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XML

/ˌɛksmeɪˈɛl/

History of XML: The Need for Structured Data

XML, short for "Extensible Markup Language," was developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and introduced in 1996. Its inception arose from the necessity to create a flexible and human-readable standard for representing structured data on the web. XML's design principles emphasize simplicity, extensibility, and interoperability.

Purpose of XML: Data Interchange and Structure

The primary purpose of XML is to serve as a text-based format for representing structured data in a human-readable form. Unlike HTML, which defines the structure of web documents, XML is a markup language that allows users to define their custom tags and document structure. This flexibility enables various applications to share data in a standard, platform-independent manner.

Applications of XML: Web Services, Configuration Files, and More

XML finds applications in various domains, especially in web services. It is extensively used in the communication between different systems, facilitating data exchange and interoperability. SOAP and RESTful APIs often utilize XML to transmit data in a well-structured format.

Furthermore, XML is commonly employed in configuration files for software and systems. Its hierarchical structure allows developers to store and retrieve configuration settings easily.

XML is also the foundation of other data representation languages, such as SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) for web graphics and RSS (Really Simple Syndication) for content syndication.

XML Example: A Simple XML Document

Below is a basic XML code example representing information about a book:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<book>
    <title>XML Simplified</title>
    <author>John Doe</author>
    <published>2023</published>
    <genre>Programming</genre>
</book>
In conclusion, XML serves as a versatile and human-readable markup language, fulfilling the need for structured data representation on the web. With its focus on extensibility and interoperability, XML is widely used in web services, configuration files, and various data exchange scenarios. Its capability to represent data in a standardized and organized manner makes it an essential tool for applications seeking efficient and reliable data interchange.