XML has an important meaning in data processing, but for many this acronym is a mystery. XML is short for "Extensible Markup Language" and is used to structure and identify data. Unlike HTML, which aims to present content on the Internet, XML's focus is on organizing data in a hierarchical and coherent manner.
A working group of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), including Tim Bray and other experts, developed XML. The intention was to develop a markup language that was flexible, extensible, human-readable and could be used across platforms.
Origin of XML and its structure
XML emerged in the late 1990s when the need for a uniform method of describing data became increasingly important. The large number of data formats and the increasing interconnectedness of systems required a language that would allow information to be exchanged independently of platforms and applications. XML is designed in such a way that it can be processed equally by humans and machines. Elements that enclose data and assign meaning to it are called "tags". It could be a simple XML document be presented as follows:
Here it becomes clear that XML has a tree-like structure. The ability to nest elements makes it possible to represent complex hierarchies and relationships between different data elements.
A key feature of XML is the ability to define your own tags and structures. Due to its flexibility, XML is ideal for exchanging data between different systems, as it can meet individual needs. Another important component of XML is the Attribute. These allow you to add additional information to the elements. Here is an example:
<Book ISBN="123456789"> <Title>Introduction to XML</Title> <Author>John Doe</Author> <Price currency="USD">29.99</Price> </Book>
In this example, the attribute “ISBN” gives the element “Book” a unique identification, while the attribute “currency” assigns the currency of the price to the element “Price”.
XML is not only versatile but also easy to read. Since it is text, it is possible for people to understand the content without difficulty, which simplifies troubleshooting and development. At a time when data complexity is increasing, XML, as a structured data description language, remains a central part of information exchange between platforms and applications. The XML format is an indispensable tool for developers and data architects due to its flexible structure.
XML vs HTML
XML and HTML are the main building blocks of the World Wide Web when it comes to markup languages. At first glance they may look similar, but they have different purposes and specific areas of application. Let's examine the differences and similarities between XML and HTML.
HTML: The language of web design
HTML, also called HyperText Markup Language, is the language used to define the structure of Websites Its primary goal is to organize and present web browser content. HTML uses predefined tags such as <h1> for headings, <p> for paragraphs and <a> for hyperlinks to tell browsers how to interpret and display the content.
HTML focuses heavily on presenting content and provides a clear structure in which to display text, images, hyperlinks and other media elements. It uses predefined Tags with a predefined meaning that can be interpreted by most web browsers by default.
<!DOCTYPE html> <html> <head> <title>Beispiel HTML-Seite</title> </head> <body> <h1>Willkommen auf meiner Webseite!</h1> <p>Dies ist ein Absatz mit HTML-Inhalt.</p> <a href="https://www.example.com">Besuchen Sie meine Website</a> </body> </html>
XML: The universal data description
XML, also known as Extensible Markup Language, aims to structure and identify data. Its flexibility lies in the fact that custom tags can be defined and that it has no predefined tags for displaying content. XML focuses on facilitating data exchange and organization between disparate systems.
Here is a straightforward XML example that describes a person by name, age, and occupation. Unlike HTML, which is designed to display content in a web browser, XML allows developers to create their own tags and customize the structure to suit the needs of their data.
Differences and similarities
Purpose:
HTML: Structuring and presentation of content on the web.
XML: Structuring and labeling of data for exchange between different systems.
Flexibility:
HTML: Uses predefined tags with fixed meanings.
XML: Allows you to define your own tags and thus offers greater flexibility.
Target group:
HTML: Designed for web browsers and content display.
XML: Focuses on data exchange between different applications and platforms.
Overall, HTML and XML are like two sides of the same coin. XML allows for structured and extensible data exchange between different systems, while HTML simplifies the visual representation of content on the web. Both contribute to shaping the Internet and data processing world in their own way.
