Zope: Web Application Development and Content Management

To the end user a Zope website appears to be powered by just another web server, as it undoubtedly should. However, web developers need to be aware of some basic principles in order to take the best advantage of Zope¿s special abilities. They also need to be able to develop applications that are effective in gaining intimate familiarity and subtle details of coding practices unique to Zope.

In Zope: Web Application Development and Content Management, emphasis is placed on effectively using Zope at the earliest possible point and then quickly learning to use Zope itself as a powerful toolkit to continue developing the website. Detailed explanations are included to assure that the reader can readily understand the critical role of objects as the building blocks to Zope.

In the final chapters special attention is paid to vital concerns of a sophisticated production environment. Zope is a full-featured environment, quite capable of supporting genuine state of the art commercial websites, but not without diligent application of competent knowledge. The needs of mission critical users are covered in detail.

Dr. Steve Spicklemire holds a PhD. in Physics from California Institute of Technology. He teaches physics, astronomy, and Internet programming at the University of Indianapolis, where he uses Zope in both education and research.Steve uses simulation to investigate physical systems that would either be too expensive, too impractical, or just too dangerous to study through direct experimentation.

Kevin Friedly earned his bachelor of science degree in physics from Purdue University. Kevin has been tinkering with technology since high school, when he successfully obtained a Kirlian image of the "phantom leaf effect." Kevin's professional life has included stints as a high school guest lecturer in physics, calculus, and advanced English, as well as a brief flirtation with teaching basic computer skills at the college level.

Kevin spent more than 10 years as a technical writer for the medical imaging company and computer graphics innovator Truevision (creator of the TARGA system). Kevin's writing experience also includes several years as a technical ad writer for ITT and Howard Sams publishing. Kevin's current technical interests involve providing his clients with cost-effective web and e-commerce solutions.

Steve and Kevin are also the active partners of Silicon Prairie Ventures, Inc.Silicon Prairie also provides web hosting and web application-development services with Zope, Python, and whatever else it takes to get the job done!

Jerry Spicklemire is pursuing a vocation in luthiery (guitar making) and historic woodworking, computer technology caught Jerry's interest after AutoCAD was introduced "and PCs learned how to draw." Jerry's IT career began as a CAD operator, where he also picked up database and programming skills. Desktop and LAN support roles soon followed, with temporary duty in triage during the great global GUI migration. When the web tidal wave began sweeping everything in its path toward the general direction of the Internet, Jerry got a firm grip on the gunnels of lifeboat Linux and still won't let go. A Y2K survivor, Jerry now builds database-driven web applications with Zope and the open source programming language Python.

Kim Brand is a C/C++ programmer, systems consultant, and open source software entrepreneur[md]and he's insatiably curious about everything. (He ran for a seat in the Indiana House of Representatives as a Libertarian to learn how society worked.) His clients range from small Catholic grade schools to cemeteries to statewide Masonic organizations. (He is a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason.) Kim's writing credentials include authoring Common C Functions, which was published in 1986 by Que Corporation; several published articles on technology; and many papers delivered to groups at seminars and conventions. His current ventures include Server Partners', which plans to rent Linux-based servers to small businesses using local consultants for sales and support.

Kim's role as a consumer advocate on behalf of his clients is a valued "reality check," ensuring effectiveness and appropriateness of the practical examples presented in this manuscript.