By Eddy R.
12-02-99

XML - You've probably heard about it a bunch of times but never had the chance to find out what it could do for you as a web builder. Well, here are some facts about XML that will help you understand what this new syntax can do and how it can change the way you present your data in web pages.

What is XML?

XML stands for Extensible Markup Language. Unlike HTML (a mark up language) XML is a system that helps define other languages (such as HTML). According to the W3C, XML is a common syntax for expressing structure in data.

What's so great about XML?

The reason why XML is so great is that it allows web builders to display their data (content) in a manner that best suits the tool (browser, palm-top, cellular phone display) with which such data is being viewed.

For example, try viewing a web page through a PDA and notice how "awkward" the data looks on the device. Well, XML will take care of that problem and enable data to be displayed in a "presentable" manner - XML will help render a tailored version of the web page for the PDA. In other words, the data will look good!

Because of the flexibility that XML offers, it's potential is awesome!