XML

Extensible Markup Language (XML) is a markup language and file format designed for defining, storing, and exchanging data between computer systems. It sets forth guidelines for encoding documents in a manner that is both readable by humans and machines, making it a versatile tool for data interchange that is independent of software and hardware. In contrast to HTML, which emphasizes the presentation of data, XML is intended to be self-descriptive and centers on the nature of the data itself.

The adaptability of XML positions it as a fundamental technology for numerous applications, ranging from common productivity software to intricate system setups. Its primary function is to organize, store, and transmit data across various systems, ensuring that information can be universally shared and comprehended.

XML documents are structured in a strict tree format. Each document comprises elements that are delineated by tags and may contain data or other nested elements. This hierarchical structure guarantees that the data is systematically organized and easily interpretable.

Although both XML and XHTML are markup languages, they serve distinctly different roles in data management and web presentation.

A variety of tools are available for XML manipulation. Basic text editors can be utilized for simple edits, while dedicated XML editors provide functionalities such as syntax highlighting and validation. For programmatic manipulation, developers employ APIs like SAX and DOM to parse and handle XML data, alongside languages like XSLT for transformation purposes.