Introduction to this review

It was little bit a hard time for me to learn WPF with the help of internet. Some how I succeeded in learning Microsoft .NET framework 3.x with my own self study experiments and MSDN. Now, after reading the book "Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5-Windows Presentation Foundation - Self Paced Training Kit ", I am really happy that most of my silly doubts are also cleared. Since Framework 3.5 is new there was no much Gurus available for my queries at the time of my self-learning.

Dotnet Framework 3.x is a revolutionary development in technology. It is always a good option to take certifications on latest technologies for one's career development. MCTS, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist is a new generation Microsoft Certification Program and this training kit is designed for developers who plan to take the MCITP -Microsoft Certified IT Professional Exam 70-502.

Point to highlight

This books is really a helper not just for those who prepare for the exam but also for extreme beginners of WPF. Also, throughout the book you can see boxes with title 'Real World'. This will tell you some hints on practical scenarios.

Why this book?

The book covers everything from 'Fundamentals' to 'Deployment'. So, I have the feeling just with the help of this book you can pass the exam easily. The book is well equipped with sample questions, tips and sample source code. Additionally you will get a companion CD and an evaluation software DVD.

The companion CD contains the following:

• Practice Tests - Mock Exams based on the theme of this book
  
• Sample Files - Lab exercises specified in this book
  
• eBook - An electronic version of this book - this is helpful if you are a traveller

The DVD contains:

• A 90-day evaluation edition of Visual Studio 2008 Professional Edition.

Which language is used for example source codes?

You know many programmers specialize on some specific .NET language - mainly VB.NET or C#.NET. No need to worry. This book use both VB.NET and C#. You can find code like this:

' VB
' Assumes: Imports System.IO.IsolatedStorage
Dim store as IsolatedStorageFile = IsolatedStorageFile.GetUserStoreForApplication

// C#
// Assumes: using System.IO.IsolatedStorage
IsolatedStorageFile store = IsolatedStorageFile.GetUsrStoreForApplication;

Overview of topics cover in this Book

• WPF Application Fundamentals
• Explains different types of WPF applications and which application type is right for your requirements
• Working with background processes
• Events, Commands and Settings
• How to configure Events, Event Handling, Commands and Settings
• Customization of User Interfaces
• WPF Content Controls, Item Controls and Layout Controls
• Content Management
• Creation of Graphics
• Multimedia content management
• Managing Binary Resource and Images
• Data Binding and ADO.NET
• Data conversion and validation
• Styles and Animation
• Localization, Documents and Resources
• How to Deploy your WPF applications

No confusions!

If you are a beginner, you may have dillamas like 'am I doing correct'. Necessary screenshots are provided with the topics. So there is no chance of confusions. At the beginning of every lessons you will be informed about what you are going to study and what will be the estimated time. So it is easy to plan your study timings as well - if you are doing a serious exam preparation.

How many sample questions?

There are exercises included in all lessons. Apart from that there are review questions at the end of every lessons. Also there are case scenarios in addition.

The companion CD contains practice tests which are customizable. There are 200 realistic exam questions included.

End Note

Since I had knowledge in WPF already, it took only 3 days for me to read this book completely. But if you are planning to attend the certification exam, you must seriously take all the sample question assignments and practice test exams provided with the companion CD.