Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1114497 in Books
• Published on: 2000-06-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 823 pages

Amazon.co.uk 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.

From the Back Cover
The perfect resource for beginning XML programmers, this guidebook clearly shows you what XML is, how to use it, and what technologies surround it. The authors build on the strengths of previous editions while covering the latest changes in the XML landscape such as XQuery, RSS and Atom, and Ajax. The most recent specifications are presented along with best practices to follow when developing XML solutions.

The fourth edition will help you quickly progress from XML basics to more advanced programming techniques. You′ll delve into the state of the art for XML and databases, discover how to query XML information, retrieve data, and create new XML documents. In addition, you′ll learn how to publish information on the web, design dynamic interactive graphics, and make interactive forms. You′ll be able to apply this information to build robust applications in real–world situations.

What you will learn from this book

• Specific rules to follow for constructing XML

• How to create and use different XML vocabularies

• Steps for extracting information and converting it to HTML or other formats

• Strategies for storing and retrieving XML documents

• How to manipulate XML using DOM and SAX

• Tips for improving communication with XML by using Ajax techniques, RSS, and SOAP

• How to use CSS to add visual styles to your XML documents

Who this book is for

This book is for any programmer interested in learning how to use XML. Some knowledge of web programming or data exchange techniques is helpful but not necessary.

Wrox Beginning guides are crafted to make learning programming languages and technologies easier than you think, providing a structured, tutorial format that will guide you through all the techniques involved.

Customer Reviews

Awful - avoid it!
The book contains very little useful information, and pages and pages of waffle. It takes the view that XML is 'better HTML' for web display purposes and discusses XML focusing almost excusively on this angle. I've yet to come across a descent XML book yet, but this one takes its place firmly at the bottom of the pile.

Good explanations for those at sea with xml
I found the book well paced and well written and it gave me, a beginner, a much better understanding of xml than I had previously. It isn't particularly practical but certain things were really well done - at last I've got a handle on namespaces and how to use them. Could have done with more xslt material and examples and it is very Microsoft orientated.

Messy
This book is fairly messy for Wrox series. Not many examples and no excercises. Th writer doesnt explain a lot things... you have toi figure them out yourself. It covers a lot of stuff biut most of it in lengthy explanations rather than showing examples. Not very well organised. And whats with the face on the cover?