This book is intended to be useful to any web developer/designer interested in learning about XML publishing, in general, and the practical aspects of XML publishing, specifically with the Apache AxKit XML application and publishing server. While AxKit and its techniques are the obvious focus, many ideas presented can be reused in other XML-based publishing environments. If you do not know XML and dread the thought of consuming a pile of esoteric specifications to understand what is being presented, don't worry—this book takes a fiercely pragmatic approach that will teach you only what you need to know to be productive with AxKit. A quick scan of XML's basic syntax is probably all the XML knowledge you need to get started.

Although AxKit is written in Perl, its users need not know Perl at all to use it to its full effect. However, developers who do know Perl will find that AxKit's modular design allows them to easily write custom extensions to meet specialized requirements. Similarly, AxKit users are not expected to be Apache HTTP server gurus, but those who do know even a bit about how Apache works will find themselves with a valuable head start:

• Web developers will learn XML publishing techniques through a variety of practical, tested examples.

• Perl programmers will see how they can use XML to build on their existing skills.

• Markup professionals will discover how AxKit combines standard XML processing tools with those unique to the Perl programming language to create a flexible, easy-to-use environment that delivers on XML's promise as a publishing technology.