XML:
A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction

What is this course about?

Extensible Markup Language (XML) has become the default format for handling data interchange. In this course, you gain comprehensive knowledge and hands-on experience using XML and related technologies including XSL, schemas, XPath, XQuery and DOM.

What background do I need?

A working knowledge of computers and some experience using Windows is assumed. Knowledge of programming and Web development is not required, but is helpful. No special knowledge of networking is required.

Who will benefit from this course?

This course benefits anyone who is considering, or in the process of, building, contributing to or maintaining a system that utilizes XML.

Does this course cover database integration?

Absolutely, this course covers retrieving database results as XML and storing XML in databases with a native XML data type.

Does this course cover XSL?

Yes, this course covers the three components of Extensible Stylesheet language: XSLT, XSL-FO and XPath.

Does this course cover DTDs?

Yes, Document Type Definitions (DTDs) are covered in the course. However, DTDs are being replaced by XML schemas for validation, so DTDs are not covered in great detail.

DTDs are used to ensure that XML documents adhere to relevant business rules.

The course covers the basic syntax of DTDs and how to convert DTDs to XML schemas.

Does this course cover DOM?

Yes, this covers the Document Object Model and how to read, modify, and create XML documents using the DOM.

Does this course cover XQuery?

Yes, searching XML documents using XQuery and reformatting XML documents is covered in this course. In addition, searching native XML within databases using XQuery is also covered.

Does this course cover XML schemas?

Yes, this course contains in-depth coverage of leveraging XML schemas to validate XML documents. In addition, best practices and tips, as well as creating and implementing schemas is covered.

Does this course cover the following topics: WebMethods and XML (XPointer, XQuery, XForms)?

This course is an introduction to XML and related technology. It covers XML, QPath, XQuery, DTDs, Schema, and XSL. It does not cover XForms, XPointer or Web Methods.

Does this course use Infopass?

While course 542 does not specifically utilize infopass, all topics covered are relevant to any system that utilizes XML as the data interchange or document format.

Are any XML editing tools covered in this course?

Yes, the course covers XMLSpy and Eclipse. XMLSpy is used extensively in the exercises.

How is the classroom set up for the exercises?

The normal classroom set-up uses PCs running Windows Server. The PCs are equipped with the latest Internet Explorer and FireFox browsers, XMLSpy, and Eclipse. Everything you learn about XML and related technologies applies equally to UNIX, Macintosh, Windows, Linux and other operating systems.

Does this course fit into a specific curriculum?

Yes, this course is part of the Learning Tree Web Development curriculum. The Web Development curriculum is a set of courses designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills critical to establishing and maintaining an effective presence on the Web. This curriculum teaches participants a wide variety of skills, including designing Web pages and sites, maximizing efficiency, adding intricate design details, learning the latest scripting languages, and employing the most recent Web development tools.

How much time is devoted to each topic?

What kinds of hands-on exercises are in this course?

Approximately 40% of the course is spent in hands-on exercises. During the exercises you gain practical experience with XML and related technologies. Exercises include:

• Creating well-formed XML documents
• Searching XML documents with XQuery
• Extracting XML from relational databases
• Designing XML documents from business requirements
• Reading and creating XML documents using the DOM
• Encapsulating business rules in an XML schema
• Rendering an XML document as HTML and PDF
• Investigating Web Services and Ajax applications

Is programming experience required for the course?

While programming experience is not required to attend the course, some programming is required to leverage the Document Object Model (DOM).

What programming language is used when covering the DOM?

One benefit of the DOM is that the programming interface is standardized and independent of the programming language. All the information learned can be applied to any programming language. In this course all DOM examples and exercises are done using the JavaScript language.

How does this course relate to other Learning Tree courses?

Learning Tree offers several courses related to this topic. For information on these courses, please see the individual course Q&A.

If you are interested in Web Services, you may be interested in this course:

• 577: Building XML Web Services with Java: Hands-On 

If you are interested in Web development, you may be interested in these courses:

• 470: Developing a Website: Hands-On 
• 489: JavaScript for Web Development: Hands-On 

If you are interested in learning about Java, you may be interested in these courses:

• 471: Java Programming: A Comprehensive Hands-On Introduction 
• 570: Developing Java Web Applications: Hands-On 

US Dates