8 Best-Selling ActiveX Books Millions Love

Discover 8 best-selling ActiveX books authored by recognized experts like Jason T Roff and Sanders Kaufman Jr., offering trusted programming insights.

Updated on June 27, 2025
We may earn commissions for purchases made via this page

There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in niche tech fields like ActiveX. Millions of developers have turned to these 8 best-selling ActiveX books to tackle everything from data integration to control design. ActiveX remains crucial for embedding interactive content and managing complex Windows-based applications, making these titles as relevant now as when they were first published.

These books are authored by seasoned professionals who have contributed significantly to the ActiveX ecosystem. For instance, Jason T Roff's work on ActiveX Data Objects helps demystify data access across platforms, while Sanders Kaufman Jr.'s 21-day tutorial delivers a structured path for beginners. Their combined expertise ensures these books aren't just popular—they're trusted resources that have shaped developer approaches worldwide.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific ActiveX needs might consider creating a personalized ActiveX book that combines these validated approaches with your unique skill level and goals for a more focused learning journey.

Best for data-driven ActiveX developers
Jason T Roff’s book on ActiveX Data Objects stands out by offering a single resource that demystifies accessing data across different platforms and formats. Its thorough coverage—from foundational ADO architecture to nuanced event handling—equips you to manage data sources like SQL databases and Word documents seamlessly. The book’s practical examples and detailed reference sections make it an invaluable guide for developers seeking to streamline data-driven solutions without juggling multiple format-specific APIs. If your goal is to deepen your ActiveX data integration skills with a resource trusted by many, this book offers a solid pathway.
2001·618 pages·ActiveX, Data Access, Programming, Database Integration, ADO.NET

What sets this book apart is its clear focus on making data access across varied platforms straightforward rather than overwhelming. Jason T Roff, with his deep experience in software development, guides you through ADO's core components like Connection, Recordset, and Command objects, illustrating how they simplify handling diverse data formats such as SQL databases and Word documents. You’ll gain concrete skills in integrating ADO with your preferred programming language, allowing you to prioritize application quality over low-level data handling. This book suits developers who want a practical bridge between theory and hands-on ADO usage without getting bogged down in each data format’s complexities.

Published by O'Reilly Media
View on Amazon
Best for ActiveX programming beginners
This book offers a clear, structured approach to learning ActiveX programming over 21 days, making it a favored choice for newcomers to the technology. It includes a companion CD-ROM with the Microsoft ActiveX Development Kit and practical examples, which supports hands-on learning and immediate application of concepts. By focusing on integration, scripting, and control creation, it addresses key challenges faced by those entering ActiveX development, providing a solid foundation for further software development projects involving ActiveX components.
Teach Yourself Activex Programming in 21 Days (Teach Yourself Series) book cover

by Sanders Kaufman Jr., Jeff Perkins, Dina Fleet·You?

1996·575 pages·ActiveX, Programming, Integration, Scripting, Controls

After analyzing the challenges beginners face with ActiveX, Sanders Kaufman Jr., Jeff Perkins, and Dina Fleet developed a structured 21-day tutorial that methodically introduces you to ActiveX integration and scripting. This book walks you through using the Microsoft ActiveX Development Kit with hands-on examples and source code included on a companion CD-ROM, making complex concepts accessible. You'll gain practical skills in creating and managing ActiveX controls, with stepwise lessons designed for newcomers to programming in this environment. If you're aiming to build foundational expertise in ActiveX development, this guide offers a coherent path without overwhelming technical jargon or assumptions.

View on Amazon
Best for personal project mastery
This AI-created book on ActiveX programming is tailored to your specific goals and background. It focuses on your skill level and the particular ActiveX topics you want to explore, providing a custom learning experience. By zeroing in on your interests, it helps you gain practical knowledge for real projects without wading through irrelevant material. This personalized approach makes mastering ActiveX more approachable and efficient.
2025·50-300 pages·ActiveX, ActiveX Programming, COM Interfaces, Control Development, Scripting Techniques

This tailored book explores advanced techniques and practical aspects of ActiveX programming, focusing on your unique interests and background. It covers essential principles and dives into real-world applications, providing a personalized pathway to mastering ActiveX controls and scripting. By matching your specific goals and skill level, it offers targeted guidance on integrating ActiveX components effectively within diverse projects, enhancing your programming toolkit. The book examines key programming concepts such as COM interfaces, control customization, web integration, and automation, presenting them in a way that aligns with your learning objectives. This personalized approach helps you build on proven knowledge while addressing the nuances of your ActiveX development needs for confident, project-ready expertise.

