Platinum Edition Using HTML 4, XML, and Java 1.2 (Hardcover)

by Eric Ladd (Author), Jim O'Donnell (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review
Effective Web development involves wise integration of a number of various programming disciplines and Using HTML 4, XML, and Java 1.2 covers a good chunk of them. Aimed at intermediate to advanced level Web developers, this massive guide offers minimal introductory material. It moves quickly into a section that offers an HTML tag reference and discussions of tables, frames, forms, style sheets, and image maps. This section sets the foundation for Web development and moves at a quick pace.

The authors then illustrate the basic concepts behind XML and discuss some of the current implementations. They also show how to use JavaScript for client-side scripting, how to implement cookies, and how to control browser objects interactively.

The authors cover the confusing state of Dynamic HTML, describing both Microsoft and Netscape implementations of DHTML and offering suggestions for cross-vendor DHTML use. Chapters on CGI/ASP and Java follow. While all of these sections present extremely key technologies, space constraints limit the discussion to the most important points; don't look for a comprehensive guide to Java programming. Fortunately, the companion CD-ROM fills in many of the blanks with inclusion of five Special Edition titles as well as third-party software programs. --Stephen W. Plain

Product Description
Web developers must master several technologies to create sophisticated Web sites. Platinum Edition Using HTML 4, XML, and Java 1.2 gives Web developers this information in a concise tutorial/reference style that contains lots of code examples and real world solutions. This book not only teaches the most popular technologies, but shows Web developers how to build the most popular Web applications, including animation, interactive forms, Web databases, e-commerce, and Web broadcasting.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 1282 pages
• Publisher: Que (December 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078971759X
• ISBN-13: 978-0789717597
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.8 x 2.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,640,893 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good HTML 4 reference, written well, May 23, 2000

By	"vaoy" (St. Paul, MN United States) - See all my reviews

This is a thick book. But never misunderstand the fact that no matter how many pages are included in a computer reference, there will always be information missing for the most advanced user. HTML 4 is covered in-depth -- and should be the primary reason for wanting to purchase this title, for I have not found a better reference on the subject anywhere. Java 1.2 and XML receive good general overviews. A review previous to mine suggests other, more comprehensive titles, if one wants to delve into the world of Java and XML fully. An excellent suggestion and something that should be taken into account before buying.

Regarding "Platinum Edition Using HTML 4, XML, and Java 1.2," it should be noted that for first-time site developers that are looking for an introduction to HTML 4, this is probably not the best way to go. The basics of Web development, such as the best placement for links, graphics, and text, are summarized in the first fifty pages. (First-timers should look for Web development books that cover both HTML 4 and graphic design well.) Following, is a reference-style book that comes in very handy when looking for specific information (that this book covers). I would say, and I think that I share the sentiment of other readers, that this book is geared toward the intermediate to advanced site developer.

Several more aspects worth noting: The style of writing is clear and straightforward, with few grammatical mistakes; there are plenty of examples (code and screen) with good descriptions of why something works; and I would've preferred that the screen shots be in color, but that would probably double the price.

This is a good reference book for HTML 4, that includes an overview of XML and Java. It's not everything, but it's excellent nonetheless.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Written for someone who wants to learn quickly., July 20, 1999

By A Customer

However, even though I originally purchased this book for the XML, I also read the JavaScript chapters and found it to be very informative and easy to read. Unfortunately, there were errors in the sample code. Nevertheless, they were luckily easy to figure out. I pretty much have a full grasp on JavaScript and am now moving on to full Java 1.2. Now, this book shouldn't be used to REALLY learn Java, but it is a good primer for it. Highly suggest getting a full blown book for that. This is an excellent book otherwise. Anyone with experience programming in other languages like C, or VB won't have a single problem with the languages covered in this book.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Just excellent., April 4, 2000

By	"soloport" (Riverton, UT USA) - See all my reviews

Thank goodness the copy I have is hardcover. I've had to hot-glue the binding already (Ok, it's been after a year of use).

Use it every time I want to launch into learning a new web development technology. It's not exhaustively in-depth on any subject. But it more than gets your feet wet on all of them. Presents a well-rounded view of what it takes to get the job done.

Often use it as a reference -- when other, more focused books fail. Chock full of useful tips. Have found it to be consistently accurate.

Buy this book, read it cover to cover as quickly as you can, then expand on it with more focussed books. I consider it a bargain.