 The magazine of the Melbourne PC User Group SGML and XML Resources Major Keary majkeary@netspace.com.au |
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It is much easier to master the eXtensible Markup Language (XML) by
first achieving an appreciation of the Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML). Not so long ago
there was a dearth of literature; indeed, until the release of the XML specification few ordinary folk had
even heard of SGML. Since then there have been a number of books-even in the Dummies series, which has
released titles for both SGML and XML.
Familiarity with SGML is not essential to development of XML applications, but is a great help. Apart from
that, as developers become more at home with XML they will realise how much more can be achieved with SGML,
the use of which is expanding as enterprises - even small ones-come to realise its benefits.
The SGML Handbook
Dr Charles Goldfarb is the father of SGML and author of the first formal text to describe and explain the
language, as distinct from its application in practice. The SGML Handbook was first published in 1990
and has since been reprinted five times, which is a testament to the stability of SGML.
A large part of the book is devoted to ISO 8879, which is reproduced in its entirety. Standards published by
ISO can be quite difficult to read, but here effective annotation has converted what is usually described as
technical writing into effective technical communication.
If the price seems high, take into account that a copy of ISO 8879 will currently cost you AU$249.50 (ISO
standards are expensive publications, but the British charge even more for theirs). Considering that the
original ISO document is not indexed or cross-referenced in any way, the price of this book is most
reasonable. You get the complete standard, fully indexed, cross-referenced, and annotated.
There is additional information, including a detailed overview and tutorials. Charles Goldfarb has a sense of
humour that creeps in from time to time to relieve the formality.
This is a text for those who need to appreciate the standard in all its detail-such as a development team
responsible for writing SGML-compliant software, or an SUML consultancy.
| Charles Goldfarb: The SGML Handbook ISBN 0-19-853737 Published by Oxford, hardcover, 664 pp., RRP $175.00 |
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Two excellent introductory texts, unfortunately out of print,
are:
Turner et al.: README.Ist (ISBN 0-13-432717-9, Prentice Hall 1996) was the first title in the Charles
Goldfarb series on Open Information Management. The sub-title is, SGML for Writers and Editors. It was
written for non-technical end users, particularly writers and editors with a need to understand the basics,
and executives wanting to apply SGML. It describes, step-by-step, the process of developing an SGML
document.
Liora Alschuler: ABCD...SGML (ISBN 1-850-32197-3, International Thomson Computer Press 1995) is a
classic. The sub-title is A User's Guide to Structured Information. It is particularly useful for
non-technical managers who want to assess whether SGML is an appropriate solution for a particular project.
It is also valuable for its discussion of methods for converting existing data to SGML. An excellent
introduction.
These will be found in most big libraries. Copies may be in some of the second-hand book shops, or try Amazon
(they have a good out-of-print service).
$GML-The Billion Dollar Secret
This is in print, and is also in the Goldfarb Open Information Management series. It uses case studies that
include applications deployed by Sybase, Mobil, United Technologies, and Grolier. In each instance there is a
detailed discussion of the problem, how SGML was selected as a solution, and how it was applied.
It is a fascinating read and requires no technical knowledge. Anyone with an interest in information
management should read it. A copy is in the library.
| Chet Ensign: $GML - the Billion Dollar Secret ISBN 0-13-226705-5 Published by Prentice Hall, 213 pp., RRP $59.95 |
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The XML Handbook
The XML Handbook presents information in a reader-friendly style. It is comprehensive, detailed, and
the text is well supported by useful illustrations.
A companion CD-ROM contains some 125 items of free (really free) software as well as product and service
information, a collection of specifications, and some demo and trial software.
It introduces XML, explaining the necessary concepts that intending users must comprehend. Much of the text
illustrates a wide range of XML applications, using case studies that will be of interest to anyone
developing e-commerce applications. Of particular importance is its description of related technologies, of
which there are many.
The CD-ROM contains references to many of those with links to Web sites for more detailed information. This
is one of the most significant XML resources and I will return to it in a later part of this series.
| Goldfarb and Pescod: The XML Handbook ISBN 0-13-014714-1 Published by Prentice Hall, 1013 pp. + CD, RRP $69.95 |
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Presenting XML
This was the first general text on XML, published in 1997 and still in print. Some of the information has
since been overtaken with new developments, but the essentials of XML, and applications such as MathML (a
math markup language), have not changed. The book is not a superficial account, but does not assume any
special knowledge; it starts at the beginning, explaining what a markup language is. An excellent starting
point for anyone who wants to know about XML. There is a copy in the library.
| Richard Light: Presenting XML ISBN 1-57521-334-6 Published by SAMS, 414 pp., RRP $59.95 |
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Reprinted from the June 2000 issue of PC Update, the magazine of Melbourne PC User Group, Australia
