What Is XML?
XML and HTML should not be confused with each other. HTML was designed for displaying the data but XML is designed for storing and transporting the data. Before going to work in XML, you should have knowledge about HTML and JavaScript.
Definition of XML
XML is an abbreviation that stands for Extensible Markup Language. So, XML is actually a mark up language just like the language HTML. XML was basically designed to store and transport the data. Tags of XML language are not pre-defined. Moreover, XML is actually a self-descriptive language and it is recommended by W3C.
HTML Vs XML
XML should never be seen as a replacement of HTML, because they were designed to satisfy different objectives. HTML is basically used to display the data on the other hand XML is mainly concerned about carrying the data. XML actually does not do anything specific; it was created just to store and transport the data/information. Nothing special is associated with the use of XML; it is just in the format of plain text. So, any software that can process a plain text document can also handle the document of XML. As tags of XML language are not pre defined, so an author can easily define his own specific tags.
It can said that XML is compliment to the language HTML, so finally XML can be defined as a hardware and software independent tool that is used for carrying the information.
Applications of XML
XML is in full swing these days, it is present almost everywhere. These days XML is participating in the development of web in the similar manner just as HTML participated in the foundation of the web. XML got recommendation of W3C on 10th February 1998.
XML is present everywhere. XML is now established as one of the most important tools of data transmissions and it is gaining more and more popularity in the area of describing and storing the information. XML is an important tool of web development (it simplifies the data sharing and storage).
Advantages of XML
1. XML documents include the data in the format of plain text. So, in XML a data can be stored in hardware and software independent way. This simplifies the use of XML for the purpose of data sharing.
2. As XML is independent from software and hardware compatibilities, so, XML makes your data more useful and more available. XML data can be accessed through all type of the ‘reading machines’ (news feeds, voice machines, handheld computers etc), so your data will also be available to- the blind people or the people who have some other disabilities.
3. XML is helpful in creating new internet languages. For example-
a) Latest version of HTML- XHTML.
b) WSDL- language that is used to describe the available web services.
c) WML and WAP- mark up languages specifically for various handheld devices.
d) RSS- language used for the news feeds.
e) SMIL- language that is used for describing the multimedia.
f) OWL and RDF- language that is used for describing the ontology and resources.
So, XML find great advantages in the modern world of computer and internet technology.
Category: Internet, Technology