XML/HTML: Understanding the Differences and Similarities

XML/HTML: Understanding the Differences and Similarities

Introduction

XML (eXtensible Markup Language) and HTML (HyperText Markup Language) are two of the most widely used markup languages on the web. While they share some similarities, they serve different purposes and have distinct features. In this article, we will explore the differences and similarities between XML and HTML, and how they are used in web development.

XML: A Flexible Markup Language

XML was designed to store and transport data. It is a self-descriptive language, meaning that it defines both the structure and the content of the data. XML is widely used in various applications, including web services, database management, and document parsing.

Key Features of XML

1. Extensibility: XML allows users to define their own tags and document structure, making it highly flexible for different data formats.
2. Self-descriptive: