7 Best-Selling COM, DCOM and ATL Books Millions Love
Discover authoritative and best-selling COM, DCOM and ATL books authored by leading experts, trusted by developers worldwide for practical insights and deep technical knowledge.
There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love, especially in a technical field like COM, DCOM, and ATL. These component object model technologies have shaped Windows programming and enterprise software for decades, making mastery of them a valuable skill for developers working with distributed and component-based systems. When millions of readers and top experts align on certain titles, it signals a level of trust and proven value worth your attention.
The collection of books featured here are authored by experienced professionals such as Thuan L. Thai and Richard Grimes, who have delved deeply into the complexities of distributed computing and Windows component technologies. Their works offer detailed explanations, practical code examples, and insights into the architecture and design patterns essential for effective COM and DCOM programming. These titles have become pillars in the software development community, guiding developers through challenging topics like object lifecycles, threading, security, and integration with ActiveX and ATL.
While these popular books provide proven frameworks and time-tested approaches, readers seeking content tailored to their specific COM, DCOM and ATL needs might consider creating a personalized COM, DCOM and ATL book that combines these validated methods with your unique background and goals. This way, you get the best of both worlds: expert knowledge shaped to fit your personal learning path and project requirements.
Richard Grimes, Dr Richard Grimes
Richard Grimes, Dr Richard Grimes
The methods Richard Grimes developed while navigating the complexities of distributed component object model programming shine through in this detailed guide. You explore practical techniques for mastering DCOM's architecture and programming nuances, including critical insights into communication protocols and object lifecycle management. This book suits developers aiming to deepen their expertise in Windows-based component programming and those tackling enterprise-level software integration challenges. Though dense, its thoroughness offers a solid foundation for building reliable, scalable distributed applications within the COM and DCOM frameworks.
Thuan L. Thai·
Thuan L. Thai·
After years of mastering advanced C++ and distributed computing, Thuan L. Thai crafted this guide to demystify DCOM for programmers ready to build secure, scalable components. You'll gain a clear understanding of how remote procedure calls underpin DCOM, how to manage object lifecycles, and navigate threading and security complexities. The book walks you through Microsoft’s tools and wizards but never leaves you guessing about what happens behind the scenes, including deep dives into MIDL, marshaling, and COM+ features. If you want to write maintainable distributed applications on Windows platforms and grasp the nuts and bolts of DCOM communication, this book suits your needs perfectly.
This tailored book explores proven COM methods for building scalable, maintainable applications, crafted to match your background and specific goals. It carefully examines core COM concepts, architectural principles, and advanced programming techniques that enable robust software development. By focusing on your interests, the book provides a clear pathway through interface design, object lifecycle management, threading models, and integration with ATL and ActiveX, ensuring you gain practical knowledge suited to your projects. This personalized approach distills insights millions of developers have found valuable, combining established practices with a custom focus that accelerates your mastery of COM programming.
Dale Rogerson·
Dale Rogerson·
After years immersed in software development, Dale Rogerson crafted this book to demystify Microsoft's Component Object Model (COM) for programmers ready to deepen their understanding beyond basics. You learn how to build elegant, robust COM components with detailed code examples, gaining insights into COM's design principles and its practical applications in ActiveX and OLE. The book targets intermediate to advanced C++ developers and those working with distributed computing frameworks who want a solid grasp of COM's role across various platforms including UNIX and MVS. Rogerson's clear explanations strip away complexity, making COM accessible without oversimplifying its intricacies.
David S. Platt
David S. Platt
David S. Platt’s background in programming shines through in this second edition, where he breaks down complex COM and ActiveX concepts into manageable lessons. You’ll explore practical topics like OLE automation, distributed COM, and Active Template Library, supported by 16 MB of sample code that helps bridge theory and practice. The book suits programmers eager to deepen their understanding of Windows component object model technologies, especially those dealing with ActiveX controls and DCOM for networked applications. While the material is dense, the workbook style guides you through intricate subjects such as structured storage, smart pointers, and thread management, making it a solid resource for developers working with Microsoft’s COM architecture.
