1.4 Related Links

For the full details of XML's syntax, the definitive source is the XML 1.0 specification, available on the Web at http://www.w3.org/TR/xml-spec.html. However, like all specifications it's quite formal and isn't intended to be a friendly introduction or a tutorial. The annotated version of the standard, at http://www.xml.com/xml/pub/a/axml/axmlintro.html, is quite helpful in clarifying the specification's intent. There are also many more informal tutorials and books available to introduce you to XML at greater length.

The XML Cover Pages, at http://xml.coverpages.org, are an extensive collection of links to XML and SGML resources, including a news page that's updated every few days. If you can only remember one XML-related URL, remember this one. Cafe con Leche, at http://www.ibiblio.org/xml/, is another good resource.

The xml-dev mailing list is a high-traffic list for implementation and development; see http://www.xml.org/xml/xmldev.shtml for archives and subscription information. Be warned: Some people might find the discussion too focused on vague theorizing about information representation, and not on inventing new standards and tools or applying existing standards.