Objectives: This course provides an introduction and overview of XML, including writing well formed and valid XML, the use of DTDs, XML schema, CSS and XSL for formatting, and advanced topics in XML including XPath, XLink and XPointer. For Winter Quarter 2006, you will submit five assignments that will include at least five XML files, an external DTD, a Cascading Stylesheet, (CSS), an XML Schema document, (XSD) and an XSL file for presentation and formatting, plus an HTML file (in the final project) as an organizing file to link to the other nine files.
As much as possible, we will use prebuilt files as examples and files to help in learning. XML is the workhorse of e-business integration, foundation of middleware, and the next big wave in Web publishing. This course will give you a good overview of key subjects, and the necessary tools and hands on experience to become an XML developer. My expectations are that you will come to every class, read every chapter in the book, and work through all the example files. Please stay on task and on track as there are a lot of exercises to work through.
Prerequisites: This class assumes completion of COIN 61 or a formal equivalent. You will need to know a little about how to use CSS files, and it is recommended that you look into downloading XML Spy to make your life easier. This is especially critical when you are validating your XML files with an external DTD and schema. I will demonstrate the use of XML Spy in the physical lecture.
Assignments: There are six total assignments. You will turn in one at the end of (roughly) every other week. The first assignment is a bare bones XML file (simple.xml) that I will use to set up your local folder. Please edit this file with Notepad and put your name and email address in it using a comment line. Following that you will formally move into assignments one through five. Each of these assignments are due at the end of the week. Each of these assignments is worth 15 points. The midterm is due at the end of week eight, and is worth 25 points, or one quarter of your grade. There are a total of 15 points extra credit, which include a data islands project, worth 10 points, and 5 extra credit points possible on the midterm. Extra credit points can also include adding more functionality to the final project.
Grading rules: All assignments are due on the prescribed date, subject to a lowering of one full grade if late. Extensions of one week for business travel, personal and or family issues may be approved (by email), but not on the date they are due. All assignments and material are absolutely due on the final day of class, without exception. Incomplete grades are not available in this class. If you are nervous about grades, sign up with the pass / fail option. And remember that communication early and often works best to resolve hurdles.
Textbooks and class material: Strongly Recommended: XML for the World Wide Web: Visual QuickStart Guide, ISBN 0-201-71098-6. XML in Easy Steps, sold through Barnes & Noble. ISBN: 0760747962 published September 2003. I also recommend XML for Dummies, and Learn XML in 24 Hours (SamsNet) Publisher: For Dummies; 3 edition (May 1, 2002) ISBN: 0764516574 Please note that -any- text book that works for you, works for me, and you may already have one or more good books. The tutorials and example files will get you a long way, but eventually you'll need a good book to look at when pondering the tricky stuff.
Email correspondence: Please read this very carefully. All email correspondence -must- include COIN78 physical or COIN78 online in the subject line. All email without a subject line, or a subject line I do not recognize will be deleted. I respond to all reasonable email within 24 hours Monday through Thursday, and within 48 hours Friday through Sunday. You will usually receive a response the same day.
My goals: My sole purpose in this course is to help introduce you to XML, and master the basic skills that will help you become an XML developer. Assignments, example files, tutorials, and projects will help get you there. If you work hard, you will succeed in these goals.
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Copyright © 2006 - 2007 Robert D. Cormia - September 17, 2006