7 Best-Selling VBScript Books Millions Love

Explore VBScript books authored by leading experts like Matt Childs and Paul Lomax, offering proven scripting insights and best-selling appeal.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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When millions of readers and top experts agree on a collection of books, it says a lot about their value. VBScript remains an essential scripting language for automation, web development, and system management, making these books highly relevant for anyone looking to deepen their scripting toolkit today. Whether you're automating Windows tasks or building interactive web pages, VBScript’s practical power continues to thrive.

These 7 best-selling VBScript books come from seasoned authors like Matt Childs and Paul Lomax, whose combined decades of programming and scripting experience shine through their clear, authoritative writing. Their books cover everything from quick syntax references to structured learning paths, ensuring both novices and experienced developers find trusted guidance.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific VBScript needs might consider creating a personalized VBScript book that combines these validated approaches with targeted learning goals and personalized examples.

Best for detailed VBScript reference
Matt Childs brings nearly a decade of Visual Basic and IT management experience to this book, drawing from his leadership role at Integrity Solutions Inc. and hands-on work with major Alaskan utilities and telecommunications firms. His deep practical knowledge fuels this detailed VBScript reference, aimed at developers who need precise, reliable information to build and troubleshoot scripts across web and system environments.
VBScript in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference book cover

by Matt Childs, Paul Lomax, Ron Petrusha··You?

1995·508 pages·VBScript, Programming, Scripting, Windows Scripting, Active Server Pages

When Matt Childs first applied his Visual Basic expertise to scripting, he recognized the need for a clear, authoritative reference to VBScript’s nuances and quirks. This book walks you through VBScript’s syntax, keywords, and objects with practical notes on subtle language behaviors and undocumented features that trip up many developers. You’ll find detailed explanations of differences between VBScript and VBA, plus how to leverage VBScript within Internet applications, Windows scripting, and Outlook forms. If you work with server-side scripts, client pages, or system automation, this book’s alphabetical format helps you quickly pinpoint exactly what you need. However, if you’re new to programming entirely, some familiarity with Visual Basic will help you get the most from these technical insights.

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Best for quick syntax lookup
Paul Lomax is an experienced VB programmer passionate about sharing practical programming knowledge. Driven by his real-world experience, he crafted this pocket-sized guide to help developers navigate VBScript’s language elements efficiently. His focus on clarity and quick reference makes this book a trusted companion for anyone scripting in Microsoft environments, from ASP to Windows Script Host.
VBScript Pocket Reference book cover

by Paul Lomax, Associate Professor Matt Childs, Ron Petrusha··You?

2001·118 pages·VBScript, Programming, Software Development, Scripting Languages, Active Server Pages

Unlike most VBScript books that overload you with theory, Paul Lomax's VBScript Pocket Reference cuts right to the chase with a clear, alphabetically organized guide covering every language element you need. Drawing from his deep programming experience, Lomax offers precise syntax explanations, function arguments, and object details that make scripting for Active Server Pages, Internet Explorer, and Windows Script Host much less daunting. For example, the appendices neatly summarize operators and intrinsic constants, making this compact book a quick grab for solving specific coding puzzles. If you want a dependable, no-frills companion that supports your scripting efforts without fluff, this book fits perfectly, whether you’re a novice or an experienced programmer refreshing your memory.

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Best for custom automation plans
This AI-created book on VBScript mastery is crafted based on your background and scripting goals. By sharing your current skill level and the specific VBScript areas you want to explore, the book focuses on delivering content tailored to your interests. This personalized approach helps you avoid generic guides and instead get focused insights that match your needs for automation and web tasks.
2025·50-300 pages·VBScript, VBScript Basics, Scripting Techniques, Task Automation, Web Scripting

This tailored book explores advanced VBScript scripting methods and automation techniques designed to match your specific needs and interests. It delves into how VBScript can be harnessed for powerful task automation and dynamic web development, focusing on the areas you want to master. By combining widely validated scripting knowledge with your unique background, it reveals efficient ways to streamline workflows and enhance web interactions. The book’s tailored content brings clarity to complex concepts, ensuring you develop practical skills relevant to your projects and goals. This personalized approach makes mastering VBScript approachable and directly applicable.

