More than just another "tool" book, this content-packed reference explores the reasons why you would use Visual Studio, the techniques professional developers employ when working with this tool suite, and the architectural underpinnings of leading-edge application development. A major focus of the book is Visual Studio's use of COM, which is the centerpiece of Microsoft's architecture. In addition, integrating with key BackOffice tools are covered including SQL Server, Transaction Server, and Message Queue. Finally, full treatment is given to the use of Visual Basic, Visual C++, Visual J++ and the Visual InterDev environment for distributed as well as web-based development. This includes the use of Dynamic HTML. Unique coverage demonstrates cross tool development and how to build integrated programs and select the best development tool for the task at hand.