But who wants to take on next-generation web programming with the last generation's instruction book? You need a learning experience that's as compelling and cutting-edge as the sites you want to design. That's where we come in. With Head Rush Ajax, in no time you'll be writing JavaScript code that fires off asynchronous requests to web servers...and having fun doing it. By the time you've taken your dynamic HTML, XML, JSON, and DOM skills up a few notches, you'll have solved tons of puzzles, figured out how well snowboards sell in Vail, and even watched a boxing match. Sound interesting? Then what are you waiting for? Pick up Head Rush Ajax and learn Ajax and asynchronous programming the right way--the way that sticks.

If you've ever read a Head First book, you know what to expect: a visually rich format designed for the way your brain works. Head Rush ramps up the intensity with an even faster look and feel. Have your first working app before you finish Chapter 1, meet up with the nefarious PROJECT: CHAOS stealth team, and even settle the question of the Top 5 Blues CDs of all time. Leave boring, clunky web sites behind with 8-tracks and hot pants--and get going with next-generation web programming.

"If you thought Ajax was rocket science, this book is for you. Head Rush Ajax puts dynamic, compelling experiences within reach for every web developer." -- Jesse James Garrett, Adaptive Path

"A 'technology-meets-reality' book for web pioneers on the cutting edge." -- Valentin Crettaz, CTO, Condris Technologies

The book begins with an overview of XML and its uses, and goes on to explain how to parse XML by using the Simple API for XML (SAX 2). Next, there is coverage of how XML is validated by using Document Type Definitions (DTDs) and XML Schema, and transformed by using eXtensible Stylesheet Language (XSL). Brief coverage of Sun's Java API for XML is followed by a detailed look at the Java Document Object Model (JDOM), a new API devised by the author in association with O'Reilly, the publisher.

The last part of the book is more advanced, and covers applications of XML and Java. There are chapters on Web-publishing frameworks, XML Remote Procedure Calls (RPCs), using XML to read and write configuration data, and generating XML with Java. There is also a short business-to-business example. Appendices provide an API reference to the various specifications discussed in the book.

The strengths of Java and XML include the author's deep knowledge of his subject, and a writing style that is both clear and enthusiastic. If you happen to know a lot about Java and not much about XML, this is the ideal title. Readers who already have a good grasp of XML basics might be frustrated by the amount of introductory material. --Tim Anderson

The book begins with an overview of XML and its uses, and goes on to explain how to parse XML by using the Simple API for XML (SAX 2). Next, there is coverage of how XML is validated by using Document Type Definitions (DTDs) and XML Schema, and transformed by using eXtensible Stylesheet Language (XSL). Brief coverage of Sun's Java API for XML is followed by a detailed look at the Java Document Object Model (JDOM), a new API devised by the author in association with O'Reilly, the publisher.

The last part of the book is more advanced, and covers applications of XML and Java. There are chapters on Web-publishing frameworks, XML Remote Procedure Calls (RPCs), using XML to read and write configuration data, and generating XML with Java. There is also a short business-to-business example. Appendices provide an API reference to the various specifications discussed in the book.

The strengths of Java and XML include the author's deep knowledge of his subject, and a writing style that is both clear and enthusiastic. If you happen to know a lot about Java and not much about XML, this is the ideal title. Readers who already have a good grasp of XML basics might be frustrated by the amount of introductory material. --Tim Anderson

As volume one of a planned three-volume series, this book centers on "blueprints" for using the best of J2EE technologies for creating scalable software. The focus here is on a meaningful, single practical case study on a database for a brokerage house. The selection of leading-edge technologies (EJB and LDAP) are what real Java developers are likely to face on the job, and the author's knowledgeable and thorough explanation of all the relevant details of implementing the sample system sets a high standard.

Early sections define the scope and requirements of the model database and directory server. The author then turns to implementing the database, including building tables. (Actual SQL for different databases including Oracle and MySQL is included in an appendix.) Similarly, the "real" details of modeling a directory server (using LDAP) is set out to show how users, passwords, and other information can be leveraged across a larger organization. After the groundwork is in place, this text zeroes in on using Enterprise JavaBeans (EJB) 2.0 to model each business entity in the system (as well as application logic). Standout material shows off building an entity EJB with multiple interfaces, classes, and deployment descriptors all clearly presented.

