Food analogies aside, the complexity of the cryptically acronym-filled world of XML, combined with the rapid spread of its popularity, have created a high demand for educational materials on the subject. As with any new and vital technology, this demand often leads to valueless second-rate products, slapped together in a hurry and sold to a desperate technical workforce. Happily, "Using XML in R5 Domino" is not such an all-hype, no-meat product. Some its most impressive features include:

• A carefully engineered interface that is comfortingly familiar to Notes and Domino users but provides lots of push-button functionality for ease-of-use;

• Plenty of freestanding demonstrations (followed immediately by code) sprinkled throughout the curriculum, all of which can be easily revisited;

• Access to online discussion forums, as well as to private help from TLCC instructors via the student's browser;

• A fast and easy set-up routine that allows students to spend time reviewing the coursework instead of installing it;

• Modularly designed course material that helps students immediately find the information they want to learn.

Who should be using the course
The audience and prerequisites for the course, as stated by TLCC, are the following:

Audience
The course in intended for experienced R5 Domino developers who want to learn how to use XML in Notes and Domino applications.

Prerequisites
Prerequisites include experience as an R5 Domino developer, familiarity with the Internet, and a basic understanding of HTML. Experience with LotusScript and Java is recommended but not required.

System requirements
The system requirements include Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.0 or later, access to the Internet (if you want instructor support), and Lotus Domino Designer Release 5.0.3 or later. Of course, if you're learning about XML (an Internet-centric technology), you'd better have access to the Internet.