I ordered this book for a class. I assumed that my instructor would reference it during class time, but he has not thus far (and we've passed mid-term). HOWEVER, because he seems more interested in design aspects and NOT application/technical aspects, THIS BOOK has been an invaluable resource. I have many books like this as it relates to the application itself -- I own the books but don't read them; this is the first time a publication has been easy enough for me digest. I am not a connoisseur of technical publications so I can't rate it in that regard, but I can say for someone who learns best when they SEE the steps, this book has helped me get over that hump in learning an application through using a written resource.