XML stands for eXtensible Markup Language. It is extensible, because unlike HTML, it does not use a predefined set of tags for identifying structural components. Instead, it provides a mechanism for users to define tags themselves.
XML was designed to simplify data sharing and data transport, and focuses on structuring that information in a logical way.
Syntax of XML
The syntax for XML is very straight forward and quite easy to learn.
XML documents must contain one root element that is the parent of all other elements:
<root>
<child>
<subchild>.....</subchild>
</child>
</root>Above syntax shows the root element which is necessary while creating an XML code.
But the root element can be called anything. For example:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<note>
<to>Tove</to>
<from>Jani</from>
<heading>Reminder</heading>
<body>Don't forget me this weekend!</body>
</note>In the code above <note> is the root element.
Advantages of using XML:
- Simplicity - XML documents are ordinary text files that can be created and edited with any text editor.
- Vendor independence
- Platform independence
- Extensive infrastructure
Disadvantages of using XML:
- Verbose and cumbersome syntax
- Highly inefficient storage