XML: A Beginner's Guide [Paperback]

Dave Mercer (Conductor)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2001 | ISBN-10: 0072127406 | ISBN-13: 978-0072127409 | Edition: annotated edition

Comprehensive learning package for the aspiring XML developer, providing intensive coverage of SVG and SMIL specifications for consumer-friendly, interactive web sites. Features include Step-by-step Tutorials, 1-Minute Drill, Ask the Expert, Mastery Check, and more.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Essential Skills for First-Time Programmers

Learn the basics of XML programming by following the steps and examples in this easy-to-use resource. XML: A Beginner's Guide covers fundamental concepts, including XML syntax, DTDs, schemas, namespaces, and the characteristics of a well-formed XML document. The book moves on to explain SMIL, XML-based Web sites, the Document Object Model (DOM), creating Access and SQL Server 2000 databases, XSL, and implementing wireless e-commerce solutions. To speed your progress, the source code for all examples is available free online. Get started programming in XML right away with this self-paced, step-by-step learning solution.

This Beginner's Guide is Designed for Easy Learning:

• Modules--Each programming concept is divided into logical modules (chapters), ideal for individualized learning
• Goals--Each module opens with the specific programming skills you'll have by the end of the module
• Ask the Experts--Q&A sections throughout are filled with extra information and interesting commentary
• 1-Minute Drills--Quick self-assessment sections to check your progress
• Annotated Syntax--Example code annotated with commentary that points to the particular technique illustrated
• Projects--Coding exercises contained in each module show how to apply what you are learning

Mastery Checks--End-of-module reviews that test your knowledge using short-answer, multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and simple coding questions

About the Author

Lisa Rein (Seattle, WA) is an independent consultant and freelance technology writer and Contributing Editor for XML.com. Rein has had extensive experience devising and explaining standards-based strategies. Rein also maintains her own XML resource site at http://www.finetuning.com. Rein has written for print and online publications including Wired News, the IEEE's Internet Computing Magazine, Web Techniques, Web Review, Software Development Magazine, Hewlett-Packard's E-business, MaxPC Magazine, and NetscapeWorld. She created the XML curriculum for Bellevue Community College.

Product Details

• Paperback: 550 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill/OsborneMedia; annotated edition edition (May 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0072127406
• ISBN-13: 978-0072127409
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,092,770 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not so Hot, September 21, 2002

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: XML: A Beginner's Guide (Paperback)

I am currently using this book in a class on XML. It has been used sparingly, thank God, by our instructor. The main book we rely on for good advise and examples of XML is written by Elizabeth Castro. If you don't want to waste your money on a book which is not very clear, concise, or written in a well defined and orderly manner, don't purchase this book. I have worked in the field of computer programming and written in 9 different computer languages, as well as, learning others. Take it from me, there are better books on this subject.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Frustrated with Examples and Coding errors, February 18, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: XML: A Beginner's Guide (Paperback)

After reaching module 3 I became quite disappointed. The example in Module 2-1 is missing from the website and there are many coding and errors in the examples through out the book making it hard for a new comer to really learn what is right or wrong. Unfortunately there aren't many books out there for beginners. For a true new comer to XML and coding itself this book can be confusing. Would recommend at risk.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Disappointed, January 30, 2002

By 

M. Hunsberger "vampiretap" (Madison, WI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: XML: A Beginner's Guide (Paperback)

This book started out very promising. Explaining things at a high level. I have not found a book yet on XML that has actually given me any insight on using it for anything useful. After reading this I am more confused than ever. The basis of XML is simple but the options and implementation are very hard to grasp.
The main problem other than the typos throughout the book is the order. The author will be talking about one topic and go into another unrelated topic without ever finishing the first. Sometimes I had to check to see if I accidently skipped some pages.(I had not!!)Still looking for the best book to learn XML. This one wasn't it.