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We're often asked to recommend books or other resources to those who are new to XML. This should get the newbie started.
[ul]
[li]First, try an online tutorial on XML. The "Partners" panel in the left column of these pages has many good links to these. You can start at Zvon - Guide to XML for one.[/li]
[li]For those who must have a book, David Hunter's "Beginning XML" from Wrox Press is good. Just beware that, like many Wrox books, it has a fair share of errors in the code. Your book is not complete without a printout of the errata from Wrox's Web site. Also, avoid the Deitel et al. book, "XML How to Program" from Prentice Hall. It's error-filled and the host of authors makes for extremely uneven coverage of the important topics. It's also arrogantly pedantic and dense; it's not worth the struggle.[/li]
[li]Once you have a feel for XML, get Elliotte Rusty Harold's book, "Effective XML" from Addison Wesley. It will give you a deeper understanding of how to do things properly and why things work the way they do. This book is also very easy to read.[/li]
[li]When you need to go deeper into XSLT, get Jeni Tennison's "Beginning XSLT" from APress. (You might find old editions from Wrox.)[/li]
[/ul]
A final piece of advice: if you're using a text editor to create XML, keep two files with XML and XSL declarations handy so you can cut and paste. This will help you avoid many maddening errors.
[ul]
[li]First, try an online tutorial on XML. The "Partners" panel in the left column of these pages has many good links to these. You can start at Zvon - Guide to XML for one.[/li]
[li]For those who must have a book, David Hunter's "Beginning XML" from Wrox Press is good. Just beware that, like many Wrox books, it has a fair share of errors in the code. Your book is not complete without a printout of the errata from Wrox's Web site. Also, avoid the Deitel et al. book, "XML How to Program" from Prentice Hall. It's error-filled and the host of authors makes for extremely uneven coverage of the important topics. It's also arrogantly pedantic and dense; it's not worth the struggle.[/li]
[li]Once you have a feel for XML, get Elliotte Rusty Harold's book, "Effective XML" from Addison Wesley. It will give you a deeper understanding of how to do things properly and why things work the way they do. This book is also very easy to read.[/li]
[li]When you need to go deeper into XSLT, get Jeni Tennison's "Beginning XSLT" from APress. (You might find old editions from Wrox.)[/li]
[/ul]
A final piece of advice: if you're using a text editor to create XML, keep two files with XML and XSL declarations handy so you can cut and paste. This will help you avoid many maddening errors.
Red-eyed, mumbling mammal capable of conversing with inanimate objects.