Tailored Content
Automation Focus
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for web developers enhancing sites
Vbscript Master's Handbook offers a pragmatic approach to mastering VBScript, focusing on enhancing website dynamism and security through applets. It has earned reader trust by simplifying complex scripting concepts, making it accessible for those who want to enrich their web applications without learning a high-level programming language. This handbook addresses the practical needs of web developers aiming to maintain competitive, content-rich sites by providing modular tutorials and references tailored to real-world web development challenges.
Vbscript Master's Handbook book cover

by Christopher J. Goddard, Mark White·You?

1996·669 pages·VBScript, Web Development, Scripting, Programming, Dynamic Content

Drawing from their extensive experience in web development, Christopher J. Goddard and Mark White developed this handbook to simplify VBScript for those aiming to enhance dynamic website functionality without diving into complex programming languages. You’ll find clear guidance on creating, modifying, and maintaining content-rich sites using VBScript applets, making it easier to keep your web presence competitive and secure. Specific chapters break down how to implement VBScript for interactivity and backend integration, providing practical insights for both novices and intermediate users. This book suits developers looking to boost website capabilities efficiently without overwhelming technical overhead.

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Best for structured VBScript learning
Teach Yourself Vbscript in 21 Days offers a methodical approach to learning VBScript through daily lessons and practical exercises, supported by a CD-ROM containing sample scripts and project files. This book’s blend of foundational programming concepts with specific guidance on embedding VBScript in HTML and integrating multimedia provides readers with a clear path to building interactive web pages. Its enduring popularity stems from this structured framework that guides you from basic scripting to more complex applications, making it a valuable resource for those eager to master VBScript’s potential in web development.
Teach Yourself Vbscript in 21 Days book cover

by Keith Brophy, Timothy Koets·You?

1996·550 pages·VBScript, Programming, Web Development, Scripting Basics, Interactive Webpages

After years of programming experience, Keith Brophy and Timothy Koets crafted this guide to demystify VBScript for beginners and intermediates alike. You’ll learn how to build interactive web pages by embedding VBScript within HTML, manage multimedia content, and integrate controls effectively. The book’s daily lessons, exercises, and included CD-ROM with sample scripts offer a hands-on approach that helps you develop practical scripting skills. If you’re looking to understand VBScript’s role in web development and want a structured path from basics to advanced scripting techniques, this book is tailored for you. However, if you’re seeking the latest web technologies, this classic may feel somewhat dated.

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Best for practical scripting techniques
Bill Schongar is an experienced author in computer science, specializing in web programming and scripting languages. His expertise informs this thorough examination of VBScript, focusing on its role in internet application development and practical scripting techniques. Schongar’s background ensures the book delivers detailed insights grounded in real-world programming contexts, making it a valuable resource for those seeking to deepen their understanding of scripting in web environments.
Vbscript Unleashed book cover

by Bill Schongar, Paul Lagasse, Craig Eddy, Keith Brophy, Owen Graupman, Brian Johnson, Timothy Koets, Evangelos Petroutsos··You?

1996·696 pages·VBScript, Programming, Web Development, Scripting, VBScript Basics

Bill Schongar's extensive experience in computer science and web programming laid the foundation for this detailed guide to Visual Basic Script. The book walks you through VBScript’s syntax, its integration with Internet applications, and practical scripting techniques, including examples of automating tasks and enhancing web pages. It caters especially to programmers and developers looking to leverage VBScript for web development or system scripting, offering clear explanations of scripting fundamentals alongside more advanced concepts like error handling and COM object usage. While it doesn't shy from technical depth, the writing remains accessible to those with some programming background, making it a solid resource for expanding your scripting toolkit.

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Best for rapid skill gains
This AI-created book on VBScript learning is tailored to your background and goals, providing a focused path for quick skill improvement. Personalizing lessons to your interests and current level means you spend time on what truly matters to you. Instead of generic content, you get a custom plan designed to help you rapidly gain practical scripting abilities. This approach makes learning VBScript more efficient and engaging, so you can achieve your goals faster.
2025·50-300 pages·VBScript, VBScript Basics, Scripting Syntax, Automation Tasks, Error Handling

This tailored VBScript learning guide offers a stepwise plan that accelerates your scripting skills through focused daily lessons. It explores fundamental concepts and practical applications, providing a clear path from beginner to confident user. The content is personalized to match your current experience and specific goals, ensuring you engage with topics that matter most to you. Each chapter builds on the last, making complex scripting approachable and rewarding. By emphasizing your interests and learning pace, this book reveals how to harness VBScript effectively for automation, web development, or system management with enthusiasm and clarity.

