Beginning XML - Softcover

Hunter, David; Watt, Andrew; Rafter, Jeff; Duckett, Jon; Ayers, Danny; Chase, Nicholas; Fawcett, Joe; Gaven, Tom; Patterson, Bill

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0764570773 ISBN 13: 9780764570773

Publisher: Wrox, 2004

Synopsis

What is this book about?

Beginning XML, 3rd Edition, like the first two editions, begins with a broad overview of the technology and then focuses on specific facets of the various specifications for the reader. This book teaches you all you need to know about XML: what it is, how it works, what technologies surround it, and how it can best be used in a variety of situations, from simple data transfer to using XML in your Web pages. It builds on the strengths of the first and second editions, and provides new material to reflect the changes in the XML landscape notably RSS and SVG.

About this title

Review

Despite its title, this is a book for professionals and experienced programmers. On the other hand, it does not assume any knowledge of XML itself. Beginning with an explanation of what XML is all about, the book goes on to explain XML presentation using Cascading Style Sheets, and transformation using XSLT. Next, there is a look at programming XML using the Document Object Model or the Simple API for XML (SAX). There is an explanation of XML validation and structure using DTDs or their replacement, XML Schemas. Then the main part of the book closes with a discussion of XML and databases and XML RPC (Remote Procedure Calls).

The most interesting section is tucked away at the end. There are three case studies, one describing an e-commerce site, another a message board and the last a business-to-business application. The case studies put the rest of the book into context and show how XML can be useful in the real world.

This is a useful general introduction to XML, but there are limitations. First, aside from the chapter on SAX, the examples are generally based on Microsoft's XML parser, and those who are implementing XML solutions on non-Microsoft platforms, or who intend to work mainly with XML and Java, would be better seeking out an alternative such as Java and XML. Second, coverage for some more advanced topics, such as XML and databases, is sketchy so you are likely to need other books alongside this one. Even so, XML newcomers will find plenty of content here to get them up to speed. --Tim Anderson

Review

" a comprehensive text for anyone who is serious about learning XML " ( International Developer, June 2005)

Edition details

• Publisher: Wrox
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0764570773
• ISBN 13: 9780764570773
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 1032