BKDVSGML.RVW   960604
 
"Developing SGML DTDs", Eve Maler/Jeanne El Andaloussi, 1996, 0-13-309881-8
%A   Eve Maler
%A   Jeanne El Andaloussi
%C   One Lake St., Upper Saddle River, NJ   07458
%D   1996
%G   0-13-309881-8
%I   Prentice Hall
%O   +1-201-236-7139 fax: +1-201-236-7131 beth_hespe@prenhall.com
%P   532
%T   "Developing SGML DTDs: From Text to Model to Markup"
 
Initially it is difficult to understand the reticence of the authors in regard
to the audience for this book.  It is easy enough to comprehend the statement
that the book is for the subject matter specialist: the "author" of a work is
not likely to be a expert in the use of SGML (Standard Generalized Markup
Language), so that would label the book as an introduction to the topic.  The
inclusion of management in the target audience would seem to be gilding the
lily somewhat: managers are beginners at everything.  The suggestion that
additional training might be needed for work in SGML sounds like a modest
disclaimer.
 
Once you actually get into the book, all of this becomes much clearer.  While
the details of SGML are not neglected, the primary emphasis is on the design,
development, and maintenance of a document type description (DTD).  The subject
expert is the one who will be able to identify document elements as something
other than #PCDATA.  The manager is responsible for the training of a team, and
therefore needs to know the materials that will be helpful in the learning
process (as well as traps to avoid).  The work with SGML does not end with a
viable DTD, though: authors and others must be trained in the use of the DTD
elements once it has been created.
 
The book provides a very clear explanation of SGML and document elements as a
background.  A procedure for DTD design is presented, based on analysis of a
class of documents.  There is discussion of the implementation of markup
requirements, and of customization.  As well, the work covers the documentation
of a DTD itself, and training requirements.  Appendices provide references for
SGML, tree diagrams, a sample of DTD reuse and customization, ISO character
sets, a bibliography, and a glossary.
 
copyright Robert M. Slade, 1996   BKDVSGML.RVW   960604
 
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