The discussion deals with XML as a data transfer mechanism and not a presentation language. While there is a quick explanation of DTDs, Xlink, and XPointer, readers should be fairly familiar with XML before approaching this advanced title. The book also includes a nice bulleted list of cautions and rules to follow if you want to create valid XML documents. The remainder of the title comprises reference sections devoted to XML, DTDs, XSL, XLink, and XPointer. These sections offer a balanced mix of both straight syntax references and brief general explanations of key topics.
Short examples are in abundance to illustrate usage with accompanying explanatory text.
The authors are very up-front about the changing nature of the XSL, XLink, and XPointer and point out that even their freshly published material on these subjects may soon be out of date. Early sections outline why XML is a better way to deliver Internet content. The book moves on to the nitty-gritty of building XML documents, including design considerations, conventions, and using custom tags. XML IE5 Programmer's Reference , written by Alex Homer Author Alex Homer gives clear examples of the use of XML and covers what features IE 5 supports. Next the author presents the details of how DTDs and XML schemas can be used to frame the data your XML documents will work with.