XSLT: Programmer's Reference (Programmer to Programmer) by Michael Kay

by Michael Kay

As XML begins to take hold, the eXtensible Stylesheet Transformation (XSLT) standard will be playing a major role in making all those XML predictions a reality. Author Michael Kay exudes enthusiasm in this guide, XSLT Programmer's Reference, by taking every opportunity to illustrate the power and flexibility of XSLT. Kay calls XSLT the "SQL of the Web"--a phrase that is sure to perk up the ears of many readers expecting a simple documentation of just another Web-language standard. Like other Wrox Programmer's Reference series titles, this book starts off with chapters that rapidly introduce the concepts and set the context for the core of the book, which is a complete documentation of the XSLT standard. The book uses this space well to explore the transformation process and the tree structure that is used for both input and output of style sheet documents. By the time the reader gets to the reference section of the book, he or she will be convinced of the power of XSLT.Each element of XSLT is covered with concise examples that include both the source XML code and style sheet code. XSLT style sheets can be used in a variety of ways and across a wide spectrum of complexity. The book helps the reader grasp this concept by presenting four style-sheet design patterns that comprise the vast majority of implementations. The text looks at each, demonstrating how to identify the design pattern by its content and apply it to appropriate circumstances.XSLT is the true muscle behind XML and is integral to putting XML to work in the real world. This title is simply a must-have for any developer utilizing XML. --Stephen W. PlainTopics XSLT transformation processing model Style sheet structure XSLT element reference Expressions patterns Functions Style-sheet design patterns Case studies Saxon Xalan xt Microsoft MSXML3

Genres: Programming, Reference, Nonfiction, Technical, Technology, Computers

Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

NB: There are more than one Michael Kay on GR's database. This is the 'catch-all' profile.

For Michael Kay (sports journalist), see here.

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book came my way as a gift during a period where I'd fallen into some projects that involved XSLT rather heavily. I was having some trouble "bringing it all together" on my own and this book certainly helped me to pound through those roadblocks. It is about as comprehensive as you can get on the subject without actually merging into an expert's brain. That said, I find it difficult to find specific nuggets of information and the examples and use-cases are not always clear. Also: ease off the Microsoft-centric examples, please.

[Gert-Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very useful to me as a reference between 2001-2004. We were using XSLT transformations heavily in the software we were developing at the time.

I do occasionally refer to back to it from time to time when an XSLT problem presents itself at work.

[Hugh Chatfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE reference text for XSLT version 1.0

[Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for its time! Actually, I am incredibly grateful to Michel Kay for the book, it was a close friend of mine for several years.