COBOL and Visual Basic on .NET: A Guide for the Reformed Mainframe Programmer

COBOL and Visual Basic on .NET: A Guide for the Reformed Mainframe Programmer is a comprehensive guide to help mainframe programmers successfully complete a .NET retraining effort. This book targets the COBOL/CICS Mainframe community comprised of programmers seeking a complete transition off of the Mainframe to .NET, or for those who simply wish to broaden their knowledge with .NET.

Starting with a complete list of .NET retraining prerequisites and a full chapter answering the question “What is .NET?”, Richardson skillfully takes the reader through topics such as the .NET Framework, database access, Windows, Web, and Web services. He touches on additional topics such as printing with Crystal Reports, using XML, HTML, .NET configuration, and security for Web services.

Richardson also includes information to help the Mainframe programmer with infrastructure set-up issues faced when deploying modules using Internet Information Server and COM+. The reader is provided the chance to learn both COBOL.NET and Visual Basic .NET by working with code samples that are provided in the book.

Mainframe programmers reading this book will immediately feel comfortably challenged. While drawing upon many legacy mainframe analogies, Richardson's conversational writing style makes this book both informative and an enjoyable read. COBOL and Visual Basic on .NET: A Guide for the Reformed Mainframe Programmer is certainly a complete .NET guide for the Mainframe programmer.