The use of the manager session bean to hide the details of JNDI and LDAP comes next, and this bit of intellectual property will surely justify the price of this book for anyone seeking to combine EJBs and LDAP. From here, the application logic gets filled in using other EJB features (like session beans, both stateful and stateless). A later chapter adds asynchronous processing abilities using the Java Message Service (JMS) and the new message bean type, new for EJB 2.0. The assembled system then gets a simple front end to test it out, though the focus clearly is on the data tier. (More on user interfaces is promised in the second volume of this series, which will concentrate on Web applications.)

Useful appendices provide the nuts and bolts of running actual software, like OpenLDAP, a free directory server, BEA WebLogic, plus full source code for all beans discussed in this text. All in all, this book is a worthwhile choice for understanding the right ways for designing on the Java platform today when it comes to higher-end enterprise software. --Richard Dragan

Topics covered: Introduction to architecture for Java Enterprise applications; case study for a client/broker database for a brokerage with scheduling support, data, business, and presentation layers explained; primer for database design (including SQL, constraints, and tables); designing an LDAP directory (plus directory hierarchies); Enterprise JavaBean 2.0 basics (remote, local, and local home interfaces, plus primary keys); EJB deployment descriptors; implementing sequences for new records in EJBs (a sequence bean); using a manager EJB for JNDI/LDAP processing; connection sharing for performance; adding sample data; deployment; using patterns for business logic with EJBs (the Facade pattern); stateful vs. stateless beans; asynchronous processing and message beans (including JMS basics); extending the data architecture for Web applications (and Web services); appendices for sample SQL scripts and database-specific hints for MySQL, Oracle, and PostgreSQL; and a reference to running OpenLDAP, iPlanet Directory Server, and BEA WebLogic Application Server.

Until now, the knowledge, technique, and experiences of those who've encountered similar conditions to yours could only be accessed through laborious web searches, stacks of magazines, and water cooler conversations. Home Theater Hacks from O'Reilly is the perfect remedy for this group.

A smart collection of insider tips and tricks, Home Theater Hacks covers home theater installation from start to finish, purchase to experience. Just imagine: no frustrating trial-and-error process and better yet, no expensive appointments with installation experts. Home Theater Hacks prevents both by imparting down-and-dirty technique not found anywhere else.

The book begins with a quick glossary of terms so you can speak the lingo when you go shopping, and then dives right into hush-hush, insider tricks. It's all covered where to find the right audio and video components, how to deal with speakers and wiring, understanding cable connectivity, mastering remote controls, how to fully grasp TiVo, and so much more. And to top it off, each of these insider tips is presented in a concise yet delightfully entertaining style. Bringing the Jurassic Park dinosaurs into your living room has never been so easy!

A seasoned veteran with numerous O'Reilly titles under his belt, author Brett McLaughlin leaves no stone unturned in helping you customize your home theater experience to your own personal environment.

As Author Brett McLaughlin says "Too many books are written about technologies by people who barely understand them. I've already written two data binding implementations (Zeus, and a previous one for IBM DeveloperWorks.) I've actually used data binding for longer than the official specification has been in existence, and I've really been able to dig into what it takes to code an effective data biding implementation, as well as use one correctly. This book is part user guide, part under-the-hood manual, and part use-case. It's a powerful combination, and one I think people need."

   ただし、本書を読み進めるうえでJavaの知識は必須だ。ある程度知っていれば一応の理解はできるが、できれば「Javaを理解している」と言えるレベルの知識があった方がよい。ちなみに本書では『Learning Java』（O'Reilly & Associates発行）を学習することをすすめている。

   すでにSOAPは一般的な技術として使用されており、それに附随してWebサービスも、スタンドアロンではない本来のデータ交換システムとして、さらなる発展を遂げようとしている。本書が出版された背景には、JavaとXMLの不可避な普及がある。技術者はもちろんのこと、コンサルタントなどシステムにかかわる人には必須の書となるだろう。（大脇太一）