Isaac Newton has been credited with the phrase, "If I have seen further, it is only by standing on the shoulders of giants." That statement is certainly applicable to this book, especially when considering the practices, perspectives, and experiences contained within it. More specifically, those shoulders belong to the many people who have contributed to this project. Although our names adorn the cover, we owe much of the credit to the individuals who have helped bring this book to life. We are grateful for their efforts and support throughout this project, and would like to acknowledge them individually.
For starters, we could not have done it without the team at Microsoft Press. We would like to thank Ben Ryan, Devon Musgrave, and Melissa von Tschudi-Sutton for ensuring a high-quality outcome and keeping the project on schedule. Additionally, we would also like to thank the technical editor Per Blomqvist and copy editor Cindy Gierhart for their invaluable contributions and feedback.
As mentioned, this book includes practices, perspectives, and experiences. Many of these elements would not have been included without the contributions, support, and feedback of the professionals from Microsoft and the industry. Specifically, we would like to thank the contributors and reviewers: Jason Blankman, Eric Bush, Jacob Kim, Don Reamey, Dick Craddock, Andres Juarez Melendez, Eric Schurman, Jim Pierson, Richard Turner, Venkatesh Gopalakrishnan, Simon Perkins, Chuck Bassett, Venkat Iyer, Ryan Farber, and Ajay Jha.
There is also a special acknowledgement for Wintellect. Wintellect is a consulting, debugging, and training firm dedicated to helping companies build better software faster through a concentration on .NET and Windows development. Its services include in-depth, multiday .NET on-site and open enrollment training as well as development and consulting services including emergency debugging. The company also produces Devscovery conferences—three-day multitrack events targeting the intermediate to advanced developer. For more information about Wintellect, visit www.wintellect.com.
John Robbins and Jeffrey Richter of Wintellect provided invaluable insights and timely feedback. Thanks!
Donis Marshall I have written several books. However, this is my first book with a coauthor. I have been left with one important question after the completing the book. Why did I not have a coauthor on earlier book projects? John Bruno was an incredible asset to this project. His broad knowledge and insights have made this book an important read for any technologist in the Windows arena. John also possesses a rare attribute among authors—timeliness.
John Bruno Writing a book is a commitment that often affects those closest to you. I would like to first thank my wife, Christa, and my two sons, Christopher and Patrick, for their patience, understanding, and sacrifice during the development of this book. Their love and support inspire me to be the best man I can be, everyday. Additionally, I am grateful to Donis Marshall for inviting me to join him on this project. I sincerely appreciate his friendship and the opportunity to work with him on such an important subject. I have been fortunate throughout my life to have known many creative and insightful people. To those of you who have always been there to inspire, encourage, challenge, and support me, I thank you.