Beginning XML (IT Bok)

First edition

Language: English

Beginning XML provides a complete course in the Extensible Markup Language (XML) with an unusually gradual learning curve. In fact, the introduction states that the book is "for people who know that it would be a pretty good idea to learn the language, but aren't 100 percent sure why." Despite its recognition of the fuzziness of readers' understanding of the technology, the book delivers a rather comprehensive study of XML.

Very little space is wasted detailing the history of XML and its relation to SGML, as is the case in many other titles. The argument for the importance of XML is made quickly, and the basics of well-formed syntax are tackled right off. One notable distinction of this book is its excellent coverage of related technologies, such as cascading style sheets (CSS) and relational databases.

In addition to discussing the crucial companion standards to the core XML language (DTDs, XSL, and XSLT), the book adds a nice perspective to the broad range of applications in which XML can play a role. One section, "Other Uses for XML," illustrates how XML can be used to serialize object models, creating stateless objects and utilizing the Resource Description Framework (RDF). Case studies on--among other things--how XML can be used to build discussion groups, and provide B2B data transfer, round out the text. This book is perfect for Web programmers who are turning their attention to XML for the first time. It imparts a solid understanding of the XML forest and XML trees. --Stephen W. Plain

Topics covered:

Well-formed XML

Cascading style sheets (CSS)

XSLT and Xpath

Document Object Model (DOM)

Simple API for XML (SAX)

XML/database integration schemas

Document Type Definitions (DTDs)

Namespaces

B2B data-transfer applications

Discussion group applications

From the Publisher

This book is for people who know that it would be a pretty good idea to learn the language, but aren't 100% sure why. You've heard the hype, but haven't seen enough substance to figure out what XML is, and what it can do. Beginning XML covers everything from what XML is and why the industry felt that a language like this was needed, to creating 'well-formed' and valid XML documents and learning how to use them in real development environments.

About the Author

Kurt Cagle is a writer and developer specializing in XML and Internet related issues. He has written eight books and more than one hundred articles on topics ranging from Visual Basic programming to the impact of the Internet on society, and has consulted for such companies as Microsoft, Nordstrom, AT&T and others.

Dave Gibbons is President of Cardboard String Media and creator of XMLephant.com. He has written over 20 books on technology.

David Hunter is a consultant and software architect for MobileQ.com and has had extensive experience building scalable n-tier applications, using Internet technologies. David also provides training on XML, and software development best practices.

Nikola Ozu is an independent systems architect who lives in Wyoming. Recent work has included an XML vocabulary for architects, and the design of a production and full-text indexing system for a publisher of medical reference books and databases.

Jonathan Pinnock is an independent developer and consultant based in the City of London. He is the author of "Professional DCOM Application Development" and co-author of "Professional XML" and "Professional Linux Deployment".

Paul Spencer is senior partner and managing consultant at Boynings Consulting, which specializes in advising companies on the business and technical implications of XML. He has carried out work and provided XML training for several of the largest UK companies and is an XML advisor to the UK government.