Dale Rogerson
Dale Rogerson
Dale Rogerson approaches Microsoft's Component Object Model with a detailed, hands-on perspective that reveals the intricacies behind COM's architecture and application. This book dives into the technical mechanics, offering you clarity on topics like interface design, memory management, and COM threading models. You'll find specific explanations of COM's role in software interoperability, which is essential if you work with legacy systems or Windows-based component software. While it’s technical, the book suits developers who want a solid grounding in COM fundamentals and practical insights for building or maintaining component-based applications.
TailoredRead AI·
This tailored book explores the development of DCOM components with a focus on rapid progress and secure design. It combines established principles of distributed computing with a personalized approach that matches your background and learning goals. You’ll engage with clear, step-by-step guidance that covers essential DCOM architecture, security practices, and component integration, allowing you to build distributed systems effectively and confidently. By focusing on your interests and skill level, this book reveals practical insights into component threading, interface design, and communication protocols. It provides a tailored roadmap that helps you master complex concepts without wading through unnecessary material, making your learning efficient and deeply relevant.
Clayton Walnum, Paul Robichaux
Clayton Walnum, Paul Robichaux
The unique appeal that made this book so popular lies in its thorough approach to Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC), especially tailored for Windows applications. Clayton Walnum and Paul Robichaux guide you through advanced database programming and the nuances of Windows 95 controls, helping you customize MFC programs to fit specific needs. You learn to build your own classes, which deepens your grasp of MFC beyond surface-level usage. This book suits developers aiming to master Windows programming with MFC, particularly those integrating complex controls and database operations into their applications.
What started as a need to simplify bewildering ActiveX/OLE programming documentation became Donis Marshall's practical guide for Windows developers moving into COM and OLE. You get a methodical walkthrough of building stable components using Microsoft Foundation Classes, with a focus on inter-application linking via object embedding and containment. Marshall’s clear explanations help you grasp core COM concepts and apply them, whether or not you stick with MFC. This book suits programmers with moderate C++ skills eager to master ActiveX/OLE without getting lost in fragmented references, but if you’re a complete beginner in C++ or MFC, some prior knowledge is essential to fully benefit.
Conclusion
These seven books collectively emphasize proven frameworks and practical insights that have stood the test of time in the COM, DCOM and ATL landscape. Their focus ranges from foundational COM principles to advanced distributed programming and UI customization with MFC, addressing the diverse challenges developers face in Windows component software.
If you prefer proven methods for building scalable distributed applications, start with "Learning DCOM" and "Professional Dcom Programming". For a deeper dive into COM's architecture and practical component design, pair "Inside Com" with "Inside Com Microsoft's Component Object Model". And if your work involves Windows UI and ActiveX, "Special Edition Using Mfc and Atl" and "Activex/Ole Programming" offer hands-on guidance.
Alternatively, you can create a personalized COM, DCOM and ATL book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed, offering a trusted roadmap for navigating Microsoft's component technologies efficiently and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Start with "Learning DCOM" for a solid foundation in distributed component programming, then move to "Professional Dcom Programming" for enterprise-level techniques. These two provide a clear path from basics to advanced concepts.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to COM, DCOM and ATL?
Some books like "Inside Com" and "The Essence of COM and ActiveX" suit intermediate developers, but "Learning DCOM" eases beginners into key concepts with clear explanations and examples.
What's the best order to read these books?
Begin with foundational texts like "Learning DCOM" and "Inside Com", then explore specialized topics such as ATL and ActiveX in "The Essence of COM and ActiveX" and "Activex/Ole Programming".
Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?
You can pick based on your focus area—choose "Special Edition Using Mfc and Atl" for UI development or "Professional Dcom Programming" for distributed systems. Combining a few offers broader insights.
Are any of these books outdated given how fast COM, DCOM and ATL changes?
While some content reflects earlier Windows versions, the core principles of COM, DCOM and ATL remain relevant. These books provide foundational knowledge still applicable in legacy and enterprise environments.
Can personalized books complement these expert titles?
Yes! These expert books offer proven frameworks, and personalized COM, DCOM and ATL books can tailor that knowledge to your specific skills and projects. Learn more here.
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