XML: A Beginner's Guide (Paperback)

by Dave Mercer (Conductor) "Welcome to the eXtensible Markup Language (XML) and to XML: A Beginer's Guide..." (more)
Key Phrases: formatting object tree, constraining facets, maxlnclusive facet, Beginner's Guide, Mastery Check, Internet Explorer (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Essential skills for first-time programmers! XML: A Beginner's Guide will teach you the fundamentals of XML programming. You'll learn to use Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), XHTML, Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), and Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language (SMIL).

This Beginner's Guide is Designed for Easy Learning: Modules: Each programming concept is divided into logical modules (chapters), ideal for linear 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

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 that build on one another, from simple to complex

Mastery Checks: End-of-module reviews that test proficiency using multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and simple coding questions

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

See all Editorial Reviews

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 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,400,622 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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

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

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:

1.0 out of 5 stars A waste of time, July 16, 2002

By A Customer

This book went to the presses to soon. Every example is full of errors. Every example is lacking and fails to show what it is intended to show. To add to my frustrations, online resources are not updated either. There are far too few illustrations. Far too few cross references. I would recommend "The XML Companion" by Neil Bradley, Addison Wesley. Just flick through the books side by side for 10 seconds and you get what I mean.