Python & XML: XML Processing with Python - Softcover

Jones, Christopher A

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0596001282 ISBN 13: 9780596001285

Publisher: O′Reilly, 2002

Synopsis

If you are a Python programmer who wants to incorporate XML into your skill set, this is the book for you. Python has attracted a wide variety of developers, who use it either as glue to connect critical programming tasks together, or as a complete cross-platform application development language. Yet, because it is object-oriented and has powerful text manipulation abilities, Python is an ideal language for manipulating XML.Python & XML gives you a solid foundation for using these two languages together. Loaded with practical examples, this new volume highlights common application tasks, so that you can learn by doing. The book starts with the basics then quickly progresses to complex topics, like transforming XML with XSLT, querying XML with XPath, and working with XML dialects and validation. It also explores the more advanced issues: using Python with SOAP and distributed web services, and using Python to create scalable streams between distributed applications (like databases and web servers).The book provides effective practical applications, while referencing many of the tools involved in XML processing and Python, and highlights cross-platform issues along with tasks relevant to enterprise computing. You will find ample coverage of XML flow analysis and details on ways in which you can transport XML through your network.Whether you are using Python as an application language, or as an administrative or middleware scripting language, you are sure to benefit from this book. If you want to use Python to manipulate XML, this is your guide.

About this title

Review:

Python and XML shows how to program XML applications using Python, an increasingly popular scripting language. The authors aim to introduce XML, but some knowledge of Python is assumed. They make a strong case for Python as a natural partner to XML, being cross-platform, object-oriented, easy to use, and with strong text handling features. In any case, the prevalence of XML means that most Python developers will have to tackle it sooner or later. Together with the Python standard library, the book makes use of PyXML, which greatly extends Python's XML features, and another library called 4Suite. It also demonstrates how to use Microsoft's MSXML parser with Python, when running on Windows.

Starting with an introductory overview, the book goes on to explain XML fundamentals. Next there is a guide to parsing XML, first with SAX and then with the DOM (Document Object Model). XPath queries get a short chapter, followed by a look at XSLT transformations. After that comes validation against DTD's (Document Type Definitions), sending and receiving XML over the Internet, and Python Web Services. Finally, a detailed example explains how to use Python in a distributed XML application.

Both authors are professional Python developers and their book successfully covers the essentials. However, they do a poor job of explaining XML itself and newcomers will want something like XML in a Nutshell alongside this title. With lots of commented code examples, Python and XML has a hands-on feel, making it a sound and practical guide. --Tim Anderson

Review:

"....over 340 pages of real, practical, useful info here, well worth reading. Rating 9/10" -- Nick Veitch, Linux Format, May 2002

As usual, the typographic and physical design are of the highest standard. -- Major Kearny, PC Update, Dec 2002

The extensive and detailed instructions are designed to ensure the reader grasps the principles and underlying concepts. -- Major Keary, Book News, 2002 No 6

About this edition

• Publisher: O′Reilly
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0596001282
• ISBN 13: 9780596001285
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 384