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.

Updated on July 1, 2025
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1 of 7 books have Kindle versions

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.

Best for enterprise-level developers
Kindle version not available
Professional Dcom Programming offers a focused exploration into COM, DCOM, and ATL technologies, reflecting its enduring appeal among Windows developers. This book addresses the intricacies of distributed component programming, providing a framework for building scalable, interoperable software components. Its detailed approach benefits those working on complex enterprise applications who need a solid grasp of component communication and integration. By tackling the challenges inherent in COM and DCOM development, it remains a relevant resource for mastering these foundational Microsoft technologies.
Professional Dcom Programming book cover

Richard Grimes, Dr Richard Grimes

1997·565 pages·COM, DCOM and ATL, Software Development, COM Programming, DCOM Architecture, ATL Usage

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.

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Best for secure distributed apps
Kindle version available
Thuan L. Thai is an expert in advanced C++ development and distributed computing. With a focus on teaching developers to build effective DCOM components, Thai's books provide in-depth technical knowledge that equips you to write secure, maintainable distributed applications. His deep understanding of both the theory and practical tools behind DCOM makes this book a solid resource for developers working with Windows component technologies.
Learning DCOM book cover

Thuan L. Thai·

1999·504 pages·COM, DCOM and ATL, Component Object Model, Software Development, Distributed Computing, COM Programming

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.

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Best for custom COM mastery plans
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This personalized AI book about COM programming is created based on your background, skill level, and the specific COM topics you want to master. By sharing your goals and interests, you receive a book that dives into the aspects of COM development most relevant to you. This AI-created resource helps you focus on the techniques and knowledge that align with your projects and learning objectives, making your path to mastering COM more direct and effective.
2025·50-300 pages·COM, DCOM and ATL, COM Fundamentals, Component Architecture, Interface Design, Object Lifecycle

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.

Tailored Guide
Advanced COM Insights
3,000+ Books Generated
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Best for intermediate COM programmers
Kindle version not available
Dale Rogerson is a renowned expert in Microsoft's Component Object Model (COM) with over 20 years in software development. His experience shines through in this guide, which offers a clear, practical approach to mastering COM and its related technologies. Rogerson's insights help you navigate the complexities of COM programming, making this book a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their expertise in distributed computing and component-based software design.
Inside Com (Microsoft Programming Series) book cover

Dale Rogerson·

1997·416 pages·COM+, Component Object Model, COM, DCOM and ATL, Software Development, COM

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.

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Best for mastering ActiveX and ATL
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This edition of The Essence of COM and ActiveX stands out by offering programmers a hands-on workbook approach to mastering COM, DCOM, and ATL technologies. David S. Platt’s methodical breakdown of topics—from monikers and custom interfaces to ActiveX controls on the Internet—provides a clear pathway through some of the more challenging aspects of Windows component programming. The inclusion of substantial sample code enhances learning and practical application, making it especially useful for developers needing to build or maintain complex Windows applications utilizing COM architecture. Its focus on both foundational and advanced topics ensures that it remains a relevant and valuable tool for software professionals dealing with Microsoft’s component object model framework.
1997·592 pages·COM, DCOM and ATL, Software Development, ActiveX Controls, OLE Automation, Distributed COM

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.

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Best for COM architecture insights
Kindle version not available
Inside Com Microsoft's Component Object Model offers an in-depth look at the architecture behind one of Microsoft's core software technologies. This book appeals to software developers seeking to understand how COM enables component-based programming and system interoperability on Windows platforms. Its detailed coverage spans interface design, threading models, and memory management, providing a foundational resource for those maintaining legacy systems or developing Windows components. The technical explanations and practical insights make it a valuable reference for professionals navigating the complexities of COM, DCOM, and ATL development.
2011·404 pages·COM, DCOM and ATL, Component Object Model, COM+, Software Development, Interface Design

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.

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Best for rapid development plans
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This AI-created book on DCOM development is uniquely crafted based on your experience and goals. You share your current knowledge, what areas of DCOM you want to focus on, and how quickly you want to achieve results. The book then presents tailored guidance that zeroes in on the steps and concepts most relevant to your projects and skill level, helping you build secure distributed components efficiently without wasted effort.
2025·50-300 pages·COM, DCOM and ATL, Distributed Computing, DCOM Architecture, Component Security, Threading Models

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.

AI-Tailored
Component Security
1,000+ Happy Readers
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Best for MFC and Windows UI devs
Kindle version not available
Special Edition Using Mfc and Atl stands out by focusing on Microsoft Foundation Classes within the COM, DCOM and ATL framework. This book’s extensive coverage of database programming and Windows 95 controls offers developers practical ways to customize and extend their MFC applications. Its detailed approach to building your own classes provides a strong foundation for mastering Windows programming challenges. This makes it an important resource for those working deeply within the COM and ATL ecosystem, solving real programming needs with clear techniques and guidance.
Special Edition Using Mfc and Atl book cover

Clayton Walnum, Paul Robichaux

1996·852 pages·COM, DCOM and ATL, Software Development, Microsoft Foundation Classes, Database Programming, Windows 95 Controls

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.

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Best for building stable ActiveX components
Kindle version not available
Donis Marshall’s Activex/Ole Programming offers a well-structured, accessible path into the complex world of ActiveX and OLE programming for Windows developers. The book’s enduring popularity reflects its ability to demystify COM concepts through practical examples focused on building robust components with Microsoft Foundation Classes. It addresses a key challenge developers face: assembling stable, linked software components without wading through disjointed documentation. If you work with Windows development and want a solid foundation in ActiveX/OLE, this book provides the frameworks and guidance needed to build reliable applications that leverage COM technologies effectively.
1998·397 pages·COM, DCOM and ATL, ActiveX, Component Design, OLE Programming, Microsoft Foundation Classes

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.

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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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