XML has the following characteristics:
(1) XML can separate data from HTML . That is, the data can be stored in the XML document outside the HTML file, so that the developer can concentrate on using HTML to display and layout the data, and ensure that the HTML file does not need to be changed when the data is changed, so as to facilitate the maintenance of the page. . XML can also store data in HTML pages in the form of "data islands", and developers can still focus on formatting and displaying data using HTML.
(2) XML can be used to exchange data . Based on XML, data can be exchanged between incompatible systems. Computer systems and database systems store data in various forms. For developers, the most time-consuming task is exchanging data between systems spread across the network. Converting data to XML format storage will greatly reduce the complexity of exchanging data, and also make the data readable by different programs.
(3) XML can be applied to B2B . For example, in the exchange of financial information in the network, XML is now becoming the main language used for exchanging information between business systems all over the network, and many B2B-related applications based entirely on XML are being developed.
(4) Data can be shared using XML . XML data is stored in plain text format, which makes XML easier to read, easier to record, easier to debug, and easier to share data between different systems and programs.
(5) XML can make full use of data . XML is independent of software, hardware and application programs, and data can be utilized by more users and devices, not just browsers based on HTML standards. Other clients and applications can process XML documents as data sources, just like working with databases, and XML data can be processed by various "readers".
(6) XML can be used to create new languages . For example, the WAP and WML languages are both developed from XML.
In conclusion, XML provides an efficient means of describing and exchanging data for Web-based applications using a simple and flexible standard format.
However, XML is not meant to replace HTML.
HTML focuses on describing how to display documents in a browser, while XML is similar to SGML in that it focuses on describing how data is represented in a structured way.