Fun Stuff
Dev
Books
Graphs
Blogs and Wikis
Photography

Introduction to XML (8 classroom hours)

Course Description: XML has become the lingua franca for data exchange. XML is used universally by both Open-Source, Java and Microsoft technologies. Participants will learn the structure of an XML document and XML related technologies allows all participants on a team the ability to communicate effectively using common terminology.

Target Audience: Project managers, business analysts, testing and quality assurance, software developers, web site designers and web content managers.  This class is also appropriate for programmers that have not had exposure to XML or would like a refresher in XML technologies.

Prerequisites: Knowledge of how to use a Microsoft Windows computer including mouse and keyboard skills are essential for the successful completion of the labs.  Knowledge of computer systems operation, databases and data structures and data types is also helpful.

Sample Course Content

1. Origins of XML
2. Structure of an XML document
3. Well-formed XML documents
4. XML schemas
5. Validating XML documents with XML schemas
6. XML Schema notation (Elements, sequence models)
7. XML Schema data types
8. XML Schema type libraries
9. XML transforms
10. XML mapping
11. Semantics
12. Exchange documents
13. Web services
14. XML and metadata registries
15. Subschema generation
16. XML semantics
17. XML messages and routing
18. Semantic mappers
19. XSLT build processes with Apache Ant or Microsoft XSL processor

Optional Additional Topics

1. Web Service Description Language (WSDL) - Recommended for organizations migrating to web services
2. XML Messaging - Recommended for organizations migrating to web services
3. Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) - Recommended for organizations migrating to web services
4. Document Type Definitions (DTD) - Not recommended for document-centric applications
5. Simple API for XML (SAX) - Recommended for programmers
6. Document Object Model (DOM) - Recommended for programmers
7. Cascading Style Sheets - (CSS) - Recommend for web "look and feel" designers
8. Scaleable Vector Graphics (SVG) - Recommended for organizations publishing complex graphics such as GIS
9. Asynchronous JavaScript and XML- (AJAX) - Recommended for organizations building advanced user interfaces
10. XML Appliances - Recommended for network security and integration staff
11. Web Services Security Specifications (WS-S) - recommended for e-commerce applications
12. DocBook - Recommended for organization publishing technical materials

Labs

1. XML validation and navigation with Internet Explorer
2. Designing and exchange documents
3. Subschema generation from metadata registry
4. Transformation with Apache Ant or Transformation using Microsoft msxsl.exe

Length: 8 hours depending on participant background and options used

Cost: A single-day class is $2,995 including presentation handouts for 10 students.  Add $95 for each additional student above 10.  Customization work is performed at $150.00/hr.  This price does not include lodging, transportation or classroom setup time.

Classroom setup: This learning rate of class participants can be enhanced if the classroom is equipped with computers that have XML software installed. Options include using Altova's XMLSpy and Eclipse 3.0.  Please contact us for detailed specifications.