XML for eServer i5 and iSeries

In this book, you will learn about Extensible Markup Language (XML), but with an IBM eServer i5/iSeries twist. XML is a format specified by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to describe structured data and facilitate the exchange of data between computer applications. As the power of this SGML derivative continues to reveal itself to the industry, so does the realization of its immense potential. An incredibly versatile language, XML can adapt to any programming language and any platform...including the i5/iSeries.

XML for eServer i5 and iSeries first introduces you to the basics, essential for any developer to build a solid foundation. In simple, straightforward style, the authors define XML syntax through the use of elements and attributes. Then, they teach you how an XML structure and data can be enforced through the use of DTDs and schemas. Once you’ve mastered the basic concepts, the book dives into more advanced topics.

Later chapters discuss the amazing range of XML, including Web services, XML security, and programming with DOM and SAX parsers as well as XSL. Each of these topics includes i5/iSeries-specific information that can be easily incorporated into your environment. After reading these chapters, you will be well along in your ability to select the appropriate XML technology to address specific workflow needs.

Finally, the book introduces the various products that use XML. These i5/iSeries applications showcase the extreme versatility of this language and reveal how the platform can be leveraged to new heights. XML truly is a language without boundaries.

In this book you will:
   • Learn XML concepts such as attributes to help you write effective XML documents
   • Understand the advantages of using XML to configure i5/iSeries applications
   • Become skilled at validating and transforming XML documents in your applications
   • Gain the necessary information to incorporate XML into an i5/iSeries solution
   • Discover how to use XML to configure integrated applications that share common XML data
   • Find out more about Web services that allows the i5/iSeries to interact over the Web
   • Start using XML as a foundation for applications that mix languages and cross system boundaries
   • Discover how to avoid common pitfalls associated with using XML on the EBCDIC-based i5/iSeries



Steve Bos is a systems analyst for a major international bank. For the past four years, he has been immersed in development of applications that employ XML. He is a frequent contributor to technical journals and has participated in an IBM residency on new DB2 features for V4R1 of OS/400.

David Morris has worked with and written about a variety of technologies, including ILE, RPG, business intelligence, SQL, security, and genetic programming. Today, David develops Web applications that run on the System i using RPG, Java, and XML and writes about these technologies for technical journals.

More About the Authors:

Steve Bos
David Morris