Date: 7 Nov 93 11:25 -0600 From: Rob Slade Subject: Book Review: "Windows Network Programming" by Davis BKWNPROG.RVW 930929 Addison-Wesley Publishing Co. P.O. Box 520 26 Prince Andrew Place Don Mills, Ontario M3C 2T8 416-447-5101 fax: 416-443-0948 or 1 Jacob Way Reading, MA 01867-9984 800-527-5210 617-944-3700 5851 Guion Road Indianapolis, IN 46254 800-447-2226 Windows Network Programming, Ralph Davis, U$29.95/C$38.95 I recall a message posted by the developer of a piece of security software. He was explaining the process that was being used to assign priorities for new features for his program. One of the first things mentioned was the time being consumed by ensuring the product would work with Windows. Thereafter, about every two paragraphs, we noted a reiterated cry of, "Have I mentioned how much I hate Windows?" as various features that should have been added to the product were pushed into the background. I have heard the same from communications software developers. Windows has a number of features making initial program development rather easy, but it is full of traps for the unwary once you get into the interesting stuff. Davis' book is intended to address the most complex of communications issues, that of networking. His rather understated intention is to "explore some of the issues" in writing networked applications. In this he would appear to have succeeded admirably. The programmer intending to start building "network aware" applications under Windows would do well to start here. In addition, the experienced programmer who has concentrated on a single API (Application Program Interface) will find this a helpful bridge to other systems. Chapter one serves as both preface and introduction to the work. There is background material on the major protocols and APIs of use in the Windows environment and some comparison as to feature and users. Part one details the protocols, procedures, architectures and data structures of NetBios, IPX/SPX, VINES and Sockets (TCP/IP) as well as a general API. Source code is given for DLLs (Dynamic Link Libraries) for all systems. Part two deals with specific "built-in" network services, once again covering all the major APIs. Part three covers Windows NT, Win32 and Windows for Workgroups. This work is intended as a serious programming reference. Experienced programmers will appreciate the fact that no attempt is made to address a novice audience. The code listings are tight, with minimal, but clear, commenting. copyright Robert M. Slade, 1993 BKWNPROG.RVW 930929 Permission granted to distribute with unedited copies of TELECOM Digest and assocated newsgroups/mailing lists. DECUS Canada Communications, Desktop, Education and Security group newsletters Editor and/or reviewer ROBERTS@decus.ca, RSlade@sfu.ca, Rob Slade at 1:153/733 DECUS Symposium '94, Vancouver, BC, Mar 1-3, 1994, contact: rulag@decus.ca