Reviews for Sams Teach Yourself XML in 24 Hours: Complete Starter Kit

1. Gets the basics wrong

   Rated 3 out of 5 stars, August 12th, 2008

   I was so confused after reading the first 2 chapters that I had to get information elsewhere. For XML to be meaningful you need to understand when to use attributes and when to use entities and all of the early examples given in this book get this wrong, they don't produce usable XML data!
   
   I may return to the book once I have finished reading a far better text on XML structures just to see if it improves.

2. If you're reading this, buy it

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, January 12th, 2007

   An excellent introduction to XML; assumes some knowledge of basic web languages, but nothing too complex; if you've dabbled a bit in HTML and CSS this book will not be beyond your scope. It's clearly written and well laid out; it has a host of useful background information, and takes time to explain the key points well. Also outlines nicely the various supporting standards with which you will need to be familiar. I sat down intending to spend 5 minutes flicking through it, and emerged 2 hours later as a better man.

3. I'd give it 6 stars if I could

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, March 12th, 2006

   This really is an excellent book to learn XML. Easily the best written technical book I've ever read. I've tried and failed to learn XML in the past. This book helped me succeed.

   Don't be afraid of XML. Read this book!

4. efficient

   Rated 5 out of 5 stars, January 12th, 2006

   I knew nothing about XML (beyond lots of misconceptions) and going through this book opened my eyes and expanded my skills. It is a very efficient self-study tool to get started with XML. As usual with the "24 hour" series it is very carefully thought out to teach you how to work it in a step-by-step manner.
   Get it if you are new to XML.