WAP Development with WML and WMLScript

by Ben Forta, et al.

Sams, November, 2000.
Trade Paperback, 586 pages.
ISBN: 0672319462

WAP Development with WML and WMLScript by Ben Forta, et al.

WAP (Wireless Application Protocol) is a language designed to allow programmers to develop content for wireless devices, including wireless phones and handhelds. This guide helps programmers develop WAP pages (pages that can be viewed with wireless devices) and scripts using WML and WMScript. WAP pages are similar to HTML and XML, but unlike large webpages, each different screen on the phone or wireless device is called a card. Another difference is that with WAP pages there is no set screen size. There are only a couple screen sizes to worry about when programming for the Internet, but with wireless devices there are numerous sizes and screen styles to consider. The concept of cards (WAP pages) and decks of cards (sets of cards in a single file) gives programmers a method for dealing with the uncertainty of the screen size and a way to set up user navigation. Other WAP concepts introduced in the book include using images, working with input, email integration, timers, notifications and security. The reference includes sample applications for a currency converter, user directory, scheduling and ecommerce. An appendix in the book includes a WML and WMLScript reference library and the accompanying CD-Rom contains device emulators (WAP browsers) and third party editors and tools.

Developers that are familiar with both HTML and XML will have an advantage, because WML is based on those languages. Author Ben Forta is excellent at explaining programming languages through clear instruction and sample code. Some of Forta's previous books include The Coldfusion 4.0 Web Application Construction Kit, Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 10 Minutes, Sams Teach Yourself HomeSite 4 in 24 Hours and Sams Teach Yourself ColdFusion Express in 24 Hours. Web developers ready to provide content for wireless devices will be publishing in no time with this handy reference.

WAP Development with WML and WMLScript is available for purchase on Amazon.com

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This review was published in the February, 2001 of The Internet Writing Journal.