Extensible Markup Language, or XML, is a flexible text-based language that follows a set of rules for encoding documents in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable. It is a meta-language, meaning it’s a language that allows users to define their own customized markup languages for numerous types of data. In essence, XML provides a way to structure data so that it can be consistently handled by computer applications and is particularly useful in the sharing of data across different systems.
XML is widely used in a variety of internet-based and business-to-business services due to its ability to preserve the structure and support the exchange of a wide range of data. Unlike HTML, which dictates how data should be displayed, XML focuses solely on the data’s structure and content, leaving the presentation of this data to other technologies. This separation of concerns makes XML a versatile and powerful tool in data serialization and transmission.
The flexibility of XML has led to its adoption in many applications beyond web development, including content management systems, application configuration, and the exchange of financial information. Understanding the fundamentals of XML is key to leveraging its full potential in organizing and transporting data. Moving ahead, we will explore the syntax, structure, and typical use cases of XML, providing a foundation for its practical application in various fields.