XSLT: Programmer's Reference

by Michael Kay

What is this book about? This compact, relevant, updated version reflects recent changes in the XSLT specification and developments in XSLT parsers. The material on tools and implementations has been revised; so too have all the examples. It also includes a new chapter on writing extension functions. XML has firmly established itself as the universal standard for managing data for the web and is now being implemented on a wide scale. XSL (eXtensible Stylesheet Language), a vital companion to XML, is used for two main purposes: to format or style XML data so that it can be displayed in a browser and to transform XML data (XSLT). When you transform an XML document, you manipulate the data into a new structure, for example, re-ordering the data. This enables the same data store to be used in an unlimited number of ways. XSLT is a flexible, customizable, and cross-platform language. XSLT is a notoriously difficult language to understand, but this book, while being a complete reference to the recommendation, will also give code examples showing how it all ties together and can be effectively employed in a real-world development scenario. What does this book cover? In this book, you'll find the following topics covered: Who is this book for? This book is for programmers already using XML to organize their data in applications and for those who want to use the power and compatibility of XSLT to improve the display of their data. The book is in three parts: a detailed introduction to the concepts of the language, a reference section giving comprehensive specifications and working examples of every feature, and an exploitation guide giving advice and case studies for the advanced user.

Genres: Programming, Reference, Nonfiction, Technical, Technology, Computers

1008 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

About the author

NB: There are more than one Michael Kay on GR's database. This is the 'catch-all' profile.

For Michael Kay (sports journalist), see here.

Reviews

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book came my way as a gift during a period where I'd fallen into some projects that involved XSLT rather heavily. I was having some trouble "bringing it all together" on my own and this book certainly helped me to pound through those roadblocks. It is about as comprehensive as you can get on the subject without actually merging into an expert's brain. That said, I find it difficult to find specific nuggets of information and the examples and use-cases are not always clear. Also: ease off the Microsoft-centric examples, please.

[Gert-Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was very useful to me as a reference between 2001-2004. We were using XSLT transformations heavily in the software we were developing at the time.

I do occasionally refer to back to it from time to time when an XSLT problem presents itself at work.

[Hugh Chatfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE reference text for XSLT version 1.0

[Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for its time! Actually, I am incredibly grateful to Michel Kay for the book, it was a close friend of mine for several years.