An understanding of Java will be useful as well. It is not necessary for you to be an expert in many of these subjects. However, having a fundamental understanding of them will make the process of learning VoiceXML much easier. If you take an introduction course on VoiceXML, you should be taught the importance of building, configuring, and implementing XML.

It is difficult to learn VoiceXML without having an understanding of XML, which it is based on. XML, which stands for Extensible Markup Language, is a markup language that is compliant with W3C. The goal of XML is to create markup languages which have a specific purpose.

In the case of VoiceXML, the goal is to enhance voice services via the Internet, wireless devices, and other areas. In a nutshell, XML is system that is responsible for describing information. An XML file will hold information within a database. Another markup language that is connected to VoiceXML is WML. WML is described as being a "light" markup language that will present content to wireless devices. It is an important component which comprises WAP, or Wireless Application Protocol.

WML has become an important tool for placing content on miniature wireless devices such as cell phones or PDAs. Because of this, it will be necessary for you to have an understanding of WML, especially if you plan on utilizing VoiceXML for wireless products. Many classes on VoiceXML will touch on both WML and WAP. To gain a good understanding of WML, you will need to learn how to generate a WML page and run it on a few emulators that are WAP based. VoiceXML is an extensible markup language, and it was designed for the purpose of generating computer programs that use voice recognition. It has a number of useful applications for various industries, including that of wireless devices.

To learn VoiceXML, it is first important for you to have a basic understanding of VoiceXML tools. Once you become familiar with these tools, you will next need to learn how to create and test computer programs that are based on VoiceXML. One important system that you should also become familiar with is CDF, or Channel Definition Format. CDF will give developers a method or organizing data and delivering to end users in a manner that will benefit both them and the provider.

For example, a developer that is skilled on CDF can design an Active Channel website, and this website can be used to give a collection of timely information that is structured and targeted to the needs of a specific audience. With CDF, visitors can select the content they wish to receive, and they will gain a sense of comfort in knowing this information will be frequently updated.

The user will be given the opportunity to subscribe to the website by clicking on a hyperlink. As you can see, there are a number of usful connections between CDF and VoiceXML. It should also be noted that there are a number of important books on this subject. One of these is Definitive VoiceXML by David Cuddihy and Adam Hocek. It is to be used primarily as a reference guide on the subject. Another powerful book on the subject of VoiceXML is the VoiceXML 2.0 developers guide. It is a professional level book that will allow you to build VoiceXML programs that can be used in real world situations. This book comes with source code that can be utilized by the developers.

Those who do not have a previous knowledge in VoiceXML will want to purchase VoiceXML: Introduction to Developing Speech Applications by James A. Larson. In this book, Larson goes over how to phrase a prompt, as well as how to dictate specific grammar for analyzing a caller’s response to a certain prompt. It even goes into details how the system can properly respond to incorrect responses that are made by the end user. This is a fundamental book that will answer important questions that are related to VoiceXML. All of these books can be found at the links below.

Definitive VoiceXML 
VoiceXML 2.0 Developers Guide 
VoiceXML: Introduction to Developing Speech Applications