Extensible Markup Language (XML) is a flexible text format derived from SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language), widely used to structure, store, and transport data. Its design goals emphasize simplicity, generality, and usability across the Internet. XML facilitates the creation of custom markup languages and is therefore extensible. It enables the definition of elements, attributes, and hierarchies in documents, making it ideal for representing complex data structures.
One of the key applications of XML is in the realm of content syndication, where it is integral to technologies such as RSS (Really Simple Syndication). RSS uses XML to allow websites to share and distribute content automatically. This feature is particularly useful for news websites, blogs, and other online publishers looking to disseminate their content broadly and efficiently. XML’s straightforward formatting capabilities ensure that the data is both human-readable and machine-readable, which is essential for smooth content exchange and processing across different systems and platforms.