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Why is it good? It explains things in clear language. The proofs are laid out clearly. There are lots of example problems with solutions. This was critical in the portion of the book where he explains how to solve d.e.'s with variable coefficients. The book makes differential equations look interesting, which is important to capture readers. Zill also has a calc book, and mygoodness, that book was sort of repulsive b/c of the 70's style printing and the nasty brown colors. Looks are always a big thing, back then and now.
I'm not sure how applicable this text is for hard-core math majors, but definitely, if you are in engineering and don't require any weird esoteric understanding of the proofs that math people might need, this is text worth referring to. I can't comment on the BVP, though... However, it helped me to earn an A+ at Cal that first semester as a freshman, so he must be doing something right.
The last few chapters are an intro to partial differential equations, and their applications. They aren't intended as thorough coverage, but give a nice overview. I got interested and bought a book on partial differential equations afterwards.
Good book overall. Plenty of problems and solutions as well, so you can practice.
Also..I found more stuff in this book than in others. Fourier series are also treated, which some books leave out. In summary, a good book for those who are taking a class...or self study. Goes over material thoroughly. My lectures were horrible, and I did great in the class simply because this book did such a good job of explaining.
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However, most of the expert tutorials are carry overs from the previous book, Flash 4 Bible. It also looks like they were writing this book against a beta version of Flash 5, because many of the screenshots don't match up. So far there are 31 mistakes logged in the 'errata engine' at this books website, I expect more to come, maybe I'm just a cynic.
I may sound like I'm in a bad mood, that's because I just got done with chapter 13. I've probably spent a good hour here and there wondering where I messed up, only to figure out later its the book that is wrong.
If you're looking for a code repository that you can draw from quickly and easily, this sample code isn't as easily ported to your own sites as you might expect. There are more and better resources available free on the net. There are also newer and slicker books out there, dragslidefade is a good place to start when you are done with the standard fare. DSF has lots of code you can really drag and drop into your site, it's even free for download, the web address is in this review.
The authors strengthen their book by bringing in other authors to do various "Expert Tutorials" and major content for chapters such as the Generator chapter. Colin Moock in a tutorial on pages 1186-1189 answers a question I've had for some time, which is why many Flash sites use frames (hey, you'll have to read it to find out, just like I did!). There IS a reason.
ActionScript is the strength of Flash 5 and this sets the expectation for how Macromedia intends to expand the programming capabilities of Flash. Although this volume doesn't cover ActionScript with the depth of a book that only focuses on ActionScript, it provides a good start for those wanting to become conversant with this technology.
The best web books contain a CD (this one does) and have a corresponding supporting web site, for errata, additional materials etc. Aof this writing (2-18-01) www.flash5bible.com is still "under construction." Hey guys, let's get it completed and up so we can use it with your book!
Joe Meboe
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There were a few typos/formatting glitches that a tighter tech or page-proof edit would have caught, but the content of this book is nonetheless clear. If you happen to agree with the author's view that the place to start is with fundamental coding skills (that means practicing and learning with console (DOS) applications, not GUI apps), then this book really is an excellent place to start.
As for choosing Delphi Pascal as a learning language, I've looked at many languages and read several books to try to grasp the fundamentals. I have no prorgramming or computer science experience, which made my search for the right language and tutorial all the more difficult. Believe me, I've looked at just about everything: VB, C++, C#, Java, RealBASIC, Perl, Python, Objective C, Rebol, and Ruby, to name most of them. After much study, I believe that Pascal, with its focus on highly structured and well throught out "unit" modules, really makes the most sense for a beginner (RealBASIC comes close, but good reference material is still a bit scarce). The language just makes sense to me, and coupled with Borland's Delphi IDE, programming is just easier and more fun to learn.
If you're just getting started on your adventures in programming, this book can't be beat. It even includes Delphi 5 standard to practice with, which is a ... value on its own. Although Delphi 6 is already out, use this book and v.5 to explore the language (which hasn't changed at all, as far as I can tell) and the environment as a means of deciding whether Delphi is for you. If so, you'll want to move on to additional references, like Marco Cantu's Mastering Delphi books.
One more note -- just because this book is for absolute novices, that doesn't mean it's a no-brainer. The pace is relatively swift, and I had to re-read some sections several times to catch on. The code samples build on prior lessons, too, and I found myself going back to previous material to refresh my recollection. This, however, helped rather than hindered my learning, as I was forced to re-study recently learned concepts I would have otherwise forgotten.
In all, this book is a great value and an excellent read. It's finally got me going as a fledgling programmer, and for that, the author and publisher (as well as Borland) deserve great thanks!
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Recipes include: Chili Fruit Salad; Guacamole Loaf; Bandito Bread; Bacon-Jalapeno Muffins; Mexican Roll-Ups; Diablo Cheese Bowl; PiƱata Puffs; Mexican Egg Rolls; Tex-Mex Coleslaw; Jalapeno Caviar; Cabo San Lucas Salad; Chicken Jicama Salad; Gazpacho Rapido; Salsa Corn Chowder; Pollo Mexicana; Turkey Salad Burritos; Hot Mexican Meatballs; Mexican Lasagna; Jalapeno Pork Chops; Pepper Pasta Salad; Cumin Rice; Grilled Vegetable Kabobs; Cauliflower Mexicana; Flan De Fresa; and Margarita Loaf are just a few.
The cookbook adds some incredible mouth watering full color pictures of complete recipes throughout the book and brings a spiral bound book to a new level. Each recipe is either on one page or facing pages, never requiring the user to turn the page to finish the recipe. All ingredients are pretty much readily available at most grocery stores and most recipes are easily made. The cookbook sells itself as "Mexican food with a bold new attitude", and the co-authors have well succeeded in accomplishing that task. It is not at the caliber of a Mexican Kitchen by Rick Bayless, but I recommend putting this book on your shelf.