Tailored Content
COM Integration
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for ActiveX web developers
Adam Blum's Activex Web Programming: Isapi, Controls, and Scripting offers a thorough guide to mastering the suite of ActiveX technologies for web developers. The book's extensive sample code and reusable classes provide hands-on ways to build dynamic web applications using ISAPI, ActiveX controls, and VBScript. Its focus on integrating Java with ActiveX/COM through Visual J++ and detailed tutorials for server-side scripting demonstrate its practical approach. This resource remains a valuable foundation for anyone looking to expand their skills in ActiveX-based web programming, addressing both client- and server-side development needs.
1996·402 pages·ActiveX, Web Development, ISAPI, Controls, Scripting

When Adam Blum first explored the cutting-edge capabilities of ActiveX in the mid-1990s, he recognized the urgent need for a resource that demystified its complex technologies. His book walks you through ISAPI, ISAPI filters, ActiveX controls, and scripting languages like VBScript, with detailed examples and reusable C++ classes that help you build interactive, dynamic web applications. Particularly useful are the chapters showing how to integrate Java with ActiveX/COM and the Denali server-side scripting tutorials. If you're a web developer aiming to leverage ActiveX's full potential, this book offers practical tools and frameworks, though it assumes some familiarity with web programming concepts.

View on Amazon
Best for mastering ActiveX controls
This book stands out in the ActiveX field by addressing common yet challenging development tasks, chosen with direct guidance from Microsoft's own support and development teams. Adam Denning organizes topics into clear sections such as "Dialog Boxes" and "MFC Database Classes," combining descriptive articles with practical coding solutions reviewed by key MFC developers. Supplemented by Knowledge Base articles on disc, it serves developers who need reliable, tested methods to overcome hurdles in ActiveX control programming, making it a trusted reference for professionals working within Microsoft's software environment.
1997·635 pages·ActiveX, Software Development, MFC, Dialog Boxes, Database Classes

After analyzing frequent and complex development challenges, Adam Denning crafted this resource with direct input from Microsoft's "RM" support engineers and the MFC development team. You'll find focused sections like "Dialog Boxes" and "MFC Database Classes," where Denning breaks down specific tasks with practical coding techniques vetted by Microsoft experts. The inclusion of Knowledge Base articles on disc enhances your problem-solving toolkit, making this especially useful for developers working within Microsoft's ecosystem. If you’re aiming to deepen your understanding of ActiveX controls and tackle real-world coding issues efficiently, this book delivers a methodical approach without unnecessary fluff.

View on Amazon
Best for Visual C++ ActiveX creators
Tom Armstrong is an expert in ActiveX controls and automation development. His clear, logical explanation of MFC support for COM and automation has earned appreciation from developers. Armstrong’s extensive experience shaped this book, which teaches you how to create and customize ActiveX controls, backed by over 30 reusable components and full source code, making complex topics accessible and practical for software developers.
1997·629 pages·ActiveX, Software Development, Component Object Model, Automation, Visual C++

When Tom Armstrong wrote this book, he tapped into his deep expertise in ActiveX controls and automation to guide you through the complexities of Microsoft's Component Object Model and MFC libraries. You won't just get theory here; chapters dive into practical creation and customization of both graphical and non-visual ActiveX controls, illustrating concepts with reusable components and full source code. The inclusion of ActiveX control automation with Internet Explorer offers a valuable look at real-world applications. If you work with Visual C++ or want to understand reusable component development in ActiveX, this book directly addresses those skills.

View on Amazon
Best for personalized skill growth
This AI-created book on ActiveX programming is tailored to your skill level and specific goals. By sharing your background and which ActiveX topics you want to focus on, you get a book that matches your interests and helps you learn faster. It’s designed to help you build practical skills through focused lessons, so you spend your time mastering what’s most relevant to you. A customized approach like this makes learning ActiveX more efficient and engaging.
2025·50-300 pages·ActiveX, ActiveX Basics, Control Development, Scripting Techniques, Integration Practices

This tailored 30-Day ActiveX Accelerator explores focused, step-by-step ActiveX lessons designed to accelerate your learning curve. It combines widely valued knowledge with your unique interests and background, creating a tailored path that hones in on the essentials for rapid skill acquisition. The book carefully covers ActiveX fundamentals, control development, scripting techniques, and integration practices, matching content to your specific goals and experience level. By concentrating on actionable lessons, it facilitates quick mastery of core concepts and practical applications, enabling you to build confidence and capability efficiently. This personalized approach ensures you engage deeply with material that matters most to your ActiveX journey.

Tailored Guide
Control Development Insights
1,000+ Happy Readers
Microsoft Visual Basic 5.0 ActiveX Controls Reference stands as a widely recognized resource in the ActiveX domain, combining an encyclopedic reference with practical tutorials. It catalogs every custom control shipped with Visual Basic 5.0, explaining their properties, events, and methods clearly, making it indispensable for developers working to enhance their applications with ActiveX technology. The book addresses the dual need for detailed lookup and hands-on development guidance, helping you master control customization and integration within Visual Basic environments. Its thorough approach makes it a staple for anyone aiming to deepen their ActiveX proficiency.
1997·600 pages·ActiveX, Software Development, Programming, Visual Basic, Custom Controls

The methods Microsoft Press developed while compiling this reference demonstrate a deep understanding of Visual Basic's ActiveX controls. This book offers an exhaustive A-Z catalog of the custom controls included with Visual Basic 5.0, detailing properties, events, and methods in alphabetical order, alongside a tutorial section for custom control development. If you're working with ActiveX controls in Visual Basic and want a reliable, go-to resource for both reference and practical guidance, this book serves that purpose well. It's particularly useful for developers aiming to master control customization and improve their application interfaces.