Tailored Content
Skill Acceleration
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for client-side scripting skills
Learning VBScript by Paul Lomax offers a focused guide to client-side scripting using Microsoft's VBScript language. The book breaks down how to leverage browser object models, especially in Internet Explorer, to create interactive web pages that respond to user actions without frequent server requests. It serves web developers and Visual Basic programmers alike, providing detailed techniques such as dynamic document creation and data validation. The inclusion of over 170 code samples and a customizable shopping cart on the accompanying CD-ROM highlights its practical approach to mastering VBScript for web development.
Learning VBScript (Nutshell Handbooks) book cover

by Paul Lomax·You?

1997·616 pages·VBScript, Programming, Web Development, Scripting, Client Side

What happens when a Visual Basic programmer meets web scripting? Paul Lomax, leveraging his deep understanding of Microsoft's programming languages, wrote this book to help developers harness VBScript for client-side web development. You learn how to manipulate the browser's object model, validate user inputs, and dynamically create web page content, with practical examples like handling ActiveX controls and error management. Whether you're transitioning from VBA or diving into web interactivity, Lomax’s chapters break down complex scripting tasks into manageable parts, making it clear who benefits: web developers aiming to enhance page responsiveness and interactivity without server round-trips.

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Best for foundational scripting skills
Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition offers a focused look at scripting within HTML environments, emphasizing practical skills like syntax, event-driven programming, and debugging. This book’s approach walks you through foundational topics before tackling more specialized areas such as ActiveX controls and security measures, making it a useful resource for those aiming to develop or enhance their VBScript capabilities. Its sustained popularity reflects its role as a go-to guide for developers working with VBScript in web and automation contexts.
1998·350 pages·VBScript, Programming, Scripting, Web Development, Debugging

Drawing from his extensive experience authoring technical guides, Gary Cornell presents a practical introduction to Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition that focuses on essential scripting skills. You learn core concepts like the scripting environment, syntax, and event-driven programming before progressing to debugging techniques, error trapping, and leveraging the Internet Explorer object model. The book’s stepwise approach helps you understand how to embed scripts within HTML, manipulate Dynamic HTML, and work with ActiveX controls securely. If you want a solid foundation in VBScript that covers both basics and some advanced functionality, this book will serve you well, especially if you're involved in web scripting or automation tasks.

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Proven VBScript Methods, Personalized

Get popular VBScript strategies tailored to your unique scripting needs and goals.

Targeted scripting solutions
Customized learning paths
Efficient skill building

Trusted by thousands mastering VBScript with expert-backed content

VBScript Mastery Blueprint
30-Day VBScript Accelerator
VBScript Foundations System
The VBScript Success Formula

Conclusion

The collection of these 7 VBScript books highlights a few clear themes: practical, well-tested scripting strategies; accessible language tailored for various skill levels; and widespread validation by readers who rely on them daily. If you prefer proven methods, start with VBScript in a Nutshell and VBScript Pocket Reference for reliable syntax and quick lookup.

For validated approaches that blend theory with hands-on application, combine Teach Yourself VBScript in 21 Days with Vbscript Unleashed to build a solid foundation and expand your scripting capabilities.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized VBScript book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed in mastering VBScript efficiently and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with "VBScript in a Nutshell" for a thorough reference or "Teach Yourself VBScript in 21 Days" for a structured learning path. Both offer clear explanations suited for beginners and intermediate users.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to VBScript?

No, many books like "Teach Yourself VBScript in 21 Days" and "Learning VBScript" are designed for beginners, gradually introducing concepts with practical examples to ease your learning curve.

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

You can pick based on your goals. For quick syntax help, try "VBScript Pocket Reference." For in-depth understanding, choose a comprehensive guide like "Vbscript Unleashed."

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

While VBScript's core hasn't changed dramatically, these books focus on foundational scripting skills that remain relevant, especially for legacy systems and automation tasks.

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

"Vbscript Unleashed" offers practical scripting techniques and examples you can apply immediately for web development and automation projects.

Can personalized VBScript books complement these expert recommendations?

Yes, personalized books build on expert insights by tailoring content to your specific skills and goals. They complement classics by focusing on what matters most to you. Learn more here.

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