The book is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to both the Standard C++ language and to Visual C++.NET.  The book has been thoroughly updated (more than 35% new and updated) for the Whidbey release. This book shows novice C++ programmers how to build real-world applications using Visual C++.  No previous programming experience is required. The author uses numerous step-by-step programming examples to guide readers through the ins and outs of C++development. His tutorial approach has proved popular with more than 100,000 readers---they look to Ivor Horton for the most thorough and accessible introduction to the C++ language and to Visual C++.  .In addition to fully covering new features of the Whidbey release--for example, the latest changes to MFC and ADO.NET--Horton will also add new chapters showing how Managed C++ can be used together with Windows Forms for fast application development, and how database applications can be developed using C++ and Windows Forms.