RSS
Internet Programming
1
What does RSS stand for?
Itdepends!
Some call it Rich Site Summary
Others call it Really Simple
Syndication
2
So, what is it?
RSS is a text-based format, a type of XML. RSS
files are often labeled as XML.
RSS version 1.0 is also RDF (Resource Discovery
Framework), which is important only because
an RSS file may be labeled as RDF.
By using XSLT (Extensible Stylesheet Language),
these XML files can be converted to a much
more friendly view.
3
What does it look like?
4
What about Atom?
Atom is a format quite similar to RSS. It was created
by people who felt that RSS could be improved upon.
The basic difference is that while Atom is somewhat
more complex (for producers of Atom feeds), it is
also able to carry more complex information, and it
is consistent across the syndication, storage, and
editing of information.
Almost everything regarding RSS applies equally well
to Atom.
You can learn more about Atom at the official
website, [Link].
5
RSS – Two Parts
Feeds – These are the actual content items
that are produced by web authors. These
could be taken from blogs, journals, news
sites, etc.
Aggregators – An aggregator is a program or
site that collects the feeds for reading.
Aggregators can be installed as stand-alone
programs, or they can be web-based.
6
Advantages of RSS
By using an aggregator, you can read
feeds from multiple websites in one
location.
No SPAM!
No Pop-Ups!
Most blogs now have feeds, and more journals
and news sites are adding them.
Organization!!
7
How to find RSS feeds
Look for a button like these within a site:
[Link]
[Link]
8
How to find RSS feeds
Or look for a button like this in your web
browser:
9
Web-Based Aggregators
Bloglines – Currently the most popular in this
category.
Newsgator – Allows for delivery of content to
Outlook.
Litefeeds – good for PDAs & Mobile Phones
Google Reader
Netvibes
Personalized Google Page
My Yahoo! Page
Netvibes
10
Stand-alone readers
SharpReader – for Windows
FeedDemon – Also for Windows
NetNewsWire – Good choice for Macs
Straw – Great for Linux
RSS Toolbar – Internet Explorer &
Firefox (Windows only)
11
RSS Via E-Mail
[Link]
12
The Most Complete List I’ve Found
[Link]
13
Creating Feeds
Most blog sites create the feeds for you.
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
Create them in Dreamweaver
[Link]
14
Creating Feeds
FeedForAll
[Link]
Moveable Type
[Link]
Create your own with XML.
[Link]
[Link]
15
Educational Uses
Find updated government stats.
[Link]
News from the Dept. of Education
[Link]
Keep a class calendar
[Link]
Quote of the Day
[Link]
Updated government announcements
[Link]
16
Educational Uses
Science News
[Link]
Student Learning Journals
[Link]
Keep track of a Wiki
[Link]
Current School Events
[Link]
17
Educational Uses
Research Journals
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
News, Current Events
Book, Film, and Art Reviews
Sharing Professional Resources
Maintaining up to date resource collections
Generate the latest assignments
18
Are people talking about RSS?
35 ways to use RSS
25 New Ways To Use RSS
[Link] has some ideas
Businesses are using it!
Microsoft has an RSS blog!
19
Thank you!
[Link]
20