XML: java, xsl, css?
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- unfittoprint
Hello!
I'm already familiar with displaying XML information in Flash, parsing the different nodes, retrieving values and attributes and displaying them the way I want using actionscript.
Now I'm interested in doing this without Flash, plain HTML (?). What it's the best way to achieve this? Would you use Javascript, Extended Style Sheet Language (XSL) or use just CSS (I heard this last method is less reliable).
Any info, links, tutorials would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Tiago.
- protoculture0
This is a good place to start learning XSL:
- sparker0
In my experience, Javascript isn't a reliable langauage for parsing and rendering XML data.
I would use PHP or PERL to do the parsing and function, and rely on either DTD or XSLT to create the display.
Once you transform the XML using the XSLT you can safely apply CSS to it with little trouble.
You can transform it into XHTML that way and then style it as you want. Or, you can do it all with XSL...it's really up to your preference and what is best for the project.
- JazX0
I'm also familiar with Flash -> Server-Side (PHP, CFML, ASP) -> MySQL -> (PHP, CFML, ASP) -> XML (parser) -> Flash. On that note I know that XSL just aacts as almost CSS but for XML instead of HTML. ;)
- unfittoprint0
thanks guys. I considered myself an 'intermediate' user regarding PHP/MySQL and already use PHP to parse it, retreive the info, and display it usign HTML.
This time I'm more interested in doing it without server-side scripting, that's why I'm looking for the best (non-server side) way to achieve this objective...
- sparker0
Umm..yes and no...it serves to transform XML data more than simply style it...but the application on the surface is the same.
- JazX0
Hmm, I see.
- mike0
I would say that what technology you use really depends on the purpose of your content. XSLT is great if you plan to output data to multiple platforms and devices, but if it's all for a browser, always a browser, then it's kind of a waste of time.
As for what to use to parse it... well, that would depend on your platform requirements and the requirements of your project environment. If the likelihood of using JAVA for a client is slim to none, then learning the process in JAVA seems a bit unnecessary right?
The XML handling in PHP is getting much better and the XML handling in ASP is pretty nice as well. I would talk to Mitsu about the tools he might use for this in an ASP environment. If you want to stay open-source, then why not stick with PHP. After all, you know the language already.
Good luck and it would be great if you could document your process and discoveries to share with others.
Best,
- unfittoprint0
thanks people!
I'm going to start to do my homework now....
cheers,
T.