XSLT: Mastering XML Transformations

by Doug Tidwell

XSLT documents a core technology for processing XML. Originally created for page layout, XSLT (Extensible Stylesheet Transformations) is now much a general-purpose translation tool, a system for reorganizing document content, and a way to generate multiple results-- such as HTML, WAP, and SVG--from the same content.What sets XSLT apart from other books on this critical tool is the depth of detail and breadth of knowledge that Doug Tidwell, a developer with years of XSLT experience, brings to his concise treatment of the many talents of XSLT. He covers XSLT and XPath, a critical companion standard, and addresses topics ranging from basic transformations to complex sorting and linking. He explores extension functions on a variety of different XSLT processors and shows ways to combine multiple documents using XSLT. Code examples add a real-world dimension to each technique.Useful as XSLT is, its peculiar characteristics make it difficult to get started in, and the ability to use advanced techniques depends on a clear and exact understanding of how XSLT templates work and interact. For instance, the understanding of "variables" in XSLT is deeply different from the understanding of "variables" in procedural languages. The author explains XSLT by building from the basics to its more complex and powerful possibilities, so that whether you're just starting out in XSLT or looking for advanced techniques, you'll find the level of information you need.

Genres: Programming, Technical, Reference, Computers, Software, Nonfiction, Computer Science

480 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Fips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Decent overview of what's available, with a handy reference at the back. Plus the author is an earthling:

We've also talked about the somewhat unusual processing model that makes life challenging for programmers from the world of procedural languages (a.k.a. Earth).

[Chad Zody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as someone new to XSLT, along with a couple of other books. This presentation of material is clear and easy to understand.

[Jim Bertsch]

Good Book. Very helpful and insightful. Helped me complete a project.

[Guy Ferguson]

Very useful, it took me from 'not understanding' to 'understanding' how the whole xml/xslt world worked. And it is a book I still use - indeed, I pulled it two nights ago to check some syntax. And I still intend to read the 'keys' chapter one day to learn how that works. Well laid out, good examples. Well worth the ninety dollars I spent.

[Doug · Rating 5 out of 5]

First half of the book is more of a learning tutorial where you have to wade through the examples that don't work to get to the completed example at the end. The second half of the book is an excellent reference. I refer to it frequently.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent place to start an exploration of XSLT.

[Chris Corbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A typical O'Reilly tutorial and reference. I've found it very useful.