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Introduction to XML Transforms (XSLT)

Course Description: This two day course introduces the concepts behind creating XML transforms including the creation of basic XML transforms, the use of XML transforms to create a variety of outputs, the use of the XSL templates and the XPath language.  After this course students will be able to create their own XML transforms using a variety of outputs including HTML, SVG and PostScript.  This course also covers both Open-Source and Microsoft execution environments.

Target Audience: This class is appropriate for data architects, project managers, business analysts and software developers that require XML transformation skills and already have a basic understanding of basic XML data structures (See Introduction to XML).

Prerequisites: Student should already have familiarity with basic HTML and XML concepts covered in most introductory XML classes such as Introduction to XML). 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.  If the class participants have a background in XML (see XML course above) this class proceed through the introductory material much faster. Knowledge of XML Schema is required for many of the optional advanced labs.

Sample Course Content

1. Background of the XML Transforms
2. XSLT 1.0
3. XSLT 2.0
4. Structure of an XML style sheet
5. Creating Hello World with XSLT
6. Creating a simple HTML document
7. Using the xsl:for-each
8. Conditional transforms and xsl:test
9. Adding attributes with xsl:attribute
10. Introduction to the XPath language
11. Basic XPath expressions
12. XPath functions
13. Controlling output with xsl:output
14. Creating template libraries
15. XSLT functions
16. Passing parameters to stylesheets
17. Template and function reuse
18. Creating SVG transforms
19. Creating Postscript output

Open Source Labs

1. Command line transformations with Apache Xerces
2. Command line transformation with Saxon
3. Overview of Apache Ant
4. build.xml file structure
5. Using the Apache Ant <XSLT> task
6. Checking an XML file for well-formedness with Apache Ant
7. Validating XML data with Apache Ant
8. Passing parameters to an transforms

Microsoft Labs

1. Using  Internet Explorer to validate XML documents
2. Performing transformations with Internet Explorer
3. Downloading and using Microsoft msxsl.exe
4. Using the msxsl program from the command line
5. Integrating msxsl into batch files

Length: Approximately 2 days depending on audience background and options.

Cost: A two-day class is $5,995 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. We strongly encourage the use of Altova's XMLSpy Pro^(TM). Please contact us for detailed specifications. The Open Source labs can also benefit from using the Eclipse 3.1 system and XML plugins.