Python & XML

Christopher A. Jones has an extensive background in Internet systems programming and XML. He is the co-founder of Planet 7 Technologies, a Seattle-based commercial software company specializing in XML transport software. He is also the author of: Open Source Linux Web Programming (IDG 1999) and UNIX Shell Objects (IDG 1998). Fred L. Drake, Jr. is a member of the PythonLabs team, and has been contributing to Python since 1995. He took over maintenance of Python's documentation in 1998, changing the face of both the printed and online forms. He has been active in the PyXML project since it started, and helps maintain the Expat XML parser, used in many major applications that use XML, including PyXML, Apache, and Mozilla. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree as well as a Master of Science in computer science.

• Preface 1. Python and XML Key Advantages of XML The XML Specifications The Power of Python and XML What Can We Do with It? 2. XML Fundamentals XML Structure in a Nutshell Document Types and Schemas Types of Conformance Physical Structures Constructing XML Documents Document Type Definitions Canonical XML Going Beyond the XML Specification 3. The Simple API for XML The Birth of SAX Understanding SAX Reading an Article Searching File Information Building an Image Index Converting XML to HTML Advanced Parser Factory Usage Native Parser Interfaces 4. The Document Object Model The DOM Specifications Understanding the DOM Python DOM Offerings Retrieving Information Changing Documents Building a Web Application Going Beyond SAX and DOM 5. Querying XML with XPath XPath at a Glance Where Is XPath Used? Location Paths XPath Arithmetic Operators XPath Functions Compiling XPath Expressions 6. Transforming XML with XSLT The XSLT Specification XSLT Processors Defining Stylesheets Using XSLT from the Command Line XSLT Elements A More Complex Example Embedding XSLT Transformations in Python Choosing a Technique 7. XML Validation and Dialects Working with DTDs Validation at Runtime The BillSummary Example Dialects, Frameworks, and Workflow What Does ebXML Offer? 8. Python Internet APIs Connecting Web Sites Working with URLs Opening URLs Connecting with HTTP Using the Server Classes 9. Python, Web Services, and SOAP Python Web Services Support The Emerging SOAP Standard Python SOAP Options Example SOAP Server and Client What About XML-RPC? 10. Python and Distributed Systems Design Sample Application and Flow Analysis Understanding the Scope Building the Database Building the Profiles Access Class Creating an XML Data Store The XML Switch Running the XML Switch A Web Application A. Installing Python and XML Tools B. XML Definitions C. Python SAX API D. Python DOM API E. Working with MSXML3.0 F. Additional Python XML Tools Index

"I'll use the word 'practical' again, because that sums up the tone of this book - it's about getting things done, and shows the processes in easy to understand chunks. There aren't great swathes of waffle, but there are plenty of examples. Appendices cover installation of necessary tools and the APIs for SAX and DOM, as well as a guide to MSXML and other Python tools available. Even the index is more comprehensive that the usual effort. Over 340 pages of real, practical, useful info here, well worth reading." - Nick Veitch, LinuxFormat, May 2002 "...does a great job of sticking to real-world, practical applications of these cutting edge technologies." - Martin Howse, LinuxUser & Developer, issue 31