It is not enough for Web application developers to be proficient in just one platform. As platforms grow and evolve, and as new ones arise, developers must be able to transfer their proficiency across platforms in order to build complex Web applications effectively. This book helps developers understand the underlying core technologies so that they can learn new APIs and application frameworks more [...] Application Architecture provides an in-depth examination of the basic concepts and general principles associated with Web application development, using examples that illustrate specific technologies. This conceptual knowledge is critical when building and deploying complex systems that are scaleable, extensible, maintainable and reusable. The book explains the underlying protocols and languages that support Web application development, and delineates the best practices associated with building robust applications. It describes mechanisms for providing Web access to heterogeneous data sources including relational databases and [...] new edition includes brand new and fully updated chapters on:* Internet protocols - from TCP/IP to HTTP and beyond* software components - servers, browsers, proxies and agents* the dynamic web - how web applications present dynamic data* markup languages - HTML, XML and CSS* tools, libraries and frameworks - AJAX, Struts, and Ruby on Rails* search technologies - underlying principles, application design, and SEO* future directions and emerging technologies - XML Query, RDF, and the Semantic WebIdeally suited for course usage and self-study, this practical, engaging textbook is essential reading for students, programmers and system architects and designers alike. It provides a comprehensive, timely overview of modern web [...] the supplementary website at [...]