A quick diversion to learning XML by way of examples. http://www.xfront.com/xml/5-minute-intro/index.htm ''I do not know XmlAndSoapAreGoodForWhat. People keeping telling me XmlSucks, yet IwannaLearnXml as system integration skills are getting important and much of that is spelt XML. I need to be aware of XmlExamplesOfGoodUsage and decide for myself when and how I should use XML. '' If the above describes your situation, then read on. There is also a '''LearnXmlDiscussions''' that you can exchange views with others regarding the ''' ''Learning'' of Xml '''. '''Note this page is designed to send computer scientists run away screaming. ;-) The aim is to share information about practical aspects of getting value for you time spent on xml''' ---- See LearnXmlDiscussions for discussions on material on this page ''Start with introductory material on WardsWiki'' * WhatIsXmlAnyway * ExtensibleMarkupLanguage * XmlProtocol * TheRealStrengthOfXml * XmlCodingTechniques * XmlAbuse * DocumentTypeDefinition * SchemaLanguagesForXml * CategoryXml -> click on the title of that page to get a list of other wiki pages that have xml content * ExtensibleStylesheetLanguage ---- '''Need to know Programming Models''' DocumentObjectModel (DOM) and SimpleApiForXml (SAX) are two mechanisms Programming Languages interface with Xml routinees. DOM is also used in Javascript and is the more established mechanism but SAX is more appropriate for some situations. Good material on using SAX to programming Xml can be found at http://builder.com.com/5100-6373_14-5258218.html * A comprehensive reference for Microsoft DOM (and programming examples using VbClassic) can be seen at http://www.topxml.com/xml_dom/dom_objects.asp#P16_2081 * Sample XML introductory chapter with discussions on DocumentObjectModel and XsltLanguage at http://www.certmag.com/bookshelf/206_XMLweb_03.pdf ---- ''Explore Introductory material on external sites (see XmlLinks first)'' * ''Xml on the Cheap '' http://www.xml.com/pub/a/2001/06/27/cheapxml.html * ''Xml and Xsl for impatient people w itchy fingers '' http://www.devx.com/getHelpOn/10MinuteSolution/20382 * ''Using XML Queries and Transformations - Sample Chapter '' http://www.developerfusion.com/scripts/print.aspx?id=89 * ''Remedial XML series of 6 articles'' at http://builder.com.com/5100-6387-1044662.html * '' Common XML & XP'' at http://www.itworld.com/nl/xml_prac/05162002/ and http://www.xml.com/pub/a/2001/04/04/xp.html * ''Freeware Xml tools (last upd Jun03?)'' at http://www.garshol.priv.no/download/xmltools/ * XML guidelines prepared for IETF http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc3470.txt * BigBlue listed Introduction to XML standards in 2004 http://www-106.ibm.com/developerworks/xml/library/x-stand1.html * Introduction to XML technologies (sample chapter from Wrox) http://www.perfectxml.com/XMLIntro.asp * XSL background info at http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/modcore/html/deconXSLTechnologyBackgrounder.asp * The minimalist tutorials at W3Schools (http://www.w3schools.com/default.asp) can get your feet damp in XML, XSLT, XPath, and so on. * Head to the "What is..." questions in the "Essentials" section at O'Reilly's XML.com site (http://www.xml.com/) for good technical introductions. * ZVON.org (http://www.zvon.org/) has several tutorials, if you don't mind frames. * IBM's devoloperWorks new user portal located at http://www-106.ibm.com/developerworks/xml/newto/index.html * XML by the Standards Group http://www.w3.org/XML/ * Microsoft has an introductory XML link page at http://msdn.microsoft.com/webservices/understanding/xmlfundamentals/default.aspx * Linux world 2003 intro to xml at http://xmlsucks.org/but_you_have_to_use_it_anyway/useful-xml.html ---- '''Strategies to limit complexities''' ''When creating XML documents, generate the lowest spec level where possible''. * "XML growing pains" http://www.adtmag.com/print.asp?id=10196 ''Do not use exotic features and stick to basic capabilities'' * ---- I am drawing your attention to ''The Essence of Xml'' which is listed in LearnXmlDiscussions. I respect the knowledge of the contributor but in my opinion it is not suited for a developer interested in picking up things quickly. I leave it for you to decide. See also XmlProgrammingLanguage ---- '''Books for beginners ''' One contributor suggested ''XML in a Nutshell'' (O'Reilly, ISBN 0-596-00292-0). I do not have it and cannot comment Also see DefinitiveXmlBooks ---- '''GoogleKnowsEverything''''''nXML''' Can use ''filetype:rss'' to search for RssFeeds that have resource you want. See http://www.xml.com/pub/a/2004/02/11/googlexml.html ---- If you have SQL2000 (lots of ways to get it if you don't have it, see MicroSoftDataEngine), then you can toy with this example that illustrates the power of Xml, at http://www.fawcette.com/archives/premier/mgznarch/vbpj/2001/ENT0109/rj0109ent/rj0109ent-4.asp Other SQL2000 Xml articles: * Use of SELECT ... For XML http://www.sqljunkies.com/HowTo/296D1B56-8BDD-4236-808F-E62CC1908C4E.scuk * Define XML views (SQLserver magazine) http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dnsqlmag02/html/DefiningXMLViews.asp ---- Looking for more? See PowerOfPlainText, YamlAintMarkupLanguage ---- CategoryWebDesign