XML Step by Step (DV-DLT Fundamentals) (Paperback)

by Michael Young (Author) "Extensible Markup Language, or XML, is currently the most promising language for storing and delivering information on the World Wide Web..." (more)
Key Phrases: nonattribute child nodes, general external parsed entity, general internal parsed entity, Internet Explorer, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Books about XML often provide more detail than the reader needs and not enough coverage of related technologies. It's under this premise that Michael J. Young has written Step by Step XML, a kinder, gentler tutorial to XML.

The first thing the reader notices about this book is its light, illustrative style. Well-designed syntax diagrams and pieces of sample code ease XML newcomers into each topic. Valid and well-formed XML syntax is presented at a leisurely pace, with plenty of examples. XML display that uses cascading style sheets (CSS) is presented in a similar manner.

Those who are new to XML should be aware of the topics this book leaves out, however. For example, there is no discussion of schemas--the upcoming alternative to Document Type Definition (DTD)--and relatively little explanation of XML as a data-transfer mechanism. Data binding is discussed, but the focus definitely is on using XML as a presentation vehicle.

While this shouldn't be your only XML tutorial, it's a comfortable introduction to the basics and will be especially applicable to your work if you code for Internet Explorer 5.0. For a first taste of XML, it's a fine place to start. --Stephen W. Plain

Topics covered:

• XML document structure
• Well-formed versus valid documents
• Processing instructions
• CDATA sections
• Entities
• XML with CSS
• XML data binding
• Display with DOM scripts
• XSL style sheets

Product Description
A complete learning kit providing all the information, instruction, and software needed to learn the practical basics of creating and displaying XML documents. CD-ROM includes example files for all hands-on exercises, extensive links to further information and resources, and Microsoft Explorer 5.01. DLC: XML (Document markup language).

Product Details

• Paperback: 375 pages
• Publisher: Microsoft Press (July 7, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0735610207
• ISBN-13: 978-0735610200
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #77,116 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

52 of 53 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Introduction to XML, August 2, 2000

By	Tan Kwan Seng (Singapore) - See all my reviews

I own a couple of XML books. This is the one that outshines the rest. Ideas are logically presented and it lives up to its name---it does adopt a step-by-step approach in trying to get the ideas across to the reader. Some people may feel that it is lacking in certain areas (what the editorial review says is accurate) but those areas which it covers, it explains well. It is meant to be an intro to XML and it does a great job in explaining how parts fit together and what supporting docs are required and for what purpose. Well worth the price. After reading, I could understand what XML is and APPRECIATE XML. You cannot appreciate it unless you know it! One the of strengths of this book is the careful reference and explanation of the example codings is enlightening and helpful. Certainly NOT a book written in a hurry to get published.

Some people may be against the biase towards IE 5.x, but it provides excellent support for XML if you know the browser well enough. Using an otherwise poorer XML support browser would, on the other hand, hinder the learning process. IE Explorer has strengths and weaknesses like other browsers, but it is certainly strong in its support for XML.

If you do not know anything about XML, this is the book to start learning with. Excellent XML starters' book. Period.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful introduction to XML. A pleasure., March 31, 2001

By	Barry Gruber (Oakton, VA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you're looking for an introduction to XML, this book is the right place to start. This book is my fourth attempt at learning the XML basics, and it's just right. I'd give it 6 stars if I could.

The most striking thing about it is how well-organized it is. Finally, here is a book with virtually no typos, a CD of sample programs where all the programs work(!!!), and a completely clear labeling of which file on the CD is being used for each sample listing in the book. The writing is very clear, and all the examples are explained very well. And the book is only 362 pages, so you never have the feeling that it will take forever to go through it all.

The content is also very well organized, where each chapter builds on the preceding chapters, and the author does not discuss anything if the context has not already been established. The XML basics are all presented, including entities, DTDs, Data Binding, the DOM, and XSL. (And maybe a little more - the example in Chapter 9 of using the DOM to access XML entities in a DTD starts to get more advanced.)

To make full use of this book, you need to know some HTML. Knowing some JavaScript is also helpful, but not absolutely required. On the other hand, by the time you're ready to tackle XML, you should already know the HTML basics.

The book does not go into more advanced topics like SAX or SOAP, but that is OK since this is a beginner's book. Reading this book (and playing with the sample code) should give you the appropriate background for a more advanced book.

A warning: this is a Microsoft Press book, and all the samples are displayed in the Internet Explorer 5.x browser. If you are allergic to IE, then you should find another book, but you would be missing out on a lot.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book on XML, July 12, 2000

By	Gadgester "No Time, No Money" (Mother Earth) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

This is an excellent book to introduce you to XML and how to employ it in the real world. I picked this book up two weekends ago after getting totally frustrated with "XML for Dummies" (avoid that book!). This book set aside my fears of not being able to grasp the complex topic and now I can talk all about XML at cocktail parties!

The book has some basic review on HTML and then takes you quickly into the world of XML. Take a look at the table of contents and you'll see the coverage is very complete. Like other Microsoft Press books this one is well written and edited.

I disagree with Michael (the second reviewer) on the issue of IE. IE 5 is the only browser (as of July 00) that works properly with XML and does so consistently. It's very important for developers to work with the right tools, so the promotion of IE 5 (despite the Microsoft linkage) can be understood and forgiven.