manage data access, from fundamentals like SQL and Microsoft SQL Server 2000 to advanced integration with XML and ASP.NET. You’ll find detailed code listings and business cases that demonstrate real applications, helping you grasp not just how but why certain techniques work in different scenarios. This book suits developers aiming to deepen their understanding of database connectivity and build robust applications with .NET technologies, but if you’re new to programming, some prior knowledge will make the journey smoother.

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Conclusion

Across these eight books, a few themes stand out: solid grasp of ADO.NET architecture, practical coding with C# or VB.NET, and integrating modern tools like LINQ and Entity Framework. If you're starting out, Rebecca M. Riordan's step-by-step guide or Peter Wright’s approachable introduction offer clear foundations. For deeper dives into enterprise patterns, Anne Boehm’s Murach titles deliver extensive code samples and advanced techniques.

Facing a project deadline or needing rapid upskilling? Combine Kevin Hoffman's Fast Track ADO.NET with Boehm’s practical guides to balance speed and depth. Alternatively, if you want tailored content that directly addresses your application context and current skillset, consider creating a personalized ADO.NET book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation.

These books offer a path to sharpen your database programming skills and accelerate your development journey with ADO.NET.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with "Microsoft® ADO.NET Step by Step" for a clear, practical introduction to ADO.NET basics and essential concepts. It’s designed for developers new to data access and builds a strong foundation before you dive into more advanced texts.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to ADO.NET?

Not at all. Several books, like Peter Wright’s "ADO.NET" and Riordan’s step-by-step guide, are crafted to support beginners, gradually increasing in complexity. They balance theory with hands-on examples to ease you into database programming.

What’s the best order to read these books?

Begin with approachable guides such as Riordan’s or Wright’s, then progress to Murach’s books by Anne Boehm and Ged Mead for advanced C# or VB.NET techniques. Supplement with Hoffman's Fast Track for quick concept refreshers.

Do these books assume I already have experience in ADO.NET?

Some do assume familiarity with basic programming concepts, but most provide enough context for developers comfortable with C# or VB.NET to follow along. Murach’s books are particularly good at bridging beginner to advanced levels.

Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?

Kevin Hoffman’s "Fast Track ADO.NET" offers concise explanations and practical examples to quickly apply ADO.NET concepts in real projects, making it ideal for developers needing rapid results.

Can I get personalized ADO.NET learning content tailored to my needs?

Yes! While these books provide solid expert knowledge, you can create a personalized ADO.NET book tailored to your skill level, interests, and goals. This bridges expert frameworks with your unique situation for efficient learning.

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