Book Review: Developing Windows Store Apps with HTML5 and JavaScript
Although I've done my share of Windows Store app development, I've always used C# and .NET framework, since these are technologies I have most experience with. When I was offered a free copy of Developing Windows Store Apps with HTML5 and JavaScript by Rami Sarieddine, I gladly accepted it to learn more about the alternative approach.
Strangely enough the book starts out with a pretty thorough overview of HTML 5 and CSS. For existing web developers who are interested in learning how to use their skills for developing Windows Store apps this probably won't be of much use, but I still think it's a welcome addition to the book. It certainly made it easier for me to follow the remaining chapters and I'm sure it will for other readers with similar (lack of) skills as well.
The rest of the book focuses on Windows Store app development, as expected. Having already gone through the process of learning it, I can say that in spite of its shortness, it manages to cover all the important topics. The reader should definitely be able to write and publish his own first application, once he's done with it. More importantly, it provides a good basis for further learning about the topic which I would certainly recommend.
The last chapter of the book does feel a bit out of place, though. In only a couple of pages it tries to compare HTML5 / JavaScript development of Windows Store apps to .NET / C# approach. I'm not sure it's really useful for anyone. For those without prior knowledge of C#, I think it is to brief to give any real value. On the other hand, those with existing previous knowledge will want to learn more and will probably find a different source of information.
Still, this chapter doesn't really take away any value from all the other chapters. You can always skip if you' re not interested in it. All in all I would recommend this book to anyone with no or minimal knowledge about Windows Store apps, who's interested in developing them using HTML5 and JavaScript, even if he isn't already proficient in them.
The book is available on Amazon and sold directly by the publisher.