View on Amazon
Best for deep ActiveX programming
Weiying Chen is an expert in ActiveX programming with extensive experience in web development and design. Her deep understanding of the technology led her to write this detailed guide, aimed at helping developers harness ActiveX's full potential. The book reflects her practical approach to complex topics like COM and OLE controls, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their technical expertise in ActiveX.
Activex Programming Unleashed book cover

by Weiying Chen··You?

1996·772 pages·ActiveX, Software Development, Programming, ActiveX Scripting, Component Object Model

Drawing from her extensive experience in web development, Weiying Chen explores the depths of ActiveX programming with a focus on empowering developers rather than overwhelming them. You’ll find detailed chapters covering Component Object Model (COM) fundamentals, scripting for HTML integration, and advanced web page design techniques. The book also dives into ActiveX server frameworks and complex OLE controls, offering a nuanced understanding of how to build and manage ActiveX documents. Whether you’re looking to enhance your web applications or master embedded controls, this book provides the technical foundation and practical insights to elevate your skills.

View on Amazon
Best for intermediate ActiveX programmers
John Paul Mueller is a prolific freelance author and technical editor with over 117 books and 600 articles to his name, covering topics from networking to artificial intelligence. His extensive experience uniquely positions him to explain ActiveX programming with clarity and depth. This book reflects his commitment to helping intermediate programmers grasp the nuances of ActiveX controls, OLE interfaces, and web scripting, making it a valuable resource for developers looking to expand their skills in this domain.
Activex from the Ground Up book cover

by John Paul Mueller··You?

1996·561 pages·ActiveX, Software Development, Programming, ActiveX Controls, OLE Interfaces

After years of authoring technical books across subjects from networking to AI, John Paul Mueller turned his attention to ActiveX programming, crafting this guide for those with some C or C++ experience. You’ll dive into fundamental distinctions like ActiveX controls versus OCXs, explore OLE interfaces, and get practical with HTML, Javascript, and VBScript integration. The book goes beyond theory, showing how to build graphics, database forms, and multimedia applications with concrete examples. If you’re comfortable with intermediate programming and want to understand ActiveX’s role in web and software development, this book offers detailed insights without overwhelming you.

View on Amazon

Proven ActiveX Methods, Personalized

Get expert-backed ActiveX strategies tailored to your skills and goals.

Targeted learning focus
Efficient skill building
Customized content flow

Trusted by thousands mastering ActiveX development

ActiveX Mastery Blueprint
30-Day ActiveX Accelerator
Strategic ActiveX Foundations
ActiveX Success Formula

Conclusion

This collection of 8 best-selling ActiveX books highlights several clear themes: practical, battle-tested techniques; authoritative guidance from seasoned authors; and a broad spectrum of topics from beginner programming to advanced control design. If you prefer proven methods, start with "Teach Yourself Activex Programming in 21 Days" for foundational skills. For validated approaches to control customization, combine "Designing and Using ActiveX Controls" with "Microsoft Visual Basic 5.0 ActiveX Controls Reference."

For web developers, "Activex Web Programming" and "Activex Programming Unleashed" provide actionable insights into scripting and server-side integration. Alternatively, you can create a personalized ActiveX book to combine proven methods with your unique needs.

These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in mastering ActiveX programming and development, standing the test of time as reliable resources in a complex yet vital software domain.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "Teach Yourself Activex Programming in 21 Days". It's designed for beginners and offers a clear, step-by-step path to ActiveX programming basics without overwhelming jargon.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to ActiveX?

Not at all. Several books, like the 21-day tutorial, cater to beginners. Others, such as "Activex from the Ground Up," suit intermediate programmers looking to deepen their skills.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can pick based on your focus area. For example, choose "ADO" for data-driven development or "ActiveX Controls Inside Out" for control-specific challenges. Each offers unique value.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast ActiveX changes?

While some books were published decades ago, foundational ActiveX concepts and controls remain relevant. They provide stable frameworks essential for understanding and working with ActiveX today.

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

"ActiveX Controls Inside Out" offers tested coding techniques and practical solutions reviewed by Microsoft support engineers, making it highly actionable for developers.

Can personalized books complement these expert guides?

Yes! While these expert books offer proven methods, personalized ActiveX books tailor content to your specific background and goals, blending popular strategies with your unique needs. Learn more here.

📚 Love this book list?

Help fellow book lovers discover great books, share this curated list with others!