Beginning XML provides a complete course in the Extensible Markup Language (XML) with an unusually gradual learning curve. In fact, the introduction states that the book is “for people who know that it would be a pretty good idea to learn the language, but aren’t 100 percent sure why.” Despite its recognition of the fuzziness of readers’ understanding of the technology, the book delivers a rather comprehensive study of XML.

Very little space is wasted detailing the history of XML and its relation to SGML, as is the case in many other titles. The argument for the importance of XML is made quickly, and the basics of well-formed syntax are tackled right off. One notable distinction of this book is its excellent coverage of related technologies, such as cascading style sheets (CSS) and relational databases.

In addition to discussing the crucial companion standards to the core XML language (DTDs, XSL, and XSLT), the book adds a nice perspective to the broad range of applications in which XML can play a role. One section, “Other Uses for XML,” illustrates how XML can be used to serialize object models, creating stateless objects and utilizing the Resource Description Framework (RDF). Case studies on–among other things–how XML can be used to build discussion groups, and provide B2B data transfer, round out the text. This book is perfect for Web programmers who are turning their attention to XML for the first time. It imparts a solid understanding of the XML forest and XML trees. –Stephen W. Plain

Topics covered:

• Well-formed XML
• Cascading style sheets (CSS)
• XSLT and Xpath
• Document Object Model (DOM)
• Simple API for XML (SAX)
• XML/database integration schemas
• Document Type Definitions (DTDs)
• Namespaces
• B2B data-transfer applications
• Discussion group applications

Now in its 10th version, Delphi provides users with four programming languages: C++ and Delphi for Win32 for building Windows applications, and C# and Delphi for .NET for building applications that target the .NET platform. Inside Delphi 2006 demonstrates how to use all of these languages. Topics include the foundations of Delphi, VCL framework programming, and .NET programming.

Learn how to:

• Create applications using Delphi, C++, and C#.
• Design user interfaces using actions and other VCL components.
• Create, handle, and raise exceptions.
• Customize and create components.
• Use the refactoring commands to restructure your source code.
• Build lightweight database applications using the TClientDataSet component.
• Reuse common routines by creating dynamic link libraries.
• Produce graphic output with GDI and GDI+, and process images.
• Print documents or store them as PDFs.

The companion CD contains the code and compiled executables for every example in the book, along with two tools that help you view the contents of the CD.

Delphi Takes a Great Leap Forward; It’s Time for You to Do the Same

The latest release of Borland’s Delphi is a major overhaul, featuring a brand-new IDE for both Win32 and .NET development and tons of other improvements. Mastering Borland Delphi 2005 is the best way to get up to speed, whether you’re starting from scratch or have experience with an earlier version. Written by an award-winning and internationally known Delphi expert, this book shows you how to capitalize on Delphi’s many advantages–including its clean language, speed of development, portability, and an active community that has produced hundreds of third-party tools.

Coverage Includes
* Writing code using the Delphi language
* Navigating the Delphi 2005 IDE
* Understanding the relationship between Delphi and Microsoft’s .NET Framework
* Tapping Delphi’s database support
* Using ADO.NET and the Borland Data Providers
* Developing multi-tiered applications on Win32 and .NET platforms
* Writing applications that will be portable from Win32 to .NET
* Using Indy for sockets programming
* Understanding your web development options with Delphi, including WebBroker, WebSnap, IntraWeb, and ASP.NET
* Taking advantage of Delphi’s XML and web services support
* Using the ECO framework for Model-Driven Architecture

Detailed Coverage of the Delphi Language, from an OOP Perspective

In-depth Instruction in Win32 and .NET Development Using the New IDE

Learn How Much You Can Accomplish with the Combined Borland and .NET Libraries

See Why Delphi Is Now an Even Better Choice for Internet Development

Master Delphi’s Many New Capabilities, Including Refactoring, Unit Testing, Database Management, and More

Get 700 coding hours distilled into concise, easy-to-follow practices for Visual Basic .NET.

Explore 101 of the most useful Visual Basic .NET applications in action—and jumpstart your own Microsoft .NET Framework-based development projects. This guide provides expert, behind-the-code commentary on 101 fully executable code samples—distilling more than 700 hours of programming time into best practices for Microsoft Windows Forms development. Each code sample demonstrates core features and functions of Visual Basic .NET and the .NET Framework, explains the underlying programming concepts, and provides a complete code walkthrough. From creating basic data entry forms to drilling deep into the .NET Framework, you’ll learn the techniques that Microsoft’s own developers use to write real-world applications with Visual Basic .NET.

