Hands-On XSLT

XSLT (Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations) is an XML-based language for processing XML data in order to view it in attractive, user-friendly formats. Though it has become indispensable for the exchange of data among web-enabled business-to-business ("B2B") software applications, the raw XML data itself is not easily read and digested by humans. XSLT stylesheets enable XML data to be presented by any of a variety of familiar programs, most commonly the ordinary Web browser.

This course presents the tools and techniques for programmers and webmasters to build their own stylesheets using XSLT. It also presents the big picture: applicable W3C standards, and how XSLT fits into the overall architecture of XML and the Web.

The approach is platform-independent and vendor-neutral; these techniques work on Windows and on Unix, with industry-standard tools.

• Two days
• Emphasis on practical skills
• Hands-on
• Instructor-led and classroom-based, with printed and on-screen (web) materials

• Add to their repertory of XML-based techniques.
• Deliver and view XML data emitted by applications of their own and of their business partners.
• Share structured data with other sites.
• Enjoy the benefits of distinguishing data structure from presentation.

Chapter 0: Review of XML Basics

Chapter 1: XSLT: A Detailed Example

Chapter 2: The Big Picture: XSLT and XML in Context

Chapter 3: Simple Pattern Matching

Chapter 4: Pattern Matching with XPath

Chapter 5: Transformations

Chapter 6: Review and Summary

Chapter 7: Server Architecture

Chapter 8: Advanced Pattern Matching

Chapter 9: Functions

Chapter 10: Advanced Elements

Chapter 11: Review and Summary

• Read and write XSLT stylesheets.
• Apply XSLT stylesheets to XML data.
• View and debug XSLT files.
• Process XML and XSLT with a variety of tools.
• Describe the various architectures of XSLT-capable servers.
• Use XSLT in XML-based applications.
• Set up a web server that serves XML with XSLT stylesheets applied.
• Explain the underlying language design principles.
• Use the XSL namespace.
• Extract sub-trees with Xpath expressions.
• Use XSLT's built-in functions and processing operators.
• Use XSLT variables, loops, branches and programming constructs.
• Convert XML to HTML for viewing in browsers.
• Reference the relevant standards documents and web sites.

• Each technique is applied in a lab.
• Sample source code is provided.
• You work with markup languages.
• You run real programs.
• The state-of-the-art XML tools are applied.

• Unix or NT
• A PC or workstation for the instructor
• A projector for the instructor's computer screen
• A PC or workstation for each student
• Connection to the Internet
• Any text editor
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or newer (IE6 has XSLT built-in hence works best, but other browsers can be made to work)
• Details