Computer Book Reviews
JavaScript 1.5 by Example by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes and Kathie Kingsley-Hughes
Que, January 2001.Trade Paperback, 299 pages.
ISBN: 0789724995
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
This JavaScript reference focuses heavily on
an instructional method that is highly effective
in teaching programming -- providing lots of examples
and sample code. Each new JavaScript concept and technique
is illustrated through the use of screen shots;
plenty of sample code with instructional
text is also provided.
The book does not cover many advanced topics.
However, unlike some more complicated references,
it does provide a very simple introduction
to JavaScript for beginners that will give programmers
a solid foundation
for more advanced topics. Also, the authors do
a good job of providing information about
how the different browser versions read and
display JavaScript and HTML. A section on debugging -- finding
and removing errors -- is especially helpful.
JavaScript 1.5 by Example provides a great introduction to
JavaScript programming for web developers and website owners.
Web Publishing with HTML and XHTML in 21 Days by Laura Lemay
Sams, March 2001.Trade Paperback, 834 pages.
ISBN: 0672320770
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
This reference acts as an introduction to
web publishing, covering everything from
creating and uploading webpages, to formatting
webpage text to including multimedia on your
website. Other concepts covered include:
links, tables, web graphics, frames, web forms,
style sheets, promotion and website maintenance.
Noted web programming author Laura Lemay
strikes again with this handy web publishing
introductory reference. This updated edition
of earlier web publishing how-to books
includes instruction on
XHTML, style sheets, dynamic HTML, usability and
other more recent
web publishing subjects. As always, Lemay's
references help readers obtain a solid grasp
of the subject matter. Lemay also provides
information about what makes a good web
page with examples of good websites --
advice which if taken by the reader should
lead to an overall better design. Highly
recommended for web publishing novices.
XML and Java from Scratch by Nicholas Chase
Que, March 2001.Trade Paperback, 486 pages.
ISBN: 0789724766
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
XML and Java are buzz words in the
industry -- but they are also useful
web publishing tools that developers need
to be familiar with. The book jumps straight into
the instruction, coding and examples as it
follows the construction of a website
and applications for ChaseWeb Furniture,
a fictional catalog furniture company.
As the applications and website are developed,
the reader is taught programming and development
skills. Concepts and methods introduced
to the reader include style sheets, XSL,
data structure, XML schema, XSL processors,
JDOM, DOM, XQL, SQL databases, SAX and SOAP.
XML and Java from Scratch
is targeted at beginners but
prior programming experience and
familiarity with web publishing
would help readers understand the material
more quickly. The book uses a unique and useful approach that can
help programmers develop XML and
Java skills, while learning how to build
an actual website with functional ecommerce
applications.
Return to the April 2001 issue of The IWJ.
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