What is XML?

XML, which stands for eXtensible Markup Language, is a markup language that defines a set of rules for encoding documents in a format readable for both humans and machines. It is a flexible way to create common information formats and share both the format and the data on the World Wide Web, intranets, and elsewhere.

Why Use XML?

XML is used for its ability to store and transport data without being dependent on a particular software or hardware platform. It is a way to structure data so that it can be consistently handled by different kinds of applications.

Key Features of XML

1. Self-descriptive: XML allows the definition of custom tags, making the structure of the document clear and understandable.
2. Scalability: It can be used for documents of any size, from small data files to large-scale databases.
3. Flexibility: XML can be used to create a wide variety of data structures, such as invoices, configuration parameters, financial transactions, and more.
4. Separation of Concerns: XML separates the data from the presentation, allowing the same data to be displayed in different ways.

Examples of XML Usage

• Web Development: XML is often used in web services to structure the data passed between a client and a server.
• Configuration Files: Many software applications use XML files for configuration settings.
• Data Feeds: XML feeds are used to transport news stories, sports scores, and other information to various subscribers across the internet.