I've purchased a few books on XML, but most (all) of them are mostly theory based and really, REALLY dry. I realize XML has a large potential, especially with RSS feeds being so popular now, as well as conversions from one database to another; or even an XML based site styled using CSS.

Anyway, does anyone have a good starter to learning XML that isn't dry? I need something interesting if I'm ever going to pick it up. I'm going to pick up Sitepoint's XML/PHP book when it comes out (scheduled for this month) but would like something in the meantime.

XML is easy to pickup. Most of it would be theory... So... The real question is, what do you want to do with it?

Anything I can. I somewhat understand the theory, but find it difficult to apply it. I'd basically like some decent tuturials or guides that explains how to use it with actual real-life examples.

Any use of XML would be fine...

Might wanna look at XLS as well as CSS As for XML + PHP, PHP5 is the way to go.

Starnox, I think you mean XSL; XLS is the Microsoft Excel extension.

XML, XSL and CSS are all very important together.
http://www.w3.org/XML/
http://www.w3.org/Style/CSS/ (I think)
http://www.w3.org/Style/XSL/ (I think)

I would greatly recommend using PHP5 over PHP4 for XML related work. The XML functions and classes are greatly superior in PHP5.

I sure did

The problem with PHP5 is many hosts only support PHP4 right now.

PHP 5 is better in a lot of ways.

PHP 5 is better in a lot of every ways.


Now, something I am *really* looking forward to, is PHP Data Objects in 5.1

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/1...9061633-2206000

I've got it and though I haven't read the whole thing it seems pretty good.

Rikki, that (and Veracon's post...I think, haven't looked at it yet) are what I was looking for. Unfortunately, the link to your book has the following:

800 pages (June 1, 2002)

Considering the boom that XSL, XML, and CSS have all had within the recent technological timeline, I don't feel that a 2002 copyright book is up-to-date yet with my needs, especially 800 pages of it; though I definately appreciate the link.

http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/097524020X/
^ The book I'm interested in.

As much as I'd love to get into the PHP5 aspect of XML and PHP, the reasons for staying with PHP4 are exactly what Transverse Styles stated...it's not yet supported by hosts. I might be able to convince my work to convert to a PHP5 server and update their MySQL database (and then wait 7 months for the server admin to actually do it) but I know I can't convince my paid-for host - I know, I've already tried. Whatever I learn, I'd like to learn it once to be able to use it. I can always learn a DIFFERENT and EASIER way afterward (i.e.: PHP5).

Thanks for all the feedback, guys!

-edit-
They updated the book...it originally was going to do both PHP4 and PHP5. Gah!

If you want an XML parser for PHP4, I can help you!

http://forums.invisionpower.com/index.php?...dpost&p=1216971

...yes, that topic is actually what spawned me to remember, "Hey, I wanted to learn this stuff," and I have already downloaded that parser class. Thanks!