Why XML Matters
At its core, XML is a way to organize information so that computers and humans can both understand it. It acts like a container that keeps data neat and labeled, so that different programs can share it without confusion.
You’ll find XML in:
- RSS and Atom feeds that distribute news and updates.
- Configuration files for software and applications.
- Document formats such as .docx, .xlsx, and .svg.
- Web services like Amazon's AWS.
An example of an RSS feed, one of XML's most common uses.
One of XML’s biggest strengths is that it’s self-descriptive. Each piece of data is labeled, which removes ambiguity when software exchanges information. Developers can write simple rules that say what kinds of data are allowed. This helps catch errors early and keeps files organized. Because of this, XML is still trusted in areas like banking, publishing, and government systems.
That said, XML isn’t perfect for every application. It is verbose and strict, which can make it harder to work with manually. For lightweight web applications, JSON often replaces XML. Still, XML’s reliability and maturity ensure that it will remain useful in many systems for years to come.
Sources: GeeksforGeeks, MDN, W3Schools.