XML Midterm

Computers, Technology and Information Systems

XML - eXtensible Markup Language - COIN 78

This is your take home midterm. Use Web, book, and whitepaper as citations for answers as needed. I grade on effort, accuracy, and thoroughness. There are no "perfect" answers; this exam is intended to increase your breadth of knowledge in XML. Also, the extra credit portion is an important part of the total overall grade <hint /> The midterm is due by the end of the 8th week of class .

Note - I expect that you'll include a dozen or so Web references (footnote with a URL) throughout the midterm. Failure tou use Web / proper citations could cost you a significant amount of points.

What are the primary differences between XML and HTML?
Why was XML created?
What business problem does XML solve?
Is XML a language or meta-language? Explain
What language was XML and HTML derived from?
Why does XML need to be human and machine readable?
What are the three requirements for writing well formed XML?
What is the role of a DTD with XML? (Think valid XML)
Write a very short DTD document
What is the role of CSS with XML?
Write very short CSS document
What is the role of XSD with XML? (Think namespaces and datatypes)
Write a very short XSD document
Why are namespaces important to XSD? (Think about the Web as a database)
Compare and contrast DTDs with XSD
Compare and contrast CSS with XSLT
What is XSL or XSLT?
What is XLink and XPointer?
What is RDF?
What is EAI? Why is XML useful in EAI?
Compare and contrast middleware with EAI
How do Microsoft and Sun use XML?
What is UDDI, and why is it important? What is SOA?
What are Web services, SOAP, and WSDL, and how do they incorporate XML?
What is the Semantic Web? Discuss RDF and Web 2.0 as needed.

Bonus: In 300 to 400 words total (one page single spaced more or less), answer all three of the following:

XML is easier to learn and use than HTML

Will XML completely replace HTML (soon or ever?)

How will you use XML? Please be specific and tell me more about your career and interests.

Hints - you get 1 point for questions 1 -25, and 5 points for the bonus question. I'm looking for short answers in the first 25 questions, then your imagination in the bonus question. The total possible score is thus 30 points, out of 25 for the assignment.

If you can't find an answer then you haven't learned to use http://searchwebservices.techtarget.com/, whatis.com or Google.com. Also try http://www.xml.com/ , http://www.xml.org/ or http://builder.com.com/ but remember that whatis.com will be hyperlinked to other subjects.

Good luck!

Please attempt the bonus question as it works in your favor, and it affects the entire exam score. This is due on or about week 8 / week 9. If you can not complete the midterm, please email me to discuss your grade. Submit your midterm as an attachment (.rtf please), and you may also paste it into the assignment window in ETUDES. DO NOT ATTACH FILES IN ETUDES.

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