xml
  1. xml-introduction
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Introduction to XML

  • XML, or Extensible Markup Language, is a markup language used to store and transport data.
  • It was created in the late 1990s as a successor to HTML, and is designed to be both human and machine-readable.

Syntax

The basic syntax of XML involves using angle brackets to define elements and attributes. Every XML document must have a single root element, which contains all other elements. Elements can be nested within each other, and can have attributes that provide additional information.

An example of XML syntax is:

<bookstore>
  <book category="cooking">
    <title lang="en">Everyday Italian</title>
    <author>Giada De Laurentiis</author>
    <year>2005</year>
    <price>30.00</price>
  </book>
  <book category="children">
    <title lang="en">Harry Potter</title>
    <author>J.K. Rowling</author>
    <year>2005</year>
    <price>29.99</price>
  </book>
</bookstore>

Example

Here's an example of how XML can be used to store data:

<student>
  <name>John Smith</name>
  <age>20</age>
  <major>Computer Science</major>
  <classes>
    <class>
      <name>Intro to Programming</name>
      <grade>B</grade>
    </class>
    <class>
      <name>Data Structures</name>
      <grade>A</grade>
    </class>
  </classes>
</student>

Output

XML documents can be read and interpreted by computers using various programming languages and technologies. They can also be displayed in a web browser, although they may not always render as nicely as HTML documents.

Explanation

XML is designed to be extensible, which means it can be easily customized to fit the specific needs of different applications. It's often used to exchange data between different systems, as it provides a standardized format for data that can be easily parsed and manipulated.

One important concept in XML is the Document Type Definition (DTD), which defines the structure and content of an XML document. The DTD can be included within the XML document itself, or it can be referenced externally.

Use

XML is used in a variety of different applications, including web services, data transmission and storage, and document markup. It's often used in combination with other technologies, such as SOAP and REST, to create powerful and flexible web applications.

Important Points

  • XML is a markup language used to store and transport data.
  • Elements and attributes are defined using angle brackets.
  • Every XML document must have a single root element.
  • Elements can be nested within each other, and can have attributes.
  • XML is designed to be both human and machine-readable.
  • XML can be easily customized to fit the specific needs of different applications.
  • The DTD defines the structure and content of an XML document.

Summary

XML is a powerful and flexible language that's widely used to store and exchange data. It provides a standardized format that can be easily parsed and manipulated by computers, and it's designed to be customizable to fit the needs of different applications.

XMLFeatures
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