Keywords
Citation
Poulter, D. (1998), "Web Programming Languages Sourcebook", Internet Research, Vol. 8 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/intr.1998.17208daf.005
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1998, MCB UP Limited
Web Programming Languages Sourcebook
Web Programming Languages Sourcebook
Gordon McCombJohn Wiley and Sons, Professional, Reference and Trade Group, 605 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10158-0012New York1997609 pp.ISBN 0-471-17576-5$49.95
Keywords Computer programming, Internet
Gordon McComb, the author of Web Programming Languages Sourcebook, sets forth with an ambitious goal to cover most of the major Web programming languages. This is a goal that he accomplishes. Web programming has been a difficult task to keep track of with the constant addition of new programming languages. However, C, JAVA, JavaScript, Vbscript, and the PERL, UNIX shell languages have risen to the top to become the most dominant. Many books have been written covering each of these languages separately, but few have covered all of them and even fewer cover them well. Attempting to learn the new flavour of a computer language is a daunting and time consuming task. As more and more demand is placed on Webmasters, the time needed becomes harder to find. The author takes a straightforward approach to these languages that can be applied to future languages.
In the first chapter McComb points out that the text is written for people with some programming background knowledge. This is definitely the case. He defines several similarities in all programming languages and points out strengths and weaknesses of the languages covered in relation to Web programming. The author then continues to build on the similarities and defines terms often in relation to other languages covered.
The author covers each individual language adequately to allow the reader to begin programming immediately. On the included CD, the author includes several programs, sourcecode, and a couple of servers. A notable omission is PERL for the NT platform.
Overall, this is a very helpful and well-written book. It provides an excellent sourcebook for the experienced Web programmer.
Dale PoulterSystems ManagerInformation Technology Services DepartmentTexas Tech University LibraryTexas Tech University