Description: XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is a markup language that defines a set of rules for encoding documents in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable. Its design is based on simplicity and flexibility, allowing developers to create custom data structures that can be easily shared and processed. XML uses a tag-based syntax, similar to HTML, where data is organized into elements that can contain attributes and text. This hierarchical structure facilitates the representation of complex data and its interoperability across different systems and platforms. Additionally, XML is extensible, meaning users can define their own tags and structures according to their specific needs. This makes it a valuable tool in various applications, from software configuration to information exchange and data representation in databases. Its ability to be validated through schemas and its compatibility with multiple programming languages have established it as a standard in the information technology industry.
History: XML was developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) in the 1990s, with the aim of creating a data interchange format that was both human-readable and machine-readable. The first official version of XML was published in 1998. Since then, it has evolved and become a widely adopted standard for data representation on the web and in various applications.
Uses: XML is used in a variety of applications, including software configuration, data interchange between systems, document representation on the web, and the creation of web services. It is also common in publishing and data management in databases.
Examples: An example of XML usage is the .xml file format used to store configuration data in applications. Another example is the use of XML in web services, where it is used to exchange information between different systems via APIs.
