How to Use This Book

I l @ ve RuBoard

You can approach the material in this book in two ways:

• Do the traditional thing and read it through from beginning to end. If you're just getting started with the XML/PHP combo, this is the approach I'd recommend because it will teach you the basics in a structured manner, and prepare you for the more advanced topics in the latter half of the book.

• Use it as a desktop reference, reading only those chapters that address specific topics or problems you may be facing . If you've already played with PHP's XML functions in the past, you might find this approach quicker and more convenient .

However you decide to approach the subject, you should ensure that the experience is a participatory one. Make it a point to try out the examples within each chapter, and futz around with the code listings to see what happens.You're not likely to break anything, and you'll learn a lot more by actually putting the theory into practice.

I l @ ve RuBoard