What is the exact use of XML

[techtata]

Hi,I wonder as to what is XML is used for exactly? If I have a PHP and MySQL based data-driven site then what do I do with XML? I know XML and learned it from the net all by myself, but there needs to be some sort of practical anwser from experienced developers that could satisfy me properly, thanks

 

[moindear]

Its pretty simple. Its the only way of communication between different technologies across applications.Further XML can be used in queries as well (LINQ, XQUERY).Configuration is very easy using xml files.The list goes on

 

[techtata]

Its the only way of communication between different technologies across applications.

Further XML can be used in queries as well (LINQ, XQUERY).


Thanks a lot for the quick reply. I fully agree with what you are trying to say here. I know XML a bit and it generates a tree-like structure with user-defined tags. But my question is what it the exact use of XML in a data-driven website with PHP+MySQL or ASP.net+SQL Server like combinations.

Is it only used for creating navigation as a tree-like structure or much more than that, books that I have do not really detail the exact uses of XMLin real life.

Sorry, I do not intend to doubt your skills and understanding, but need a more convincing reply from experienced people like yourself. Thanks a lot, appreciated.

 

[Sushubh]

oh well you can see real life cases of xml files... rss feeds are technically xml files. from what i have seen. xml is just a better way of organizing data in text files... it is for you to decide of XML meets the need of your project/product/service. wordpress exports the blog content in an xml file. a couple of software now use xml format to store their settings instead of .ini files.

 

[techtata]

rss feeds are technically xml files.


Great, I never knew that, this is news to me.

xml is just a better way of organizing data in text files...

Yes, I agree with you here 100%..

Thanks you have hit the nail. Good reply, appreicated. You seem to be an IT pro.

 

[Sushubh]

i am not unfortunately. i just spent last 4-5 years of my life reading stuff online.

 

[techtata]

Document Type DefinitionA Document Type Definition (DTD) enables you to specify the structure of the content inan XML document. Creating a DTD is similar to using a CREATE TABLE statement inSQL, in which you specify the columns to be included in the table and whether they canhold null values. In a DTD, you can specify the elements that can be used in an XMLdocument and specify whether it is mandatory to provide values for the elements.When you include a DTD in an XML document, software checks the structure of the XML document against the DTD. This process of checking the structure of the XML document.

 

[kamrinjacobs]

Hi..XML and PHP together for building website contain Online Booking System so that will I used to booking avaliable Appointment slot.If you are going to build it yourself. you decide to use XML? So far, I've found that XML is great when I need to communicate with other backend systems.

 

[techtata]

I've found that XML is great to communicate with other backend systems..............


Thanks very good reply. Good info..

 

[techtata]

I've found that XML is great to communicate with other backend systems..............


Thanks very good reply. Good info..