Product Description

WAP, the Wireless Application Protocol, has managed to achieve fame and infamy in roughly equal parts as "the Internet on your mobile phone" - a claim that has not matched the experience of some early users. Used well, however, WAP has enormous potential: the attraction of using existing Internet infrastructure to deliver timely information and services to mobile devices is undeniable, and WAP offers exciting opportunities to those writing applications for it.

Beginning WAP provides a complete tutorial in the creation of WAP applications using the two languages defined for the purpose: WML, the Wireless Markup Language, and its companion WMLScript. Assuming no prior programming experience, we'll take you to the point where you're able to write a dynamic application that uses technologies such as ASP, XML, and XSLT to deliver the best possible user experience. The teaching style is step-by-step, with examples and explanations at every stage.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1828981 in Books
• Published on: 2000-11
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 651 pages

Amazon.com Review
Aimed at the novice Web designer or developer, Beginning WAP, WML, and WMLScript is an approachable and effective introduction to the standards that you'll need to learn to start building wireless Web applications and Web sites for the next generation of cellular telephones and Internet devices.

Two of the book's stronger features are the clear and understandable presentation style, and the hands-on focus on what works and doesn't in Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) development. Very little knowledge on the part of the reader is assumed, so that all of the basics of what WAP is and how the Wireless Markup Language (WML) makes use of XML to deliver content to cell phones are explained thoroughly. Short examples of WML in action help bring you up to speed on this new programming paradigm.

Beginning WAP uses the Phone.com UP.SDK emulator in examples. (Although Phone.com, having been bought by Openwave.com, no longer exists as an independent company, rest assured that the information on WAP is still up to date.) The book also looks at the fundamentals of WMLScript, the wireless scripting language that's based on JavaScript/ECMAScript. From here, it's on to a simple ASP-powered Web application that delivers travel information to WAP devices from a database using WML, XML, and XSLT.

WML is an emerging standard--one of the better chapters in this book examines the features that work (and don't) in the current generation of WAP-enabled devices and "emulators" (software programs that mimic the look and feel of the real thing). One chapter uses photos of actual devices displaying the same WML, and the results might surprise you. (Don't expect to use WML tables or WMLScript across every WAP device--for now, at least.)

Designed to give you what you need to understand and use today's wireless standards, Beginning WAP is a good place to get a handle on creating content and software for a new generation of wireless devices that'll transform the Internet as we know it. --Richard Dragan

Topics covered:

• Introduction to the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)
• The Openwave.com/Phone.com UP.SDK cell-phone emulator
• Survey of markup languages (SGML, XML, and XHTML)
• Basic XML tutorial, including schemas and well-formed vs. valid XML
• Document Type Definitions (DTDs)
• Wireless Markup Language (WML) tutorial
• Decks and cards
• Compiling WML
• Formatting text
• Hyperlinks, and navigating between cards (anchors and events)
• WML images, tables, and variables
• User input with input boxes and option lists
• WMLScript tutorial (functions, variables, and control structures)
• Sample WMLScript applications
• Error handling
• Math and script manipulation in WMLScript
• User and timer events
• Openwave.com/Phone.com WML extensions
• Usability guidelines for wireless applications
• WML incompatibilities on different WAP devices
• Introduction to Active Server Pages (ASPs) and ActiveX Data Objects (ADOs) used with WAP, XML, and XSLT
• Installing the Nokia, Ericsson, Microsoft, and Motorola WAP SDKs/tools
• WML and WMLScript reference

From the Publisher
This book is aimed at several audiences. First, it's for those with an interest in the rapid development of the communications industry, but little or no previous experience of computer programming. Second, it's for those with some 'traditional' programming skills, and a desire to transfer their knowledge to this brand new area. Third, the thorough coverage given to the behavior of WAP applications on real consumer devices makes it a valuable resource for existing WAP developers.

What does this book cover?

Provides an introduction to wireless technologies: the what, why, and how of WAP Explains how markup languages work, and charts the evolution and purpose of XML Teaches WML and WMLScript from the ground up, assuming no prior programming knowledge Examines different ways of presenting and prompting for information, and gives recommendations Explores the behavior of WAP applications on real consumer devices, not just simulators Introduces ASP and XSLT as ways of customizing applications for individual clients All code and examples compatible with version 1.2 of the WAP Specification

About the Author
Soo Mee Foo is currently lecturing at Ngee Ann Polytechnic, Singapore. She lectures in web application development, networking, and security. She also conducts workshops on web and WAP application development for IT professionals.

Wei Meng Lee graduated from the National University of Singapore in 1996 with a degree in Computer Science. His interest is in web technologies, and he conducts training for XML and web developers. Wei Meng has recently caught the WAP fever and is intrigued by the ability to surf the Internet using a telephone.

Karli Watson is an in-house author for Wrox Press. He started out with the intention of becoming a world famous nanotechnologist, so perhaps one day you might recognize his name as he receives a Nobel Prize. For now, though, Karli's computing interests include all things mobile, and upcoming technologies such as C#. He can often be found preaching about these technologies at conferences, as well as after hours in drinking establishments.

Ted Wugofski is a technologist for Phone.com. He is active within the Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) Forum, World Wide Web Consortium, and ECMA, focusing on the convergence of traditional web technologies with non-traditional computing environments.

Customer Reviews

Best WAP Book there is as of 11/29/2000
I have read till Chapter 6(page 113) of this book so far in two days time and I can honestly say this is one of the best wap book there is in the market. This is a far better book than "WAP DEVELOPMENT with WML and WMLScript" by Sams. I read till page 97 on the "WAP DEVELOPEMNET with WML and WMLScript" and it is far more confusing than this book. This book 's example work exactly as they say and its explanation of the concept is extremely clear. This book uses the UP(Phone.com) browser for its examples. In addition, the authors are extremely helpfull in replying to any question on WML. I really want to thank you the authors for making this book so good. I hope you will enjoy it because I have so far.

Wrox 'Beginning' books are always good for novices
This review is going to be relatively short as all I would like to mention is the fact that this book, like other Wrox 'Beginning' books, are excellent for the novice who has no experience of a subject and wants to be lead through a subject.

Whilst it is always tempting to get the 'Professional' series books (such as Profesional WAP in this case) they assume a certain level of technical knowledge in related fields. They also sometimes contain too much knowledge to take in for someone who is new to a subject.

If you don't know what are doing with WAP get this book. It will get you started and allow you to later progress to other more advanced references once you've got a grounding.

If you already understand the subject and technologies involved (i.e. you are not a beginner) then - as the name would suggest - this isn't for you.

Great Book!
This book takes you from the basics of XML to WML, the foundation it gives you in XML is so solid that you can begin right away writing or coding to write your WML pages. In three days I'm already using my phone to administer servers remotely!

PD - The UP.Phone simulator is a great choice.