Get code, comments, and instruction to help you:

• Build smart client applications using Windows Forms
• Use Microsoft ADO.NET to build data-centric applications
• Master advanced .NET-based techniques: threading, remoting, and serialization
• Use GDI+ to manipulate images and animate your solutions
• Use performance counters and the Event Log to monitor the OS and instrument your applications
• Exploit COM+ features such as transactions and role-based security
• Implement application security features such as encryption and authentication
• Automate Microsoft Office and Internet Explorer using COM Interop
• Create and deploy add-ins for Microsoft Visual Studio
• Enable application messaging via MSMQ
• Create and consume Web services

Plus:

• See how to use what’s new in Visual Studio .NET 2003 and .NET Framework 1.1
• Learn how Microsoft Windows Server™ 2003 impacts application development and support
• Get guidelines for applying the coding conventions described in the book

Get 101 Microsoft® Visual Basic® .NET Applications

SQL Server 2005 is a dramatically expanded and enhanced version of SQL Server 2000– that not only makes SQL Server a true enterprise-level RDBMS, but also changes how SQL Server professionals design databases and develop database applications.

Pro SQL Server 2005 provides in-depth coverage of new SQL Server features and enhancements. It focuses on what experienced SQL Server DBAs, developers, and Business Intelligence practitioners need to know to get up to speed with SQL Server 2005 as quickly as possible. It carefully presents each new feature and precisely illustrates the feature with examples that show you how to use it effectively.

This book offers incisive, expert guidance on all of the major new functionality of SQL Server 2005, covering topics that are essential for all SQL Server professionals, including

• Transact-SQL enhancements
• SQL Server Management Studio
• CLR integration and programming stored procedures in C#
• SQL Server Reporting Services enhancements
• SQL Server Analysis Services enhancements
• The new XML datatype and XQuery support
• Security enhancements and Service Broker
• SQL Server Integration Services for data extraction, transformation, and loading

The authors provide practical, in-depth coverage of the core topics that they specialize in–all supported by realistic examples, so you’ll be able to design and implement your own SQL Server 2005 solutions quickly and painlessly. This book is a roadmap for exploring and exploiting SQL Server 2005. So fasten your seatbelts, start your computers, and race to mastery of SQL Server 2005!

ASP.NET 2.0 is the latest version of Microsoft’s current ASP.NET 1.1 technology. ASP.NET 1.1 is fast becoming the accepted technology standard for creating dynamic web pages on the Windows platform, and is now used across the board from start-ups to blue-chip multi-national corporations. ASP.NET 2.0 is building on this solid foundation and adding new improvements. The new technology will be faster to code, offer a more powerful set of tools (i.e. MasterPages and Generics), and run faster when deployed, so that customers enjoy a significantly better user experience.

Pro ASP.NET 2.0 in C# follows the well-regarded Pro ASP.NET 1.1, rooted in the same best-practices and pragmatic style. Matthew MacDonald explains how ASP.NET 2.0 works for the professional programmer – covering both new innovations and the features carried over from the previous version. And while new features are important, MacDonald stresses the importance of the technology as a cohesive whole. His broad-based approach shows how all of the features inter-relate. This gives readers the solid understanding they need to code real applications.

All new, for ASP.NET 2.0, this bestselling book provides experienced developers with real-world examples of the powerful new time-saving, code-saving features in this new version. Seasoned author and International .NET Association founder Bill Evjen along with Scott Hanselman help developers make a smooth transition to this new version of ASP.NET with their clear explanations of even the most dramatic changes.

Helpful examples in both VB and C# clearly show how to build ASP.NET 2.0 applications.

Some of the key chapters and topics you’ll find in this book include:

• 4 chapters on server controls, including an entire chapter dedicated to the controls that are new to ASP.NET 2.0
• A chapter each on the new Master Pages and Themes/Skins features in ASP.NET 2.0
• 2 chapters on data presentation
• Data Management with ADO.NET discussing some of the radical ASP.NET 2.0 changes incorporated in ADO.NET
• Personalization, Membership, and Role Management
• A complete chapter on Portal Frameworks and the popular new Web Parts functionality of ASP.NET 2.0
• Security beyond the built in membership and role management features
• Caching including the new SQL cache invalidation feature in ASP.NET 2.0
• Proper debugging and error handling techniques for your applications
• Building your own server controls and HttpHandlers
• Business Objects, Mobile Development, XML Web Services
• Configuring, Administering, managing, packaging, and deploying ASP.NET 2.0 Applications

