XHTML Example by Example [Paperback]

Aaron E. Walsh (Author), Dave Raggett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 23, 2001

XHTML, the new worldwide standard Web markup language, delivers the best of both worlds: the simplicity and accessibility of HTML, and the power and extensibility of XML. Now there's a developer's guide to XHTML that teaches by example, helping every Web developer and designer leverage their existing HTML skills to create richer sites -- and deliver content on an unprecedented range of platforms, from desktop PCs to wireless phones and digital TVs. Co-authored by Dave Raggett -- leader of the W3C's XHTML standards group and lead architect of HTML-- this book covers every aspect of XHTML development, from basic syntax to style sheets, tables and frames to forms and scripts. XHTML Example by Example first presents the rationale for XHTML, demonstrating how XHTML bridges the gap between yesterday's HTML pages and tomorrow's sophisticated XML applications. It introduces the basic syntax of XHTML, demonstrating how HTML pages can be reformulated in XHTML without compromising compatibility with existing browsers. Finally, XHTML Example by Example presents two detailed case studies: a rich application targeted at the desktop, and a "lean and mean" wireless Web application.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

As XML continues to creep into the mainstream of Web development, XHTML--an XML application--offers a smooth way to move your HTML code to an XML-compatible format and create new pages that exploit the advantages of XML. XHTML Example by Example brings experienced HTML coders and new Web developers alike into the state-of-the-art XHTML world.

The authors spend a few chapters explaining the benefits of moving to XHTML and laying out the basics of XHTML documents. After reading this section, you'll be sold on the "why" and ready to get to the "how." As the book progresses gradually into the more sophisticated elements of XHTML, it explains the differences between HTML and XHTML and defines key terminology. As the title implies, the information is presented through examples. Code in question is highlighted in blue for quick comprehension. Unlike some tutorials, however, the code examples are accompanied by plenty of explanation for a well-rounded learning experience.

You'll get a feel for rich media formats like MPEG-4, SMIL, and SVG, plus some pointers to valuable tools for authoring this advanced content. An appendix includes detailed information on XHTML development tools such as tag editors, validators, and converters that get your code from HTML to XHTML. XHTML Example by Example makes the transition away from the familiar cocoon of HTML a smooth one. --Stephen W. Plain

Topics covered:

• XHTML overview
• Document structure
• Basic tags
• Implementing audio formats
• Image handling
• Cascading style sheets
• Implementing JavaScript
• Forms and form validation
• Tables and Web page organization
• MPEG-4
• SMIL
• SVG
• XHTML development tools
• XHTML quick reference

From the Back Cover

Combine HTML's simplicity with XML's power—right now!

• Learn XHTML hands on, through ready-to-use examples
• Don't wait! Master XHTML techniques that work with today's browsers
• Create rich media Web pages for the desktop—and "lean and mean" pages for next-generation wireless devices
• Covers essential XHTML syntax, style sheets, tables, frames, forms, scripts, and much more
• Written by International Standards experts who lead World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), Web3D Consortium (Web3D), and Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) activities

XHTML combines HTML's simplicity and accessibility with XML's unprecedented power and flexibility. With XHTML Example by Example, any Web developer can learn XHTML by example, simply and quickly, using hands-on examples and ready-made scripts and style sheets. Leverage your existing HTML skills to create rich, highly interactive XHTML sites—and learn how to deliver content on any platform, from desktop PCs to wireless phones. Best of all, discover how to gain XHTML's key benefits right now, with today's browsers and tools!

Authored by Aaron E. Walsh—XHTML Liaison to W3C for Web3D—and Dave Raggett—HTML lead architect and former W3C Activity Lead for XHTML—XHTML Example by Example covers XHTML development, from syntax to tables, style sheets to scripts.

Coverage includes:

• Why you need XHTML, not just XML or HTML
• Deploying XHTML on today's 4.x (and higher) browsers
• Converting existing HTML pages to XHTML—painlessly
• Creating static and interactive XHTML pages from scratch
• Integrating forms and scripts to create pages with intelligent input capabilities
• Enriching XHTML with XML-based languages such as SMIL, SVG, and MathML
• Saving time and frustration with XHTML authoring, validation, and optimization tools

Filled with insider's insights and real-world solutions, XHTML Example by Example will help you deliver the next-generation Web sooner than you ever imagined.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 768 pages
• Publisher: Prentice Hall PTR; 1st edition (July 23, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 013040005X
• ISBN-13: 978-0130400055
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,920,371 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Typing self taught with pictures, July 17, 2003

By 

Charles Brewster (Vancouver BC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: XHTML Example by Example (Paperback)

Nicely laid out, well thought out book BUT the web site url given promising the code for download is aliased to Amazon.

After much looping and checking phptr.com site I can only conclude the source code is not available.

Good luck with you debugging.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not what it is cracked up to be..., February 7, 2003

By 

William H. Magill (Philadelphia, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: XHTML Example by Example (Paperback)

While the text of the book is useful, none of the promised web material (source code to the examples) is available.

5.0 out of 5 stars all about the presentation, August 9, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: XHTML Example by Example (Paperback)

This is one of the few well organized texts on this broad subject.
The multi media coverage is esp interesting and DAve Ragget, a founding member of the W3 knows his stuff.