IwannaLearnXml

Last edit November 30, 2004

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.