Since the initial publication of Practical SGML the computer industry has seen a dramatic increase in the use and acceptance of SGML and many of the concepts derived from it. The existence of Practical SGML has helped to foster this growth as it provides a practical and vital introduction to the many facets of SGML and how its fits into an organization, whether it be business or government. Practical SGML, Second Edition is an extensive revision and update that puts greater emphasis and focus on helping the novice work his or her way through the vast amounts of information required to become proficient in SGML. Practical SGML, Second Edition provides the reader with an understanding of: the tools currently on the market that enable the easy creation of SGML data and the use and distribution of that data in a variety of forms; the minimum amount of information needed by people who wish to understand and use ISO 8879; aids and information on how to stay current with the volumes of material written on SGML in publications throughout the world; practical examples of the many SGML constructs and guidelines on their appropriate uses; other helpful hints and insights based on years of working with the standard and integrating it into a complex and challenging computer environment. Exercises throughout the text allow the readers to test their understanding. Answers are given in Appendix A. Practical SGML, Second Edition is an invaluable reference manual for anyone interested in understanding and using SGML.

Many times there are subjects which demand further explanations and guid ance written about them. Such is the case with SGML, the Standard Generalized Markup Language; and ISO Standard published in October, 1986 under the number 8879. There have been many conferences given on this topic, world-wide, as the interest in SGML exists in Europe, the US, Australia and Japan. This book is the first which contains information not only on ISO 8879 itself, but many helpful hints and ideas on developing SGML, applications and discussions of the current software written to be conforming to the ISO standard. 'Ibis book is critical for any end-user and application developer to understand the many issues neccessary to develop SGML implementations (software selection is one of the topics discussed) and SGML applications. A number of examples of the applications of SGML in various situations are discussed and one can expect that the book will stimulate further discussion of these. This book is a practical guide to various components of the language and the author's experience in development and worldng with SGML in his position as leader of the text processing section at CERN ensures that the guidance is based on practical first-hand experience at an installation with a large number of end-users of very varied experience."