Programming the Web Using XML by Ellen Pearlman and Eileen Mullin, part of our Web Developer Series, is designed to help those who have a background in HTML make the transition to XML, is designed to ensure that those who are new to Web design get the best introduction possible into developing sites in XML. The student does not need a programming background to begin to grasp the concepts and uses of XML, although they do need to understand how to navigate and use the Web. The book begins with a comparison of HTML, XHTML, and XML, and includes real-life examples of how XML is being used today to help readers appreciate the power of XML. It also provides a comprehensive coverage of the rules and standards for XML, which is very critical in programming XML. After completing this book, users will have received a comprehensive foundation to the rules and standards of XML syntax, complete with a series of lessons that walked them through the process of creating XML documents and related files.

This book gives a simple but extensive introduction to XML with its many derivations. The textbook contains everything necessary to learn XML and build upon that basic understanding to understand how many different aspects of the web and other display and non-display devices XML encompasses. If you are a web developer, database administrator, graphic designer, system administrator or even a computer-science pundit, this book is essential for you to grasp both the subtle and wide reach of XML in today’s dynamic and changing technology environment.

Each chapter breaks down into fundamental programming concepts about a specific aspect of XML, something that was unimaginable just five years ago, when XML was just emerging as a standard. Using the coding examples students will very quickly learn how to code and correct their mistakes. The Hands-On Projects at the end of every chapter build upon the core concepts developed in the chapter and real world examples are also used to illustrate more sophisticated uses in a business or enterprise environment. This book is an overview of many aspects of XML but does not delve too deeply into the technical side, as there are other texts designed to do that. What it does do is give a thorough introduction to XML and allow students to use that knowledge to build upon.

Each chapter leads to the next and there are always examples from real life to reinforce the lessons. Each chapter highlights key vocabulary terms and also asks relevant questions, points out technical tips and supplies specialized alerts and advice.