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January 01, 2002
Book Review: XML For ASP.NET Developers
Dan Wahlin is well-known by XML insiders as a passionate XML guru. He is an accomplished Instructor and Developer of XML-based solutions. In this book, XML For ASP.NET Developers, Dan attempts to meld two relatively new (and deep) topics for web developers into an easy-to-use format. Does he succeed? Reviewer Don Makoviney takes a look at the book and has this to say ...
Okay, I admit it. I need to learn XML. I mean, I know XML and what it can do - but I really need to begin implementing it in some of my Enterprise Application Development. For this reason, XML For ASP.NET Developers by Dan Wahlin is a welcome addition to my personal Developer Library.
Why? Well, for starters I have found my new "favorite" chapter in this book. You know, the chapter to give someone when they ask the questions "Why should I use XML?" or "What is XML good for?". This is covered satisfactorily in chapter 2 entitled, "XML for ASP.NET Basics". Good beginner chapter, and a must-read for those needing a crash course.
However, the rest of the book is not for the inexperienced. Keep in mind, with the exception of the XML Primer, the Author assumes the Reader has significant familiarity with ASP.NET, XML, ADO, as well as database design, and networking concepts.
After the introductory chapter, the Author jumps directly into an overview of XPath, XPointer, and XLink - complete with samples. This is smart, because it gets the Reader up and running quickly without confusing the mind with theory. Only after the XPath chapter does the Author get into DTDs and Schemas in good detail. Chapters on XSLT, ADO.Net TextReader and TextWriter, and the DOM follow.
The chapter on SQL Server 2000, XML, and ASP.Net is a very useful chapter. Here the Reader learns more about ways of leveraging XML in .NET, particularly the new XML tools and features found in SQL Server 2000.
The book wraps up with a high-level overview of SOAP and Web Services and a sample application.
The Verdict?
I prefer books that don't make me have to buy other books. This is probably the only place this publication fails me. Make no mistake - there is plenty to digest here - but I would have preferred some reference appendices in the back. On the other hand, this is where the need for a pure Reference (or even Quick Reference) Guide would actually be more beneficial.
XML for ASP.NET Developers is generally well-organized, and surprisingly short (10 Chapters) considering the breadth of information it covers. What Dan Wahlin lacks in physical pages, he more than makes up for in conciseness. No bloated, pointless ramblings here.
Less fat and more meat is ALWAYS a good thing.
Posted by Don at January 1, 2002 09:24 PM
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