Using XML with Legacy Business Applications

What You Should Already Know

All readers should already have a basic understanding of XML. Familiarity with XML 1.0 DTDs may be helpful but is not absolutely necessary. If you aren't already familiar with XML, there are several good introductions to the subject. On my Web site I give a few recommendations. If you don't mind doing a bit of somewhat technical reading, you can also review the XML Recommendation at the W3C Web site, http://www.w3.org.

End users should be comfortable with the general concept of file format conversion, that is, taking a file that exists in one format and converting it to another file in a different format. Some rudimentary programming experience will be helpful if you plan to develop XSLT stylesheets or write scripts ...