What is XML? What Are XML Documents Used For?

What is XML Used for?

XML is a markup language developed to standardize data exchange between platforms and systems that exchange data over the Internet. XML, which means “Extensible Markup Language” in English, entered Turkish as “Extensible Markup Language.” Since its publication date is the same as Microsoft’s .Net technology, XML is known by many as a Microsoft-based technology. However, this technology is more of a data communication standard developed by the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium).

Before the XML standard was created, many problems could arise with the transfer of information used in one software or database to another medium. At the end of the process, it was impossible to use these systems and functions designed in other areas. The XML language was created to avoid this situation due to the need to develop a standardized data communication technology.

Before XML existed, many problems were moving from one database to another database or platform due to the obstacle above. Developers spent much time adapting content from the source database to the target platform. The speed of data exchange was incomparably slower than it is today. This annoying obstacle is eliminated with XML setting the standard in the target domain.

What are the advantages of XML?

XML separates data from HTML;

If you need to display dynamic data in your HTML document, you have to work hard to edit the data every time you change it. With XML, data can be stored in separate XML files. This allows you to use HTML for display and layout.

XML simplifies data exchange;

Both computer systems and databases contain information in incompatible formats.

XML data is stored in plain text format, giving us an independent data storage method. This makes creating data that can be shared between different applications much more accessible.

XML Simplifies Data Exchange;

One of the most common challenges is exchanging data between incompatible systems over the internet. Exchanging data in XML significantly reduces this complexity, as various incompatible applications can read the data.

XML simplifies platform changes;

Upgrading new systems (hardware or software platforms) takes a long time. Large amounts of data need to be transformed, and incompatible data is often lost.

XML data is stored as text. XML advantages include enabling a simple extension or upgrade to new information systems, new applications, or new browsers without data loss.

XML increases data availability;

With a few applications, you can access your data in HTML pages and XML data sources.

With XML, your data can be accessible to all kinds of “reading machines” (laptops, audio machines, news sources, etc.), making accessibility easier for people with different abilities, for example.

XML is used to create new internet languages;

Many new languages have been created on the Internet with XML. Here are some examples:

• WSDL
• XHTML
• RSS (used in the news)
• WAP and WML
• SMIL
• RDF and OWL

What are the Features of XML Technology?

XML technology; It keeps different types of data in their original formats in a single repository and provides easy, fast, and environmentally independent access to this data. XML features, PDF documents, audio, image, table outputs, etc. It allows the data we use today to be used in a hierarchical structure without guidance and to query the data, which constitutes approximately 5%, quickly and without direction.

The data we use today cannot maintain its properties outside its environment due to its “unstructured” characteristics. First, it facilitates data transfer from different systems and platforms and protects the transferred data with content information.

XML differs from HTML in separating content and presentation information. Regarding its general characteristics, XML:

• It is both a technology and a language.
• Language markup is used to create languages.
• It is a technology for describing data.

It was created to create a universally used standard for describing data. When data is standardized, it facilitates data flow on the web or between two different programs.

Where is XML Technology Used?

Today, most Internet users perceive Internet technology only as social media, gaming, and online shopping. No one except professionals can imagine what operations are carried out behind these websites. These structures, considered a perfect environment, are easy to use by the complex systems in the background of the internet.

Aside from the complexity of the systems, all systems are constantly being changed or improved, making the old ones obsolete. The internet environment facilitates data transfer and is evolving daily as a development that is changing human history. Data exchange is the most critical factor enabling rapid transformation in the internet environment. Data flow, which previously had to be done manually and under harsh conditions, can now be realized in much simpler conditions thanks to unique technologies such as XML. XML technology, which has made the work of Internet programmers and software developers much more accessible since its inception, plays a vital role in facilitating the complex back-end of the Internet. The XML language is used today in all systems where data exchange over the Internet is required.

• Creation of sitemaps for websites
• Transfer of databases
• Collection of financial data
• Organization of file systems
• Storage of documents with scientific content

It is used in areas such as creating dependencies in software packages. You can follow the steps below to open an XML file.

Double-click an XML file or other file on your PC to start it. If your file associations are configured correctly, the application that opened your XML file will open them. You may need to download or purchase the correct software. You may also have the proper application on your computer, but XML files are not associated. When you attempt to open an XML file, you can define to Windows which program is appropriate for that file. From then on, opening an XML file opens the correct application.