Introduction

 

This book presents myriad fascinating concepts about C# classes. It is classified into three sections, with each of them converging on distinct facets of classes available in the .Net framework

 

The curtains are raised with the chapter on Threads in Section I, which presents a nascent introduction to this topic. The topics of Events and Mutexes are also explored in detail.

 

The next chapter is on the Internet related classes. Here, the utility of the Web classes and their role in building server and client applications are highlighted.

 

The last chapter in this section takes on a different hue. It encapsulates the crux of writing programs to implement the concept of 'remoting'. This involves the composition of a client and a server program on different machines.

 

The spotlight then moves on to the concept of Winforms in Section II. This chapter is replete with practical and useful insights into how Winforms can be put to optimum use in the .Net world. The C# language provides the facility of generating user-interfaces having aesthetic appeal, either by implementing the ready-to-use Form Controls, or by using controls crafted by us, in order to receive inputs from an end user.

 

The subsequent chapter in this section delves upon the Database Controls. This chapter has been sedulously crafted, to capture the essence of this significant activity and to reveal its intricate details.

 

The ubiquitous task of printing is the focus of the next chapter. The contents of this chapter will equip you to print output with practiced panache.

 

The last section is devoted to XML, which is the most hyped language in the current market scenario. An XML file embodies an assortment of components, which will be unraveled, one at a time, in the chapters of this section.

 

At the outset, the common XML classes have been highlighted, to provide an introduction to XML concepts, which are used while programming in the C# language.

 

The next two chapters focus on DTD, which is an acronym for Data Type Definition, and also on the XML Data Document. They provide information on the various elements employed while generating an XML file.

 

The topic of XML Documentation provides a hiatus from the preceding abstruse topics. It has been laced with effervescent text and examples to liven up the proceedings.  

 

We have applied utmost perspicacity to ensure that accurate, useful and relevant explanations, laced with lucid and practical examples, be presented to expound the various concepts to both, the amateur and the proficient programmer alike.

 

We assure you that, by the time you disembark from this intellectual voyage of discovery, the various concepts that have been presented, are doubtlessly bound to create an indelible imprint on your minds.

 

Requirements

 

The software requirements to successfully run all the programs in this book are

 

     Operating System - Windows 2000

     A Web Server preferably Microsoft IIS ver 5.0

     SQLServer 2000 (Evaluation Edition)

     Internet Explorer 5.5

     .Net Framework SDK Beta 2 (111 MB)

 

Internet Explorer 5.5 can be downloaded off the Microsoft site

 

     http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/download/ie55sp1.htm

 

Net Framework SDK Beta 2 can be downloaded off the Microsoft site

 

     http://download.microsoft.com/download/VisualStudioNET/Trial/2.0/W982KMeXP/EN-US/setup.exe

 

Alternatively, you can visit the download section at Microsoft ( http://msdn.microsoft.com/downloads/default.asp ) and download the .Net framework  SDK Beta 2 under the Software Development Kit option.

 

SQLServer 2000

 

While installing the evaluation edition of SQLServer 2000, we have chosen the default selected settings. The only modification made is in the Authentication Dialog Box.

 

You see two options

 

     Windows Authentication mode

 

     Mixed mode (Windows Authentication and SQL Server Mode)

 

The default option selected is Windows Authentication mode. We have instead selected Mixed mode (Windows Authentication and SQL Server Mode). Once this option is selected, the password text boxes for the 'sa' user gets activated. As we would prefer using a blank password in our programs, we select Blank Password. On selecting this option, the text boxes get disabled again.

 

Acknowledgements

 

The many individuals who have worked together to produce this great work of art and motivated me all the way need a mention here. Their bright ideas, inspiration, support has made me a lot more stronger and wiser.

 

First and foremost, thanks to Manish Jain, BPB Publications for publishing the book.

 

To my co-authors, Sonal and Vinay who have put in a lot of hard work to complete the work assigned to them.

 

To Tanuja Sodhi, an ex-Naval Officer from the first batch of lady officers and an MBA from Jamnalal Bajaj, for editing the book. She is presently freelancing as a creative writer.

 

To Altaf Hemani and Kishore Rohra, for their creativity in designing the cover in a given short time.

 

Thanks to Manish Purohit for putting in all the time he had to verify the code with the explanations and then giving the book a good look and feel.

 

To Pradeep Mukhi and Shivanand Shetty, who have always been there, as a source of inspiration and encouragement.

 

My Mother, Shana Aunty and a long list of friends need a mention here for their patience and cooperation on this book while it was being written.

 

 

 -Vijay Mukhi