Target Audience

This course is designed to further the developers knowledge of XSL Transformations. The course is aimed at developers who already have experience of XML. Developers taking this course will learn how to extract information from an XML document and transform it into an updated version of the same XML document, a different document or HTML document. This course can be amalgamated with the end of either EC51 or EC52 to replace the normal XSL chapter, so that greater time is spent on XSL.

Pre-requisites

The developer should be familiar with the host environment - either Windows NT/2000, Windows 95/98 or Windows XP. Knowledge of XML is required and can be gained by attending either course EC51 or EC52.

Course Objectives

Whilst covering the basics of XSLT and how it is used, this course also aims to give an insight into XSLT syntax, templates, XPATH and document presentation. Issues such as XPATH queries, XSL variables and parameters, sorting and numbering and conditional processing are discussed. On completion of this course the student will be able to:

•     Extract information from an XML document
•     Transform an XML document
•     Apply conditional logic to processing an XML document

Course Environment

•     a text editor such as Notepad or TextPad
•     XML Spy

•     Internet Explorer 5.5 or greater
•     Netscape 6.0 or greater

Course Details

XML OVERVIEW

XML Documents and Format

Viewing XML Documents

Raw XML Documents

XML Documents using XSL

STYLESHEET STRUCTURE

What is Stylesheet Structure ?

Stylesheet Elements

Handling Whitespace

TEMPLATES

Overview of Templates

Default Templates

XSL:TEMPLATE Instruction

XSL:APPLY-TEMPLATE Instruction

XPATH / XQUERY

XPATH / XQUERY Abbreviations

XPATH / XQUERY Syntax

Available Axes

Axis Diagrams

Nodes

Predicates and Conditions

Functions

OUTPUTTING DATA

Creating Elements and Attributes

XSL Instructions

Comment Instructions

Copy Instructions

Copy-Of Instructions

Processing-Instruction Instructions

Value-Of Instructions

XSL VARIABLES AND PARAMETERS

XSL:VARIABLE Element

Using Variables

XSL:PARAMETER Element

Using Parameters

SORTING AND NUMBERING

XSL Instructions

Sort Instructions

Number Instruction

CONDITIONAL PROCESSING

XSL Conditional Instructions

If Instructions

Choose Instruction

For-Each Instruction

MULTIPLE FILE PROCESSING

Accessing Data From Multiple Source Documents

Course Format

Practical sessions make up a large part of the course, allowing delegates to demonstrate and reinforce the lectures given. During these sessions the delegate will gain experience of coding all types of XSL Transformations and processing them against XML instance documents. Examples are used extensively, ranging from simple code snippets to full applications with complete ‘real world’ functionality. These are supplied at the start of the course and it is encouraged that the delegates execute and ‘experiment’ with these under the instructor’s guidance as they are introduced. These examples are available to take away, along with the delegate’s own work. The comprehensive Student Guide supplied is fully indexed serving as a useful reference tool long after the course has finished. Delegates will also be able to access a free help-line with technical questions relating to topics covered on the course.