This text assumes the reader has mastered standard Visual Basic development techniques and is now looking for focused coverage to help develop and implement a universal data access strategy for database application. It gives instruction in the specific techniques and technologies to make Visual Basic a useful programming tool for tapping the power of ADO. The topics covered connecting to data using ADO; using visual database tools to investigate and modify databases; ensuring flexible data presentation using bound controls; creating complex forms using the DataEnvironment summarizing data with DataReports; working with disconnected recordsets; sorting, filtering, and editing data; creating data-aware classes; using server-side business objects; using ADO with DHTML; using ADOMD to query data warehouses; creating data sources with VB.