Learning WML and WMLScript

In Learning WML & WMLScript, Martin Frost starts with an overview of WML syntax and how it differs from HTML, with emphasis on decks and cards, a deck being a collection of cards (pages) downloaded as a group to reduce the latency problem. He also covers attributes and entities with plenty of examples used to illustrate usage. Variable substitution isn’t part of HTML but is an important part of WML, as is the task–another way of making the browser do more than just display page elements. Interactivity in WML is considerably more sophisticated than in HTML yet remains easy to implement. Particularly interesting is the template feature which enables you to set all a deck’s common events and so on in one place. This goes with shadowing, which enables the template to be overridden on specific cards. This is neat stuff.

Around half the book is devoted to WMLScript, the tightly integrated scripting language. WMLScript is similar to, but simpler than, other scripting languages such as Javascript. It’s functionality is extended with standard libraries covered in an extensive reference section. Finally, you get two complete example apps: a calculator and a Battleships game.

Overall, Learning WML & WMLScript provides an excellent introduction to the subject. Using it, any programmer can rapidly get up to speed in this fast growing area. —Steve Patient

Martin Frost is the author of Learning WML & WMLScript