What This Book Covers

Simply put, this book is about .NET. It is a guide to approaching the .NET world written from the perspective of a former mainframe programmer and written for other mainframe programmers (soon to become reformed ^[7] ). Beyond that, this book is about the new .NET Framework and related .NET technologies (e.g., VS .NET, VB .NET, NetCOBOL for .NET, and ADO.NET). Concepts and considerations for future .NET developers are included as well.

What is unique about this book? I wrote it to serve as a bridge from the mainframe world to the new .NET universe. This book is filled cover-to-cover with mainframe-to-.NET comparisons, analogies , and translations (from the old way to the new way). When applicable , in-depth conceptual discussions are offered . These discussions serve to smooth the edges during the inevitable paradigm shifts that await mainframe programmers headed down the .NET path . I intentionally included a healthy amount of mainframe terminology to create a comfortable learning environment for former mainframe developers. The book assumes the role of a .NET "introductory" text. In other words, this is an entry-level .NET text for advanced mainframe programmers. It will adequately prepare you for further, more detailed learning.

^[7] Again, my attempt at a little humor. Please note that the reformation in question is a light reference to the career "technology transition" that this book focuses on. Having gone through this "transition" myself , it is much easier to treat the topic lightly. Bear with me. By the end of this book, you (too) will be proud of your reformation (err . . . transition).