Discuss various features of XML

XML stands for Extensible Markup Languages,

Extended
Hierarchical Format
Data Definition
XML is an data definition language unlike other markup languages which are data design language or
data presentation language such as Hyptertext Markup Language(HTML). As we define the data in XML
this makes us free to present that data however we want, one major advantage of such freedom is that,
once we define the data in the one file, that data can be designed and presented by many files in
different ways.

Figure

Platform Independent
XML is a platform independent language, XML document can be run on any platform, being it a desktop
operating systems such as Windows, Linux, Mac or Web Based Servers.

High Compatibility
With the platform independency, XML is also compatible and supported by every programming
languages, such as Java, Python , PhP etc

Integratable
Due to high compatibility, XML can be integrated with any programming language and any plateform,
this makes developer interdepended of tools/languages and reduce the headache of programmer and
his limitations. XML can be integrate between two different language to communicate message between
them such as Python and Java,

Unicode Suppose
XML supports Universal Code(UniCode) text format , which is the most popular and diversed text
format, this makes XML so vast so that any language can be written using XML such as Sindhi, Chinese
etc.

Easy To Understand

Easy to Parse

Efficient Data Sharing

 XML can be used to create new internet languages

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XML increases data availability

Different applications can access your data, not only in HTML pages, but also from XML data sources.

With XML, your data can be available to all kinds of "reading machines" (Handheld computers, voice
machines, news feeds, etc), and make it more available for blind people, or people with other
disabilities.

5. Allows XML validation

A XML document can be validated using DTD or XML schema. This ensures that the XML document is
syntactically correct and avoids any issues that may arise due to the incorrect XML.

6. Adapts technology advancements

The reason why XML is popular and being used from a very long time is because, it can adapt to the new
technologies because of its platform-independent nature.

XML Features

A basic summary of the main features of XML follows:

 Excellent for handling data with a complex structure or atypical data

 Data described using markup language
 Text data description
 Human- and computer-friendly format
 Handles data in a tree structure having one-and only one-root element
 Excellent for long-term data storage and data reusability

Excellent for Handling Data with a Complex Structure or Atypical Data

Data managed using RDB tables has a regular data structure. One could say that nothing surpasses RDB
for handling data of this type of structure.

However, not all of the various data that exists in the world today is of a structure that can be managed
using tables. Most such data has either an extremely complex structure (system logs, e-mail data, etc.), or
is atypical data (product manuals, specification sheets, etc.) that has no specific structure. What can be
done to handle these data types without extensive manipulation? XML is a data format well-suited to
handling these circumstances.

Text Data Description

XML allows for the description of data in a text format. Since XML uses text data, XML data created on a
Windows platform can also be used in a UNIX system. Data can be delivered back and forth without having
to take OS and systems differences into account.

Excellent for Long-Term Data Storage and Data Reusability

Data created through a specific application becomes useless or even impossible to access if the application
is eventually unusable or cannot maintain backward compatibility.

However, XML documents are text data, and do not rely on any particular application. The data can be
stored for long periods of time with little fear of ever becoming unusable. Using "XSLT (XSL
Transformation)" (note), an XML document can be transformed into a document of a different structure or
format (HTML, CSV, etc.), increasing the reusability of XML documents-a "one-source, multi-use" solution.
Note: A specification recommended by the W3C. An XSLT stylesheet and XSLT processor can be used to transform
an XML document (source XML document) into a document having a different structure or text format
(HTML, CSV, etc.) An XSLT stylesheet is a document in which XML document transformation rules are
described in XML syntax. Creating an XSLT stylesheet designed to use a single XML document for various
purposes (e.g. Web browser or mobile phones) allows for simplified data management, and more efficient
work processes.

Human- and Computer-Friendly Format

CSV is a typical example of a data format expressed using text. Data in CSV format is easily understood by
programs designed to process CSV data, but only appears as a continuous string of characters to the
human eye. Data expressed in XML, however, is "marked up" so it is not only an easy format for computer
processing, but can be read and understood by humans.

Data Described using Markup Language

With XML, each individual piece of information is "marked up" (a marker shows the meaning of the
associated data) with a tag that attaches meaning to the information. The unit of data to which a meaning
has been attached is called an "element." An "element" consists of a "start tag", "content," and an "end
tag."

When required, an "attribute" can be described in the start tag of an element, allowing more detailed
information to be assigned to the data.

Handles data in a tree structure having one-and only one-root element

With XML, a hierarchical element structure can be created by nesting elements. Under the XML
specification, one-and only one-XML root element (the outmost element in an XML document) must exist,
giving XML a single "tree structure" always having a single root element at the top. A collection of
compiled data starting with a root element is called an "XML Document."
XML Language used as a Base language for the development of any new
language
XML can be used as a base language for developing any other language. Many languages are designed to
store XML as its primary language. Some of the new languages are XHTML, RSS languages for media
formats, WML languages and WAP languages for handheld devices, SML for multimedia recognition on
any website.

It is easily converted
XML can be easily converted to other format. It can be text, PDF or many more.

Secure data transfer

Security is most important when we talk about the transfer of data to the Internet. in today's world
where hacking incidents are on the rise. One of the important features of XML is that it provides much-
needed security in data transmission. There are many XML security standards reserved These standards
include XML Digital Signature, XML Encryption, XML Key Management and many more

XML as a Common Language

Not only web applications but desktop applications can use XML data sources. There are wide
applications in any language like feeds, mobile devices, automated voice messages they can use XML to
communicate with the backend and can find data for its use.

Building/Root base structure

XML uses a tree-based structure that contains data roots. This has the effect of recovering data properly.
Tree structure improves data travel speed compared to traditional data storage methods. The parent
root contains the root of the children. Any data structure and hierarchies can be easily defined in the
most appropriate section to facilitate rapid data transfer with the help of symbols and roots attached to
these areas.

Human and Computer-friendly environment

CSV is a standard example of a data format displayed using text. Data in CSV format is easily understood
by programs designed to process CSV data, but only appears as a string of continuous letters in the
human eye. The data displayed in XML, however, is "written" so it is not only a simple format for
computer processing, but it can be read and understood by humans.
Good for Handling Data in Hard Structure or A typical Data
Data managed using RDB tables has a standard data structure. One can say that there is nothing beyond
the RDB for managing data for this type of structure.

However, not all the various information available in the world is a structure that can be controlled using
tables. Most such data has a very complex structure (system logs, email data, etc.), or data a typical
data (product manuals, specification sheets, etc.) that does not have a specific structure. What can be
done to handle these types of data without being too devious? XML is a data format suitable for
managing these situations.