7 Best-Selling XSLT Books Millions Trust and Use

While working as a developer on Wall Street, Sal Mangano noticed that mastering XSLT was a common hurdle for many programmers dealing with XML transformations. This book arms you with detailed recipes that break down complex XSLT problems into clear, manageable solutions, covering both XSLT 1.0 and the newer 2.0 features. You’ll learn how to simplify string manipulations, handle date/time conversions, and integrate XPath 2.0 alongside practical examples for creating PDFs, HTML, and more. If your work involves transforming XML data or building applications around it, this book offers valuable, hands-on guidance without unnecessary complexity.

Michael Kay leverages decades of hands-on experience in XML and database technologies to deliver a thorough guide to XSLT 2.0 and XPath 2.0. You’ll not only explore the syntax and semantics of these languages but also grasp why they differ fundamentally from other programming tools. The book offers detailed explanations on navigating XML structures, integrating XML Schema definitions, and applying vendor extensions, culminating in case studies that reflect real programming challenges. If you’re an experienced developer with some XML and web architecture background, this manual equips you to write efficient, sophisticated stylesheets rather than just get them working.

This tailored book explores advanced XSLT techniques designed to deepen your mastery of XML transformations. It covers key concepts such as complex template design, efficient XPath expressions, and real-world application scenarios, all matched to your background and goals. By focusing on your interests, this book reveals nuanced approaches to handling transformation challenges, streamlining workflows, and enhancing stylesheet performance. The tailored content examines both foundational skills and sophisticated practices that seasoned developers rely on, helping you navigate XSLT’s evolving landscape with confidence and precision. This personalized guide’s approach ensures you engage deeply with material relevant to your projects, making learning efficient and highly applicable.

Evan Lenz brings his extensive background as an XML developer and W3C XSL Working Group member to this focused guide, designed to get you comfortable with the quirks of XSLT 1.0 quickly. You’ll learn to craft effective templates, manage multiple source documents, and apply conditional processing with clear explanations that cut through the complexity. The book’s pocket-sized format makes it a practical desk companion for when you need to troubleshoot or refresh your understanding on the fly. It suits developers who want a no-frills, precise tool to deepen their grasp of XML transformations without wading through larger manuals.

Drawing from decades of writing and technical expertise, Michael Fitzgerald offers a clear pathway into the challenging world of XSLT and XPath. You’ll move beyond confusion to mastery by working through practical examples that illuminate how to transform XML into formats like HTML, PDF, and SVG using template-driven and functional styles. The book breaks down complex concepts such as XSLT’s template syntax and variables, while also introducing XPath as a fundamental tool. If you’re a web developer or designer seeking to harness XML’s transformative power, this book helps you build solid skills without assuming prior deep knowledge of XML or XSLT.

Doug Tidwell, a senior IBM programmer with over 16 years in programming and a decade working with markup languages, offers a thorough exploration of XSLT transformations in this updated edition. You’ll learn the nuances of both XSLT 1.0 and 2.0 through detailed examples, from creating simple stylesheets to handling complex transformations using templates and XPath expressions. The book contrasts the two versions to help you decide which fits your needs, while also clarifying dependencies like XML Schema and XPath 2.0. It’s especially suited for developers aiming to convert XML into various formats efficiently, providing a solid foundation with practical demonstrations rather than abstract theory.

This tailored book offers a focused journey into mastering XSLT within a month, designed to match your background and learning pace. It explores essential concepts and practical techniques, providing targeted exercises that reinforce core skills while aligning with your specific interests. You’ll dive into stylesheet construction, XPath expressions, template application, and real-world XML transformations, all curated to address your particular goals. By concentrating on the most relevant topics, this personalized approach ensures effective skill acquisition without unnecessary detours. Whether you’re new to XSLT or seeking to sharpen your proficiency quickly, this book’s tailored content fosters confident, hands-on learning and rapid progress in transforming XML data.

Richard Wagner, an expert in XML technologies, takes you through the essentials of XSLT with a straightforward approach that avoids jargon. You learn how to transform XML documents into various formats like HTML by working through practical examples such as creating and combining stylesheets and mastering XPath expressions. Whether you’re new to programming or familiar with XML, the book breaks down concepts like template rules and debugging in a way that’s accessible. This book suits anyone who wants a solid grounding in XSLT, especially those who have struggled to find beginner-friendly resources. Chapters on ten online XSLT processors and real coding tricks add useful depth beyond the basics.

When Steve Muench first realized how Oracle's XML tools could transform application development, he wrote this detailed guide to bridge Java and PL/SQL developers with XML and XSLT capabilities. You'll find nearly 800 pages packed with examples, practical hints, and deep dives into leveraging Oracle's database strengths alongside XML technologies. The book walks you through integrating Oracle’s XSQL Pages and business components, making complex XML applications more approachable and efficient. If you work with Oracle databases and want to expand into XML-driven development, this book offers a thorough resource, though it requires some prior Oracle familiarity to fully benefit.