XML: Document Object Model (DOM 1.0)

Course description

Overview: This course introduces the XML Document Object Model's level 1.0 specification and the Microsoft implementation of it. The DOM specification is maintained by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) so this course will present the core DOM as they've defined it. Microsoft, a leader in implementing the DOM in the real world, has provided numerous extensions to the core DOM, and this course will present those as well. It assumes knowledge of the basics of the emerging XML family of technologies, although a brief review is included. Students will learn the basic objects, properties, and methods of the DOM, the role the DOM plays in XML application programming, how to use the DOM in basic XML programming examples, and where the DOM seems to be headed in future versions. Example client-side code will be used for the most part, although some server-side examples using ASP and ADO will also be presented (Lesson 6). Code examples are given in VBScript, but some examples are also provided JavaScript.

Prerequisites: This course will review the emerging world of XML technologies. However, some familiarity with basic XML concepts would be helpful. Therefore, you should take the following courses, or have equivalent knowledge, before taking this course:

HTML 4.0: Level 1

HTML 4.0: Level 2

Introduction to Programming

Introduction to XML

XML DTD

XML Schemas

A thorough knowledge of VBScript, JavaScript, DHTML, ASP, and ADO/SQL concepts and syntax would also be very helpful, but is not required for this course, as the code examples used are very simple. Code examples are given in the book are given in VBScript, and versions of some of the examples are provided in JavaScript as well, so a total lack of familiarity with these languages could slow down some students.

Performance-based objectives

Lesson objectives help students become comfortable with the course, and also provide a means to evaluate learning. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

*           Name and describe the purposes of the various parts of the emerging world of XML related technologies.

*           Understand and assess the nature of the XML DOM and model various kinds of traditional data as DOM hierarchies.

*           Use the specific methods and properties of the numerous higher-level objects of the XML DOM, such as the Document, Element, and Attribute objects.

*           Use additional Microsoft extensions such as the ParseError and HttpRequest objects.

*           Use the XML DOM in conjunction with simple examples of ASP and ADO scripts.

Course content

Lesson 1: The Emerging World of XML

The Rise of XML

The XML Landscape

Lesson 2: The General Concept of the XML DOM

General XML DOM Concepts

The XML DOM's Interfaces

The XML DOM's Node Levels

Lesson 3: The XML DOM Base Objects

The Node Object

The NodeList Object

The NamedNodeMap Object

Lesson 4: The XML DOM Higher-Level Objects

The Document Object

The Element and Attribute Objects

Lesson 5: IE5 Parser Objects and Other Microsoft Extensions

The ParseError Object

The HttpRequest Object

Additional Microsoft Extensions

Lesson 6: Using the XML DOM on the Server

Using the XML DOM with ASP

Working with XML and ASP/ADO