XML (Extensible mark up language) is flexible mark up language (like HTML) used for carrying data. XML is simple text based language, witch makes it technology independent.
Is XML same as HTML?
XML is different from HTML. HTML is used for displaying data while XML is used for carrying data. Also, XML tags are not predefined. You need to define your own tags. Browser will display web pages for HTML code. For raw XML code, internet browser will just display raw code.What are main XML Syntax rules?
- XML tags must have closing tag (HTML is flexible on this rule).
- XML tags are case sensitive.
- XML tags must be properly nested ie first opened tag must be closed last.
Any XML document that conforms to the XML syntax rules is a Well Formed document. Other than Syntax, more rules can be defined using DTD/XML Schema. A document that conforms to all the rules is a valid document and can be checked using XML Validator.
Do I need XML editor?
XML can be edited in any text pad or notepad. However, for a complex or long document it may be worth to use a good XML editor as it will help point out syntax error and might automate tasks such as entering closing tags.
What is the future of XML?
Because of the flexibility of tags and ability to define more rules, many new languages have been created and are being created on top of XML such as XHTML and RSS.
