When we sat down to map out the next version of our premier software development tool, Microsoft Visual Studio 2012, we had a few key scenarios in mind.

One of those scenarios was Developers are Raving Fans. We clearly heard the feedback about the speed of Visual Studio, about the discoverability of features, its ability to support ever changing and improving engineering practices, and various other sources of frustration. With Microsoft Visual Studio 2012 we wanted to not only address that feedback but to then go on and exceed people's expectations as to what Visual Studio can do for them. We wanted to surprise and delight them with the features on offer and to give them both the reason and opportunity to fall back in love with the software they use every day.

We also wanted developers to regard Visual Studio as a key enabler in developing fantastic experiences for Windows 8 and not as a tax on their development efforts. We wanted them to enjoy the process of developing world changing software and to make it eminently approachable; not just for those familiar with Visual Studio but also for those who are new to Windows development.

We believe we have met these goals, and then some.

Richard's book is a perfect complement to Visual Studio 2012 for both the experienced and new Visual Studio developer alike. It is highly approachable and educational and is a book that you can pick up and use immediately in your daily development efforts. The cookbook style recipe format helps you quickly get to grips with how Microsoft Visual Studio 2012 can be used for building fantastic software and answers the key question you have, which is "What's new in Microsoft Visual Studio 2012?".

Brian Harry

Technical Fellow, Microsoft Corporation