XML

XML is a markup language designed to store and transport data in a structured and human-readable format. It uses tags to define data and is both platform-independent and extensible, making it a key tool for data exchange and communication between diverse systems.

Also known as : XML format.

Comparisons

• XML vs. JSON : XML supports attributes and mixed content (data and text within elements), while JSON is more compact and focuses on key-value pairs.

• XML vs. HTML : XML is a flexible data exchange format, while HTML is used specifically for structuring web content.

• XML vs. YAML : XML is verbose but highly structured, whereas YAML is more concise and easier to read for configuration files.

Pros

• Structuredand standardized : Ensures consistency in data representation.

• Extensible : Users can define custom tags to suit specific needs.

• Widely supported : Compatible with most programming languages and systems.

Cons

• Verbosity : Larger size compared to other data formats like JSON.

• Complex parsing : Requires specialized parsers for efficient handling.

Example

Here’s an example of XML used to structure data for an online store's catalog:

<catalog>
  <product>
    <id>101</id>
    <name>Wireless Mouse</name>
    <price>29.99</price>
    <stock>150</stock>
    <category>Electronics</category>
  </product>
  <product>
    <id>102</id>
    <name>Bluetooth Keyboard</name>
    <price>49.99</price>
    <stock>75</stock>
    <category>Electronics</category>
  </product>
</catalog>

This XML file organizes product details such as ID, name, price, stock quantity, and category in a structured way. Applications can parse this XML to display the product catalog or update inventory records.