Reviews for Java and XML: Solutions to Real-World Problems (Java Series (O'Reilly & Associates).)

1. The title does not do the book justice!

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, November 12th, 2005

   I borrowed this book off a friend from work with the view it was using XML with Java, which of course it covers very well, I felt that it seriously downplayed that it also covered Web publishing frameworks, RPC's, SOAP, Webservices, Content syndication and Data Binding.

   Maybe I would have stumbled across this book if the title hinted it covered 'distributed' or 'web services'.

   I've not used much 'distributed' code before, but when I found out about the XML-RPC I was gobsmacked how easy it was. Then gently you're introduced into the realm of SOAP and webservices and realise what all the hype is about.

   Now I've only reached chapter 12 (SOAP), but felt I had to write a review after reading one of the reviews that slated the book with only two stars.

   The 'Web Publishing Framework' chapter I felt needing more of a polish, I got to the end with too many questions buzzing around my head, all the other chapters left me thinking 'Yep, I understand now'.

   Here's my view of his comments, from my perspective..

   "To find out what SAX and DOM are you have to wade through lots of inconsequential information, only to discover that SAX allows you to parse an XML document on the fly, but doesn't retain it in memory; whereas DOM keeps the document in memory and allows you to manipulate it. Big deal. I could have worked this out by doing some Google searches."

   Well, you can find out anything using an internet search and most people would not be too sure when to use SAX versus DOM and the book does explain this in detail. I wouldn't say the chapter has any inconsequential information in it, it's the first book where I've felt the author pitches it right.

   "I was surprised to see that the first example on SAX actually includes a JTree, even though McLaughlin says to ignore it, it is typical of the book to include something irrelevant."

   I disagree, the JTree code is HCI specific and not a concern to explaining how SAX works, but rather than a dull console output you can see a 'real world' example of handling SAX - displaying it to the user. If you need to understand the JTree then that's obviously better covered in a Java Swing book! I congratulate the author on knowing where to draw the line.

   "What he doesn't say is that the JTree code is really there to make the example longer, so that there are more pages in the book, and so justifies a higher price. You're not going to spend 45 dollars on a weedly little manual, are you? You want something chunky."

   Ok, so his argument is that the 493 page document is say '2' pages bigger because of some HCI code which aids the user in visualising how the SAX reader does its job!? I'm sure the reviewer must be thinking there's more issues throughout the document?

   "Don't get me wrong, I don't enjoy dry, academic journals but at the same time I just wish they would get to the point quicker."

   Quicker = Google!

   Get the book, my only last point is that I've got edition 2 and it needs updating.. Amazon's photo implies the book is still at edition 2. Do not get put off by the one negative feedback on here!

2. Disappointing

   Rated 2 out of 5 stars, January 12th, 2005

   This book did not come up to the expectations that were set by the other reviewers and by O'Reilly themselves.

   I bought Java & XML a couple of years ago. I diligently read the first couple of chapters, found it unhelpful and put it aside. To find out what SAX and DOM are you have to wade through lots of inconsequential information, only to discover that SAX allows you to parse an XML document on the fly, but doesn't retain it in memory; whereas DOM keeps the document in memory and allows you to manipulate it. Big deal. I could have worked this out by doing some Google searches.

   I am writing this review because I have just picked up my (dusty) copy from the bookshelf in the hope of finding something interesting. I was surprised to see that the first example on SAX actually includes a JTree, even though McLaughlin says to ignore it, it is typical of the book to include something irrelevant. What he doesn't say is that the JTree code is really there to make the example longer, so that there are more pages in the book, and so justifies a higher price. You're not going to spend 45 dollars on a weedly little manual, are you? You want something chunky.

   When reading this sort of book, I get the feeling that O' Reilly, and similar technical publishers, put a lot of effort into inflating their publications into bigger manuals with lots of pages. McLaughlin is obviously an expert, but he is constrained by the O'Reilly house style. This is deliberately conversational and longwinded so that while you feel that it is easy reading, you don't realize they are just making it more difficult to learn simple concepts. They also pepper the pages with long code examples. That way they sell more books. Other examples are XSLT and XSLT cooktop: both these O'Reilly manuals could have been condensed into one book by just cutting the waffle.

   Don't get me wrong, I don't enjoy dry, academic journals but at the same time I just wish they would get to the point quicker.

3. Updated version of an excellent book

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, November 12rd, 2002

   The first edition of this book was considered one of the best on the subject of Java and XML. This new edition has expanded to include the developments in Java and XML over the last year. The author gives a little less handholding on the basics of XML reducing a three chapter introduction in the first edition to a one chapter summary. SAX, DOM, and JDOM all are covered in detail with each topic getting an introduction and an advanced chapter. JAXP 1.1 is covered in sufficient detail. After the introduction to the basic Java/XML APIs, the author moves on to some other interesting topics.
   The chapters on web publishing frameworks and XML-RPC haven't changed much since the first edition. New chapters on SOAP, Web Services, and content syndication are welcome additions. The book ends with a look at data binding and JAXB.

   The examples in the book are extremely clear and concise, explaining each topic well without being overly simplistic. As with the first edition, the author assumes that you are familiar with Java but unlike the first edition he assumes you have a basic understanding of XML.

   If you are a Java developer and you are going to be working with XML then this book is required reading. The coverage of the Java/XML APIs is excellent. As for the other topics, it is a good introduction but for anyone working with SOAP or Web Services, other books will probably be required.

4. Good overview but not a very good reference

   Rated 4 out of 5 stars, April 12th, 2002

   I'm relatively new to Java and XML with programming experience with XML with perl. I found the book very insightful into all areas of XML using Java, except, and here's the important bit, references to how one should use the XML once parsed. Techniques on tree building and tree structure searching would be great.. but sparse. The examples are on the web, and if you can follow java code, then i would recommend to just download the zip file and play around with that instead of buying this book.

   The sections on web-services are very concise and to the point and make an otherwise basic introductory book to Java with XML.