XML

Definition

XML, or Extensible Markup Language, is a markup language used to define, encode, and structure data in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable. It allows for the creation of custom tags to describe the content, which makes it versatile for various applications such as web development, data interchange, and technical documentation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. XML is both extensible and flexible, meaning users can create their own tags that best suit their needs without being limited to a predefined set of tags.
2. One key feature of XML is its ability to separate data from presentation, allowing the same XML data to be displayed in different ways depending on the application or context.
3. XML plays a crucial role in technical writing and documentation as it allows writers to create structured documents that can be easily transformed into various formats like HTML or PDF.
4. The use of XML facilitates data exchange between disparate systems because it is platform-independent and supports a wide range of applications across different technologies.
5. XML schemas can be used to validate the structure and content of XML documents, ensuring they meet specific requirements before processing or sharing.

Review Questions

• How does XML's flexibility contribute to its effectiveness in technical writing and documentation?
  • XML's flexibility allows technical writers to create custom tags that can accurately describe the content being documented. This means that documents can be structured in a way that best represents the information being conveyed, making it easier for readers to understand complex data. By separating data from presentation, XML also enables writers to adapt their documents for various platforms or outputs without altering the underlying content.
• Discuss the role of XML in enabling data interchange between different systems and how this benefits technical documentation.
  • XML serves as a universal format for data interchange between various systems due to its platform-independent nature. When technical documentation is created in XML, it ensures compatibility across different software applications, making it easier for teams to share information. This standardized format helps maintain consistency and accuracy in documentation when moving between different technologies or organizations.
• Evaluate the importance of using XML schemas in maintaining the integrity of technical documents in a collaborative environment.
  • Using XML schemas is crucial in collaborative environments where multiple authors may contribute to technical documents. By defining clear rules and structures for how data should be formatted within an XML document, schemas help prevent errors and inconsistencies that could arise from individual contributions. This validation process ensures that all team members adhere to the same standards, thus preserving the integrity and reliability of technical documentation across the board.

Related terms

HTML: HTML, or HyperText Markup Language, is the standard markup language used to create web pages and web applications, focusing on the presentation of content.

JSON: JSON, or JavaScript Object Notation, is a lightweight data interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write and easy for machines to parse and generate.

DTD: A Document Type Definition (DTD) defines the structure and legal elements of an XML document, ensuring that the XML data conforms to a defined schema.