What is XML? Basics, Structure, and Uses Explained

         XML (eXtensible Markup Language)

XML stands for eXtensible Markup Language.XML is designed to transport and store data
XML is important to know, and very easy to learn. XML, or eXtensible Markup Language, is a widely-used format for storing and transporting data. Unlike HTML, which focuses on how data is displayed, XML is designed to describe the data itself. It’s a flexible, text-based format that allows developers and systems to structure information in a readable and organized way. Whether you're building websites, apps, or working with databases, XML plays a crucial role in data sharing and configuration.

What is XML?

XML stands for eXtensible Markup Language. XML is a markup language much like HTML. XML was designed to carry data, not to display data. XML tags are not predefined – you must define your own tags. XML is designed to be self-descriptive. XML is a W3C Recommendation XML stands for eXtensible Markup Language. It is a markup language similar to HTML but is used for data storage and transport, not for formatting web pages. XML does not have predefined tags — you define your own tags according to the data being described.

The Difference Between XML and HTML

  • XML is not a replacement for HTML
  • XML and HTML were designed with different goals:
  • XML was designed to transport and store data, with focus on what data is
  • HTML was designed to display data, with focus on how data looks
  • HTML is about displaying information, while XML is about carrying information

XML Does Not DO Anything

  • Maybe it is a little hard to understand, but XML does not DO anything. XML was created to structure, store, and transport information.

Key Features of XML:

  • Human-readable and machine-readable

  • Self-descriptive data

  • Platform-independent

  • Supports custom tags

  • Commonly used in web services (like RSS, SOAP)

Common Uses of XML:

  • Configuring applications (e.g., Android apps use XML for layout)

  • Storing and exchanging data across systems

  • Web APIs and services

  • RSS feeds and sitemaps




You can also explore ASP (Active Server Pages), which often uses XML in backend development.

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