Amazon.co.uk
Python and XML shows how to program XML applications using Python, an increasingly popular scripting language. The authors aim to introduce XML, but some knowledge of Python is assumed. They make a strong case for Python as a natural partner to XML, being cross-platform, object-oriented, easy to use, and with strong text handling features. In any case, the prevalence of XML means that most Python developers will have to tackle it sooner or later. Together with the Python standard library, the book makes use of PyXML, which greatly extends Python's XML features, and another library called 4Suite. It also demonstrates how to use Microsoft's MSXML parser with Python, when running on Windows.
Starting with an introductory overview, the book goes on to explain XML fundamentals. Next there is a guide to parsing XML, first with SAX and then with the DOM (Document Object Model). XPath queries get a short chapter, followed by a look at XSLT transformations. After that comes validation against DTD's (Document Type Definitions), sending and receiving XML over the Internet, and Python Web Services. Finally, a detailed example explains how to use Python in a distributed XML application.
Both authors are professional Python developers and their book successfully covers the essentials. However, they do a poor job of explaining XML itself and newcomers will want something like XML in a Nutshell alongside this title. With lots of commented code examples, Python and XML has a hands-on feel, making it a sound and practical guide. --Tim Anderson
Présentation de l'éditeur
Python attracts a wide variety of developers, many of whom use it to connect critical programming tasks. Python can serve as the glue between operations, as well as a powerful and complete cross-platform application development language. Python is also abject-oriented and has powerful text manipulation capabilities, which make it particularly attractive to XML developers. It is ideally suited as a language for the manipulation of XML. Python and XML provides a solid foundation for developers using XML with Python. Loaded with practical examples, this book highlights common application tasks so that you can learn by doing. It starts with a basic introduction to XML, and quickly progresses to more advanced topics, such as transforming XML with XSLT, querying XML with XPath, and working with XML-based languages and validation. It also explores such subjects as Python and SOAP, Python and distributed web services, and using Python and XML to integrate distributed systems. While covering the many tools involved in XML processing with Python, the book discusses effective practical applications and often highlights cross-platform issues, along with tasks relevant to enterprise computing. There is ample coverage of XML flow analysis and details on ways to successfully transport XML through a network. If you are using Python as an application language or as an administrative or middleware scripting language, you are sure to benefit from this book. And if you are a Python programmer and want to incorporate XML into your skill set, this is the book for you. It covers cutting edge topics such as XSLT, XPath, DOM/SAX, and validation.
