.

Buy this book when:

(1) You want to learn how to integrate XML in your Internet/Intranet-based infrastructure. (The title mentions 'Web Applications'... do not expect the book to focus on 'Web Sites'. It's more about XML as a storage mechanism, the secure exchange of XML messages over HTTP,...) (2) You value the insight in how experienced developers model their application (using Design Patterns, reusability, etc) (3) A very readable book.

Do not buy this book when:

(1) You're looking for information the latest implementations of XML Parsers, XSL Transformers (the book was published before XSL became 'established'), XML database servers,etc. (2) You're looking for complete, useful applications you can re-use 'straight-out-of-the-box'. (3) You're looking for information on XML as a way to manage the content on your web side.