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XML by Example, Second Edition

XML by Example, Second Edition has been revised throughout from the best-selling first edition. Learn the fundamentals of XML -- including the newest changes in XML Schemas and XSL. Discover the practical applications of XML, and see examples that include e-Commerce and SOAP.

"If you're a developer looking for a solid introduction to XML, with lots of code examples to guide you, I highly recommend this book. This new edition of Benoît Marchal's XML by Example provides an even better introduction to the data-driven side of XML and its related technologies than the first. The organization is sound, the markup and code examples plentiful, and the explanations remarkably clear and concise." -- Michael Smith, Creator and moderator of the XML-DOC mailing list.

"It's very rare to find a book which contains examples that can actually be used in a real world project. XML by Example allowed me to implement a key portion of my project's architecture. I'm now able to put a different 'face' on the same service for each client. What was many projects has now become one project with many XSL stylesheets. This is easier to maintain, which makes my life easier." -- Michael Waluk, Lead Internet Developer; Workscape

Order your copy from Amazon.com / .co.uk / .fr / .de / .co.jp now. XML by Example is also available in bookstores worldwide, just quote the following ISBN number: 0-7897-2504-5.

I have written other books so if you like XML by Example, make sure to check these other titles as well.

Downloads: Code and GUI

Below you will find the files referenced in the book.

We provide three versions of the graphical interface for Xerces, Xalan and FOP (chapters 4, 5 and 6). The only difference is the installation procedure so you only need to download one of the three:

The default installer for Windows users (8.2M) includes the JRE 1.3.1;
A smaller installer for Windows users (2.2M) with no JRE. Download only if you already have a JDK or JRE;
A pure Java installer, it runs on any platform with a JDK/JRE installed. Unix and Macintosh users download this file.

Note: some readers reported the following fatal error when using Felix: "System property org.xml.sax.driver not specified". I have posted a new version that I believe solves the problem. If you experimented the problem, please re-download the newest Felix using the above link, de-install your existing Felix (in the Control Panel for Windows) and re-install. If you still experiment the problem after having installed the newest software, please use the bug reporting procedure outline underneath.

The listings and the source code for the various chapters are available through my publisher web site. In the page that opens, click on "Source code."

Unfortunately the files for the first edition are no longer available.

Problems and Solutions

Writing on new technology is exciting but it is also challenging. In particular, changes in the specifications or environment means that the published code is not always up-to-date. This document will explain how to solve all the problems reported to me.

To help me help you, please read these instructions carefully. I receive too many emails that are incomplete.

If you encounter a problem in XML by Example, please visit www.marchal.com or www.quepublishing for the latest version of this document. I update this document whenever a new problem is reported. Keep in mind that I may need 7-10 days to reply to your email but you can check for an update in less than 10 minutes. So check for an update first!

If you feel your problem is not covered in the latest version of this document, drop me a note. Please, to help me answer promptly, make sure you provide:

instructions on how to reproduce the problem;
the chapter and (if possible) listing that is causing the problem;
the exact error message you're seeing;
a description of your environment (at least, your operating system, the browser and the JDK you're using);
an email address where I can contact you, at the very least make sure your return address won't bounce;
the fix/workaround, if you have found it.

Finally be patient. While I strive to answer emails as soon as possible, I'm often travelling for business. Consequently you may not hear from me for 7-10 days.

Please do not send several emails. I promise to read and reply to every email I receive. As emails occasionally get lost, if you have not heard from me after 7-10 days, please send me a short reminder note. Double-check your email address before sending the reminder, chances are I have replied to you already but the mail bounced. Please wait 7-10 days before following up.


Homepage \| XML by Example \| More books \| Photos \| Open Source \| Consulting \| Contact