Synopses & Reviews
XML lets developers capture, manipulate and exchange virtually any kind of document or data, without loss of integrity. Because XML lets you create common formats for sharing information between devices and platforms—such as mobile phones, Web browsers and company data stores—many experts have begun calling it the “lingua franca,” or universal language of the Digital Age. Developers, especially developers for the Web and intranets, can’t afford to be XML illiterate. But that powerful markup language has a lot of rules and can be a bit tricky to master. And that’s where this book comes in.
XML For Dummies offers you a fast, fun, and easy way to become XML literate. With a minimum of technobabble and tons of sample applications and case studies, the authors get you on track with XML and all its special features. You’ll:
- Make the most of XML’s extensible characteristics
- Combine XML and XHTML
- Get the hang of DTDs, XML Schema, XLink, and XPath
- Design XML applications to support graphics, complex linking, document navigation, multimedia, and more
- Use XML with style sheets and XSL
From the abc’s of markup languages to XML Web services, XML For Dummies covers all the bases. Designed to give you the practical experience you need to put XML to work right away, it offer hands-on, step-by-step coverage of:
- Planning and defining XML documents
- Creating custom DTDs
- Using XML schema
- Using and delivering XML content
- Linking languages, including the XML linking language, path language, and pointer language
- Creating documents with authoring tools
- Using XML parser engines and conversion tools
- XML Web services
As an added bonus, XML For Dummies comes with a CD-ROM containing a goldmine of powerful XML development tools, including:
- Example markup from the book
- XML Spy, Epic Editor, and IBM XML Schema Quality Checker
- AElfred, XML4J, Amaya and other freeware and open source products
With XML, the dream of total data connectivity and exchange is at last a reality. Don’t get left behind. Get XML For Dummies and join the XML revolution.
Synopsis
See how XML works for business needs and RSS feeds
Create consistency on the Web, or tag your data for different purposes
Tag XML is it! XML tags let you share your format as well as your data, and this handy guide will show you how. You'll soon be using this markup language to create everything from Web sites to business forms, discovering schemas and DOCTYPES, wandering the Xpath, teaming up XML with Office 2003, and more.
Discover how to
- Make information portable
- Use XML with Word 2003
- Store different types of data
- Convert HTML documents to XHTML
- Add CSS to XML
- Understand and use DTDs
Synopsis
Your indispensable introductory guide updated to cover the latest XML tools and techniques!
Get the scoop on XML Schemas, XSLT, and Web services
Harness the power of XML and take the Web to the next level
Data exchange. Database connectivity. Complex document creation. With XML, you can create common formats for sharing information once you get the hang of all those rules. That's where this book comes in. Now updated to cover the latest XML developments, this friendly reference helps you get the hang of DTDs, XML Schema, XPath, and other applications and start putting XML to work.
All this on the bonus CD-Rom
- Example markup from the book
- Trial and evaluation products, including XML Spy, Epic Editor, and IBM? XML Schema Quality Checker
- Freeware and open source products, including ?lfred, XML4J, and Amaya
System requirements: Pentium PC running Windows 2000, Me, XP or later; Macintosh running OS X or later. See CD Appendix for details and complete system requirements.
About the Author
Lucinda Dykesstarted her career in a high-tech area of medicine, but left medicine to pursue her interests in technology and the Web. She has been writing code and developing Web sites since 1994, and also teaches and develops online courses — including the JavaScript courses for the International Webmasters Association/HTML Writers’ Guild at www.eclasses.org.
Lucinda has authored, co-authored, edited, and been a contributing author to numerous computer books; the most recent include Dreamweaver MX 2004 Savvy(Sybex), XML for Dummies(3rd Edition, Wiley), Dreamweaver MX Fireworks MX Savvy(Sybex), XML Schemas(Sybex), and Mastering XHTML(Sybex). When she can manage to move herself away from her keyboard, other interests include holographic technologies, science fiction, and Bollywood movies.
Ed Tittelis a 23-year veteran of the computing industry. After spending his first seven years in harness writing code, Ed switched to the softer side of the business as a trainer and talking head. A freelance writer since 1986, Ed has written hundreds of magazine and Web articles — and worked on over 100 computer books, including numerous For Dummiestitles on topics that include several Windows versions, NetWare, HTML, XHTML, and XML.
Ed is also Technology Editor for Certification Magazine, writes for numerous TechTarget Web sites, and writes a twice-monthly newsletter, “Must Know News,” for CramSession.com. In his spare time, Ed likes to shoot pool, cook, and spend time with his wife Dina and his son Gregory. He also likes to explore the world away from the keyboard with his trusty Labrador retriever, Blackie. Ed can be contacted at [email protected].
Table of Contents
Introduction.
PART I: Why XML Is "eXtreMely cool".
Chapter 1: Understanding What XML Is - and Why You Should Care.
Chapter 2: Comparing and Combining HTML and XML.
Chapter 3: Getting XML Basics Down Pat.
PART II: XML Basics.
Chapter 4: Planning an XML Document That Does Something Great.
Chapter 5: Defining XML Documents.
Chapter 6: Understanding and Using DTDs.
Chapter 7: Creating Custom DTDs.
Chapter 8: Understanding and Using XML Schema.
Chapter 9: Building Custom XML Schemas.
PART III: Putting XML to Work.
Chapter 10: DTDs at Work.
Chapter 11: XML Schema at Work.
Chapter 12: Adding Character to XML.
PART IV: Using and Delivering XML Content.
Chapter 13: Inside an XML Solution.
Chapter 14: Using XSL with XML.
Chapter 15: Processing XML.
Chapter 16: Viewing XML on the Web.
PART V: XML's Lovely Linking Languages.
Chapter 17: The XML Linking Language.
Chapter 18: The XML Path Language.
Chapter 19: The XML Pointer Language.
PART VI: XML in the Real World.
Chapter 20: Cool XML Tools and Technologies.
Chapter 21: XML and Web Services.
Chapter 22: XML on the Spot!
PART VII: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 23: Ten Top XML Applications.
Chapter 24: Ten Ultimate XML Resources.
Appendix A: About the CD.
Appendix B: Glossary.
Index.
End-User License Agreement.