To do that, XML creates a stylesheet, which is a set of commands that tell a program how to format a document. The authors also point out that XML's documents can be interactive when delivered in electronic media. They describe XML as message-oriented middleware which acts like an interpreter, a data integrator. The authors describe XML as a better model for doing business on the web, and they provide some examples of how it could be used for that purpose. It makes the book easy to read, although it might make it harder to use as a reference.
Later chapters introduce basic XML concepts using named conventions that are easier to reference.
The authors clearly believe the best way to understand the difference between XML and HTML is to provide an example of the same document marked up with each. The CD-ROM includes parsers and engines, editing and composition tools, and information for XML development. It also includes a collection of useful resources and internet locations where you can find additional XML information. To help maintain this site, please support our sponsors.