Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) is an international standard metalanguage used for the creation of markup systems and the expression of markup in data streams. This book approaches SGML as the majority of current applications are using it: SGML for publishing--the production and distribution of documents--an area where this industry has 12 years of solid experience. Vint does not explain the concepts behind SGML, the rationale for SGML, or the history of SGML. Rather, this how-to book illustrates how to set up, program, and use common SGML tools to create, manage, and maintain collections of documents.

Setting up and working with SGML has always meant analyzing both one’s requirements and one’s documents, installing and customizing new software, and writing “glue” code to convert legacy data and bridge functionality gaps. This book simulates many of the functions of an experienced consultant, demonstrating tool use and code development in the context of putting an implementation together.

Vint walks readers through the stages of a sample SGML implementation, illustrating, for each stage, software packages that might be used to support the activity. Like a series of integrated demonstrations, the text proceeds step by numbered step through the process of installing the software and performing some functions with each tool. It includes screen shots, code samples, and explanations of exactly which menu selections and mouse clicks perform specific functions.

The book is organized as a case study, with the case being a formatted Adobe FrameMaker document, complete with its FrameMaker format-driver tags. The sample document illustrates a clear structure but uses “greeked” content, to show that the content is not essential to the structural analysis. While the author suggests that every SGML implementation start with both training in SGML concepts and a justification for the implementation, the case study assumes those phases have already taken place.

First, there is an analysis of the structure of the document and the creation of a structure-based document type definition (DTD) for the document, using clues based on both the FrameMaker tags and the printed appearance to determine SGML elements. Then Vint illustrates walking through structural diagrams for the DTD (using Near and Far and SGML Companion DTD Browser), documenting the DTD (using DTD2HTML), converting existing FrameMaker MIF files to the new DTD (using OmniMark, awk, perl, and so on), converting the document’s graphics files, setting up and using context-sensitive SGML editors to edit the document (using ArborText’s Adept editor and Document Architect, Grif’s SGML Editor, WordPerfect 8, and Ventura 7 with Incontext), producing formatted versions of the document for delivery in printed hardcopy (OmniMark to RTF and DSSSL through JADE to RTF) as well as online (using DynaText and HyBrowse) and delivery on the Web (using DynaWeb and Panorama Pro), and, finally, integrating a document management system (using Texcel’s Information Manager).

This book is addressed to programmers whose organizations have already committed to the use of SGML or XML and who have had some preliminary training. The author assumes that readers understand SGML DTD syntax, although the book provides a quick-reference card and a syntax refresher for the uncertain. Free or demonstration versions of much of the conversion, print formatting, and browsing software described are provided on the accompanying CD-ROM, but it contains only setup environments and demonstrations for the commercial editors and electronic book products. Readers are clearly expected to load and try the demonstrations and play with the samples.