XML for Real Programmers (The For Real Programmers Series) - Softcover

Hoque, Reaz

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0123555922 ISBN 13: 9780123555922

Publisher: Morgan Kaufmann, 2000

Synopsis

Rapidly gaining acceptance throughout Internet and enterprise development, XML (or Extensible Markup Language) makes it possible to create customized, reusable standards for displaying
data on the Web. This is a critical new technology for developers of Web sites that require highly flexible display capabilities, as well as the programmers creating the back-end systems on which these sites rely.
XML for Real Programmers is a savvy technical introduction that offers readers both a dynamic view of what XML is and in-depth instruction in the techniques they need to master to put it to work. Filled with real-world examples drawn from three key approaches to XML implementation, this book will be indispensable to developers of all kinds who are ready to begin work on the next generation of practical Web applications.

* Provides a thorough technical introduction to XML-what it is, what it can do, and how to use it to meet serious development challenges
* Demonstrates XML's power as a core part of database-driven, fully distributed, Web-based enterprise systems
* Discusses advantages of and techniques for using XML in conjunction with emerging and established technologies, including CDF, RDF, Java, and relational databases
* Comes with a CD-ROM containing all the example code referred to in the book and third-party software of use to XML developers

About this title

Review:

Most XML books focus on the XML language and its related dialects: XSL, Xlink, and Xpointer. XML for Real Programmers delivers something different--a combination of an XML tutorial and an ambitious exploration of Java implementations of XML.

The first section focuses on XML specifications and includes some excellent examinations of the core concepts, plus hypothetical examples of how XML can be leveraged in the real world. For example, the text introduces a scenario where XML is used as a data-transfer standard between various suppliers and a corporate Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. The book also illustrates how XML can be used effectively in the order-processing stage of a typical business-to-consumer e-commerce site. With many other examples, the first portion of this book is great for anyone looking to get the "big picture" of what XML is all about.

After the XML overview section, the subject matter rapidly becomes more challenging. The book begins a case study that lasts throughout the remainder of the title. To follow this section effectively, Java expertise is required. The case study lacks the clear architectural diagrams used so frequently in the first half of the book, so the reader must pay closer attention. The book presents a Java servlet that interfaces with a database via JDBC, and dishes up XML to other objects and browser clients. The text shows how to construct a generic XML DOM interface and create classes for an e-commerce account system, catalog, and shopping basket. The model continues with back-end integration with distributors via XML.

Although Java proficiency is a prerequisite for complete understanding of this book, the first section can be quite useful for developers in any language, as well as technical managers seeking clarity about the importance of XML. In this book, working Java programmers will find an XML tutorial that is finally targeted at their tribe. --Stephen W. Plain

Topics covered: XML documents, Document Object Model(DOM), Extensible Style Language (XSL), Xlink, XPointer, E-Commerce XML applications, W3C Level 1 Document Object Model imlementation, XML Servlet construction, XML extranet interconnections, namespaces, Resource Description Framework (RDF), Document Content Description (DCD), Channel Definition Format (CDF), and the Simple API for XML (SAX).

From the Back Cover:

Are you looking for a serious, intensely technical book on XML? XML for Real Programmers provides detailed instruction in the all techniques you need to master to build XML applications for any Web enterprise. Inside, the author begins with incisive introductions to the entire family of XML technologies. Then, building on this foundation, he guides you step by step through the development of three sample applications that together form a complete, cohesive e-commerce site:

1. A reusable XML framework, adaptable to a wide variety of "document factory" Web applications and complemented by key business objects: an Account class, a Catalog class, and a ShoppingBasket class.

2. A Java-based servlet responsible for all aspects of XSL transformation, including external stylesheets, conditional processing, flow-control, dynamically created attribute nodes for parent elements, and template invocation.

3. An order processing application designed to accept and process data structured by a wide range of DTDs.

Features

• Offers in-depth coverage of the essential members of the XML family-DOM, XSL, Xlink and Xpointer-including specification-level analysis and explanation.
  
• Teaches by example, developing in detail three XML applications and showing how they function together as a single, integrated e-commerce site.
  
• Focuses heavily on Java and how it is especially well suited to building and deploying XML applications.
  
• Concludes with a chapter focusing on the future of XML, other emerging specifications, and the needs of Web-based enterprise.
  
• On the CD, provides all the book's sample code, plus IBM Visual Age, IBM XML parser, and Java Tutorial by MindQ.

About this edition

• Publisher: Morgan Kaufmann
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0123555922
• ISBN 13: 9780123555922
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 464