Processing XML with Java (A Guide to SAX – DOM – JDOM – JAXP – and TrAX) (2002)

Processing XML with Java (A Guide to SAX – DOM – JDOM – JAXP – and TrAX) (2002) by Elliotte Rusty Harold is a comprehensive guide that explores the powerful capabilities of Java for handling XML data. This informative book provides a detailed overview of various XML processing techniques, including SAX, DOM, JDOM, JAXP, and TrAX.

The author, Elliotte Rusty Harold, a renowned expert in XML and Java, presents a well-structured and in-depth examination of each processing model. Starting with SAX (Simple API for XML), readers are introduced to the event-based parsing approach that allows efficient processing of large XML files. Harold explains how SAX parses XML documents sequentially, triggering events as it encounters various elements, attributes, and data.

Moving on to DOM (Document Object Model), the book delves into the tree-based model that represents an XML document as a hierarchical structure. Harold illustrates how to manipulate XML content using the DOM API, enabling developers to traverse, create, modify, and delete nodes within the XML document.

Next, JDOM is explored as a more user-friendly and intuitive alternative to DOM. The book highlights the advantages of JDOM, such as its simplified API and seamless integration with existing Java libraries. Readers gain insight into using JDOM to read, write, and manipulate XML documents with ease.

The Java API for XML Processing (JAXP) is then introduced, providing a standardized approach to XML processing in Java. Harold explains how JAXP facilitates the use of different XML processors interchangeably, allowing developers to choose the most suitable implementation for their needs.

The final processing model covered in the book is TrAX (Transformations API for XML). TrAX focuses on the transformation of XML documents, enabling developers to apply XSLT (Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations) stylesheets to XML data. Harold demonstrates how TrAX simplifies the process of transforming XML documents into various formats, such as HTML or PDF.

Throughout the book, Elliotte Rusty Harold incorporates practical examples, code snippets, and clear explanations to guide readers in mastering each XML processing model. With a comprehensive understanding of SAX, DOM, JDOM, JAXP, and TrAX, developers can leverage the full power of Java for efficiently working with XML data.

“Processing XML with Java” (2002) is a valuable resource for programmers, software engineers, and anyone seeking to enhance their XML processing skills using the Java programming language. Elliotte Rusty Harold’s expertise and the book’s detailed coverage make it an essential reference for XML processing in the Java ecosystem.