Computer Book Reviews
Page One of TwoComplete Idiot's Guide to XML by David Gulbransen
Alpha Books, May 2000.Trade Paperback, 332 pages.
ISBN: 0789723115
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
XML (Extensible Markup Language)
is a language that has quickly
been put to use by web developers and
programmers to build
applications and databases. Its ability
to be used between applications has
it being used for development of
applications for handheld and
wireless devices, including devices for kitchen
appliances. While the
title of this book may sound a bit funny,
the book really does provide a solid introduction
to XML concepts and programming.
The instruction is easy to follow and
learn, and includes many examples,
screenshots, drawings, tips, sample
code, cartoons and answers to questions
a reader might be thinking of.
Coverage of XML concepts include:
XML Pro, the XML editor,
XML documents, DTD, reserved keywords,
attributes, XHTML, schemas and entities.
The book also illustrates real-world
uses of XML, provides a complete
sample XML project and includes a
CD-ROM which
contains XML Pro, a third-party
software tool for editing, creating,
viewing and validating XML documents.
While experienced programmers should
seek a more advanced reference, this
XML tool excels at the beginning audience
it is catered to, providing a thorough
introduction to XML for beginning
programmers and IT executives who need
an understanding of the language.
Flash Web Design by Hillman Curtis
New Riders, March 2000.Trade Paperback, 114 pages.
ISBN: 0735708967
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
If you spend much time surfing
the Web, you have no doubt
noticed the flash screens
and interfaces which
are becoming more common on websites.
Some of them are extremely
well-done, while some of them
can be irritating. Flash Web Design
guides the reader through the
steps of making a flash animation,
including tips on how to design
more pleasing flash screens
for your website visitors.
To help readers learn Flash design,
the book contains several
examples of real-world Flash
animations and interfaces.
Through these Flash designs author
and web graphic design expert,
Hillman Curtis, provides tips and instructions
for developing Flash animations
with tools, including Macromedia
FreeHand 8, Adobe Premiere, Adobe
Dimensions, Adobe AfterEffects,
MacroMedia SoundEdit 1, SoundForge
and formZ. The book also introduces
readers to Flash concepts, including
the art of motion graphics, emotional
center, emotional messages, multitasking
attention deficit and global
visual language.
A section listing flash web resources
is also provided.
Hillman, an expert in motion graphics and former Macromedia creative director, shares his design skills with readers in this in-depth visual Flash learning aide. Throughout the instruction Hillman focuses most of his attention on ensuring good design, but also includes a wide-range of techniques for developing original and appealing motion graphics and Flash designs. Hillman also provides an interactive companion website for use with the book. Readers should have at least some experience working with graphic software tools to better understand the techniques and concepts covered in the book. For those who have this experience, get ready for some hands-on learning from a graphics design pro who really knows his stuff.
Computer Reviews
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