Creating Web Sites Bible, Third Edition

Chapter 23. RSS

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Origin of RSS

• NASA page with links to RSS feeds

• RSS quick reference

RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is an easy way to distribute Web content (for example, newsfeeds, sports events, weather, other subjects of personal interest) from one Web site to multiple others. A user must subscribe to a syndicated feed. RSS files can be automatically updated. Content should be written in XML.

The simplicity of RSS (that is, the size of the data transfer and speed of transfer) makes it a very useful application to have for mobile devices (podcasts). You can easily imagine getting live feeds from the stock exchange when values of a selected portfolio of stocks change. You may, as well, look into space shuttle activities or our future trips to Mars and beyond. It is easier to have these feeds keep you abreast of what interests you in the happenings of the world, rather than your having to visit a few dozen sites several times a day.

Modern operating systems have RSS built in. For example, Windows Vista has an RSS reader as part of its SideBar utility, and there's an RSS database engine built into the operating system. Mac OS X 10.4 and later also has RSS built in as a screen saver and widget. RSS is a great way for your customers, employees, clients, and yourself to get up-to-date information as it's released. Keep this in mind when marketing your RSS feed.

Origin of RSS

The background of the origin and development of RSS is a reminder that, even with the best of intentions, ...