# Norman Walsh > programmer, author and distinguished member of W3C and OASIS **Wikidata**: [Q6045045](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q6045045) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/norman-walsh-q6045045 ## Summary Norman Walsh is a computer scientist, programmer, and author from the United States, best known for his contributions to XML standards, particularly DocBook and XProc. He is a distinguished member of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and OASIS, where he has led key technical working groups and shaped industry standards. ## Biography - Born: 1901 - Nationality: United States - Education: - Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Iona University (1985–1989) - Bachelor of Mathematics, Iona University (1985–1989) - Master of Computer Science, University of Massachusetts Amherst (1992–1994) - Known for: Developing DocBook and XProc, influential XML standards - Employer(s): - MarkLogic (Principal Engineer, 2008–2020) - W3C (Technical Architecture Group, 2001–2008) - OASIS (Chairperson, W3C XML Working Group, 2006–2016) - Field(s): Computer science, XML standards, technical documentation ## Contributions Norman Walsh is best known for his work on DocBook, a widely used XML-based markup language for technical documentation. He co-authored *DocBook 5: The Definitive Guide* (2006), a foundational resource for developers. His contributions to XProc, an XML processing language, have standardized document transformation workflows. As a member of the W3C XML Working Group, he helped shape XML standards, including chairing the group from 2006 to 2016. His technical leadership at MarkLogic (2008–2020) further advanced XML and document processing technologies. ## FAQs ### Q: What is Norman Walsh known for? A: Norman Walsh is known for developing DocBook and XProc, influential XML standards, and his leadership roles in W3C and OASIS. ### Q: Where did Norman Walsh study? A: He earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics from Iona University (1985–1989) and a Master of Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (1992–1994). ### Q: What was Norman Walsh’s role at MarkLogic? A: He served as a Principal Engineer at MarkLogic from 2008 to 2020, contributing to XML and document processing technologies. ### Q: What is DocBook? A: DocBook is an XML-based markup language for technical documentation, developed by Norman Walsh and others, and widely used in publishing and software documentation. ### Q: What is XProc? A: XProc is an XML processing language developed by Norman Walsh, standardizing document transformation workflows in technical publishing. ## Why They Matter Norman Walsh’s work on DocBook and XProc has had a lasting impact on technical documentation and XML standards. His leadership in W3C and OASIS shaped industry practices, influencing how developers and publishers structure and process digital content. Without his contributions, the standardization and efficiency of XML-based documentation would likely be less advanced. His influence extends to open-source communities and enterprises relying on XML technologies. ## Notable For - Co-authored *DocBook 5: The Definitive Guide* (2006), a foundational text for XML documentation. - Developed XProc, an XML processing language standardizing document workflows. - Chairperson of the W3C XML Working Group (2006–2016), shaping XML standards. - Principal Engineer at MarkLogic (2008–2020), advancing XML and document processing. - Distinguished member of W3C and OASIS, influencing technical documentation and web standards. ## Body ### Early Career Norman Walsh earned his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Mathematics from Iona University (1985–1989) and a Master of Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (1992–1994). His academic background laid the foundation for his work in XML and technical documentation. ### DocBook and XProc Walsh co-authored *DocBook 5: The Definitive Guide* (2006), a comprehensive resource for using DocBook, an XML-based markup language for technical documentation. He also developed XProc, an XML processing language that standardizes document transformation workflows, improving efficiency in technical publishing. ### Leadership in Standards Organizations As a member of the W3C XML Working Group, Walsh contributed to XML standards and served as chairperson from 2006 to 2016. His leadership in OASIS further advanced XML and document processing technologies. His Erdős number of 5 reflects his connections to influential mathematicians and computer scientists. ### Professional Achievements Walsh held the position of Principal Engineer at MarkLogic from 2008 to 2020, where he worked on XML and document processing technologies. His notable works include *DocBook 5: The Definitive Guide* and contributions to XProc, both of which have become industry standards. His active presence on platforms like Twitter (@ndw) and his personal website (nwalsh.com) underscores his ongoing engagement with the technical community. ### Legacy Norman Walsh’s contributions to XML standards, technical documentation, and open-source projects have had a lasting impact on the software development and publishing industries. His work continues to influence how digital content is structured, processed, and standardized. ## References 1. BnF authorities 2. CiNii Research 3. Virtual International Authority File 4. [DocBook 5: The Definitive Guide](https://www.google.com/books/edition/DocBook_The_Definitive_Guide/wQ3a1kBygkcC?hl=en&gbpv=1&pg=PT2&printsec=frontcover) 5. [Source](https://nwalsh.com/people/ndw/resume.html) 6. [Norm's Home Page](https://nwalsh.com/people/ndw/) 7. IdRef 8. [Source](https://www.csauthors.net/distance/norman-walsh/paul-erdos) 9. [Source](https://xmlpress.net/publications/docbook-tdg-second-edition/) 10. [An Introduction to XProc 3.0](https://www.xml.com/articles/2019/11/05/introduction-xproc-30/)