XML (which stands for eXtensible Markup Language) refers to a set of rules for encoding documents into a form in which they can be read by machine. Essentially, it is a technology for managing the exchange of data. Several computer languages make use of XML. These include xhtml (a stricter form of html for designing websites); SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics, used for describing the elements of pictures); and Keyhole Markup Language (for displaying information on maps).

The exchange of data has been magnified in importance ever since the rise of the Internet.
For example, in addition to XML, the present computer age offers us get.wildblue.com/’ >get.wildblue.com, a site for high-speed Internet linked to your computer by satellite. Such connection is much faster than the older form of dial-up connection. Thanks to satellite internet and other advances, the technology for data exchange had to advance as well.

That’s why XML was developed, and it’s rapidly replacing its older counterpart, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), traditionally used by large organizations, over which it has such advantages as being self-describing, transformable, and future-oriented.

XML’s essential elements are a document containing code in XML; a schema describing that file’s structure and tags; and a stylesheet that contains formatting instructions.