Beginning XML - Softcover

Cagle, Kurt; Hunter, David; Gibbons, David

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1861003412 ISBN 13: 9781861003416

Publisher: WROX Press Ltd, 2000

Synopsis

XML is the latest buzz-word on the internet. It's a rapidly maturing technology with powerful real-world applications, particularly for the management, display and organization of data. Together with its display language (XSL) and the standardized Document Object Model, it is essential technology for anyone looking for more efficient and cost effective ways of both managing and transfering data. Perhaps the most well known applications are web related (especially with the latest developments in handheld web access - for which the technology is XML-based). But there are many other non-web based applications where XML is useful - for example as a replacement for (or to complement) traditional databases or for the transfer of financial information between businesses.

Beginning XML Programming covers everything you need to integrate XML into your systems.

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

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.

Edition details

• Publisher: WROX Press Ltd
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 1861003412
• ISBN 13: 9781861003416
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 800