XPath is a powerful and intuitive way to retrieve information from, or apply style to, your document. In this session, you’ll discover how to use XPath whether you're styling your documents with Arbortext Styler, FOSI, or XSLT/XSL-FO, the basics of writing XPath expressions, including examples of common use cases, and an overview of how the XPath language can be used in Arbortext Styler, FOSIs for Arbortext Publishing Engine, XSLT transforms for Publishing Engine, or other document processing tasks.
This overview will provide the context needed to understand how the information presented in the session can be used in day-to-day work. The second part of the session will provide an introduction to writing XPath expressions.
Topics will include:
- The data model used to navigate a document with XPath,
- The data types supported by the language and conversions between them,
- Syntax of path, numeric and string expressions and
- Tips and tricks for common tasks and pitfalls to avoid.
Examples will be provided to demonstrate the concepts using the Arbortext tools discussed in the first part of the session.
Presented at: PTC User 2010
About the Presenter
Liz Fraley, founder of Single-Sourcing Solutions, has worked in both high-tech and government sectors, developing and delivering technical design and strategy of authoring and publishing solutions as a Single-Source/XML Architect/Programmer. Specializing in practical development and deployment, she advocates designing architectures that directly improve organizational efficiency, productivity, and interoperability. She’s the founder of TC Camp, the unconference for content creators, consumers, and the people who support them. If you ask her, she’ll say she’s a gardener who’s happiest when those around her are flourishing.
Where to find the supporting material
Members of the Single-Sourcing Solutions TPC Affinity Groups have access to the recording, slides, show notes, sample code, and transcripts in the members forums.
Resources mentioned during the presentation
Read the post-conference reports
Key concepts
arbortext styler, fosi, xpath xslt xsl-fo
Filed under
PTC Arbortext User, Presentations
About the Arbortext User Group
Single-Sourcing Solutions coordinates logistics and donates both financial and administrative support to help Arbortext Users connect through meetings and social media channels. The Arbortext User Group has a blog and a youtube channel.