This tutorial proposes a practical software development method for building web applications using the XQuery and XSLT languages for manipulating semi-structured data. This method captures solutions and practices that we have applied during the last 4 years into many projects. It can be used on any XML database, as it requires only a thin layer to analyze and route incoming HTTP requests to a simple pipeline rendering the page. We will demonstrate it with a real world example developed with eXist-DB and the Oppidum lightweight XQuery framework.

In this paper we present tools that provide an easy way to edit XML content directly on the web, with the usual benefit of valid XML content. These tools make it possible to create content targeted for lightweight web applications. Our approach uses (1) the XTiger template language, (2) the AXEL Javascript library for authoring structured XML content and (3) XSLT transformations for generating XML schemas against which the XML content can be validated. Template-driven editing allows any web user to easily enter content while schemas make sure applications can safely process this content.

In this paper, we propose a personalized and contextual ranking algorithm implemented on top of the 3A interaction model. The latter is a generic model intended for designing and describing social and collaborative learning platforms integrating Actors, Assets and group Activities (the 3 "A"). The target user's interactions with his/her environment are modeled in a heterogeneous graph. Then, the algorithm is applied to simultaneously rank actors, assets and group activities taking into account the target user and his/her context. As an illustrative application and a preliminary evaluation, we apply the algorithm on data related to the activities carried out in a European Research Project, especially the collaboration between its members through the joint production of deliverables in workpackages.

Widget containers are used everywhere on the Web, for instance as customizable start pages to Web desktops. In this poster, we describe the extension of a widget container with an inter-widgets communication layer, as well as the subsequent application programming interfaces (APIs) added to the Widget object to support this feature. We present the benefits of a drag and drop facility within widgets and conclude by a call for standardization of inter-widgets communication on the Web.

Involving graphic designers in the large-scale development of user interfaces requires tools that provide more graphical flexibility and support efficient software processes. These requirements were analysed and used in the design of the TkZ-inc graphical library and the IntuiKit interface design environment. More flexibility is obtained through a wider palette of visual techniques and support for iterative construction of images, composition and parametric displays. More efficient processes are obtained with the use of the SVG standard to import graphics, support for linking graphics and behaviour, and a unifying model-driven architecture. We describe the corresponding features of our tools, and show their use in the development of an application for airports. Benefits include a wider access to high quality visual interfaces for specialised applications, and shorter prototyping and development cycles for multidisciplinary teams.