According to Brian Goldfarb, Microsoft Product Manager - Web Platform and Tools Division, this book “… is a solid one, Professional ASP.NET 2.0 and I recommend to anyone who is serious about working with VS 2005 and ASP.NET 2.0 — Bill Evjen, Scott Hanselman, Farhan Muhammad, Devin Rader, Srinivasa Sivakumar all did a fantastic job putting together a great read with easy to understand examples and high-quality guidance. This is a must-have for every ASP.NET developers bookshelf (I already have 2 on mine :))”

Get Professional ASP.NET 2.0

Now integrating Java 5 throughout, this reference introduces Java programming fundamentals – including problem-solving, object-oriented programming, GUI programming, data structures, networking, internationalization, advanced GUI programming, and Web programming. Includes many new illustrations. Enhances examples throughout, using small, simple, and stimulating examples to demonstrate concepts and techniques. Offers anearlier introduction to writing programs than the previous edition. Features a new chapter on recursion, expanding treatment from earlier editions. A useful reference for anyone interested in learning more about programming.

With more than 700,000 copies sold to date, Java in a Nutshell from O’Reilly is clearly the favorite resource amongst the legion of developers and programmers using Java technology. And now, with the release of the 5.0 version of Java, O’Reilly has given the book that defined the “in a Nutshell” category another impressive tune-up.

In this latest revision, readers will find Java in a Nutshell, 5th Edition, does more than just cover the extensive changes implicit in 5.0, the newest version of Java. It’s undergone a complete makeover–in scope, size, and type of coverage–in order to more closely meet the needs of the modern Java programmer.

To wit, Java in a Nutshell, 5th Edition now places less emphasis on coming to Java from C and C++, and adds more discussion on tools and frameworks. It also offers new code examples to illustrate the working of APIs, and, of course, extensive coverage of Java 5.0. But faithful readers take comfort: it still hasn’t lost any of its core elements that made it such a classic to begin with.

This handy reference gets right to the heart of the program with an accelerated introduction to the Java programming language and its key APIs–ideal for developers wishing to start writing code right away. And, as was the case in previous editions, Java in a Nutshell, 5th Edition is once again chock-full of poignant tips, techniques, examples, and practical advice. For as long as Java has existed, Java in a Nutshell has helped developers maximize the capabilities of the program’s newest versions. And this latest edition is no different.

In this completely up-to-date volume, Herb Schildt, the world’s leading programming author, shows you everything you need to know to develop, compile, debug, and run Java applications and applets. You’ll get complete details on the Java language, its class libraries, and its development environment along with hundreds of examples and expert techniques.

From the Back Cover

Schildt’s classic Java reference–updated and expanded for J2SE 5. The ultimate resource for Java programming.

Java 2 Platform Standard Edition, version 5 (J2SE 5) is the most extensive upgrade to Java yet and Herb Schildt, the world’s leading programming author, has updated and expanded his best-selling reference on Java to cover it. Whether you’re a beginning Java programmer or an experienced pro, the answers to all your Java questions can be found in this one-stop resource. With expertly crafted explanations, insider tips, and hundreds of examples, this book fully explains the entire Java language and its core libraries. Of course, in-depth coverage of all the new features added by J2SE 5, such as generics, autoboxing, varargs, enumerations, metadata, and the enhanced for loop, is included. Essential for every Java programmer, this comprehensive resource offers the clear, crisp, uncompromising style that has made Herb Schildt the choice of millions worldwide. Coverage includes:

• Data types and operators
• Control statements
• Classes and objects
• Constructors and methods
• Interfaces and packages
• Method overloading and overriding
• Inheritance
• Exception handling
• Multithreading
• The I/O classes
• Networking
• The Collections Framework
• Applets and servlets
• AWT and layout managers
• JavaBeans and Swing

Plus, in-depth descriptions of Java’s newest features:

• Generics
• Autoboxing
• Enumerations
• Metadata (Annotations)
• The enhanced for loop
• Static import
• Varargs (variable-length arguments)
• The Formatter and Scanner classes.
• The Concurrent API

Herbert Schildt is the leading authority on Java, C, C++, and C#. His programming books have sold more than 3 million copies worldwide and have been translated into all major foreign languages. Find out more at HerbSchildt.com.