As so many recent languages are, SVG is an XML-based language that allows developers to describe the
representation of graphical images to appear on a Web site in XML-like terms. Unlike binary images which
can only be read by program code, SVG files include the actual instructions necessary for the creation of
Web images that scale gracefully and can be integrated within XML or even XHTML files. Additionally,
SVG files can be altered, if necessary, via standard text editors (though specialized tools admittedly
make the job much easier).
Learn the basics of SVG from frequent WebReference contributor Eddie Traversa. Both a language
introduction and a discussion of basic shapes and syntax is included in this SVG primer.
The Java Open Source SVG Toolkit contains an SVG viewer, an implementation of the SVG DOM (conforming to Document Object Model Level 2 ) and a utility for rendering an SVG document into various image formats. A pocket viewer especially for handheld devices is also available from CSIRO.
Highlighting the advantages of SVG itself, this handy tool combines image design
features and a source code editor for simple and total control of your SVG creations.
