Definition of XML

XML is the acronym used for extensible Markup Language. It is a lightweight version of SGML and is designed for use with Web documents including content and images. In particular, it is designed to provide a more organised and efficient delivery of information throughout the Internet. XHTML is the XML version created from HTML.

Markup Language is used to identify the structures of the content in Web documents. XML is designed to provide structure to the content, to store it, and to transport it. Basically, XML is designed to simplify various aspects of web development by simplifying data storage as well as data sharing. An XML feed defines the process of a search engine being fed information via XML rather than the typical method of crawling the Web. XML can be used to simplify the process of changing the display of data with less work than HTML. Since separate XML files can be stored, changes in the underlying data do not have to go through massive changes.

External links:

• A Wikipedia explanation of XML
• XML developer resource
• An XML technical introduction
• W3 Schools tutorial on XML