XML
XML was released in the late ‘90s, and does not have pre-defined tags like HTML – here you need to create your own tags that are specifically designed for your requirements. It’s an excellent method of storing data that allows it to be searched and shared as well. The basic XML format is standardized, facilitating its transmission across different platforms and systems, both over the intranet and the internet. Thanks to the standard syntax of XML, the receiver will be able to parse the data easily. It supports the exchange of information between databases, websites, and third-party apps.
SHTML, SVG, MAthML, RDF, and RSS are languages that are based on XML, but you can also create your own.
The following rules have to be followed for an XML document to be correct:
- The document must follow all syntax rules of XML
- It must be properly formed
- It must follow all semantic rules, usually set in XML schema or DTD
Documents with undefined tags are invalid. Many browsers offer inbuilt tools to identify XML documents that are not properly formed.
Remember that it is only designed to carry data and not display it. XML is platform and language-agnostic and cannot perform any computation by itself.
Benefits of XML:
- It helps maintain data integrity by sharing data descriptions to verify accuracy, consistently storing data across multiple platforms, and present customized data automatically
- It supports inter-business transactions and helps close deals automatically with easy data-sharing
- Helps to improve search efficiency as search engines can sort and categorize those files more efficiently
- Facilitates designing flexible apps – conveniently upgrade and modify