Development Development XML Terms XML XML (Extensible Markup Language) is a markup language used to store, structure and transport data in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable. Unlike HTML, which focuses on displaying content, XML is designed to describe and organize data in a consistent and flexible way. It uses custom tags to define data elements, making it a versatile choice for data exchange between systems, platforms and applications. An XML file consists of elements enclosed in tags, such as Climate Report, with each element forming part of a structured hierarchy. This makes it easy to organize complex datasets, such as product catalogues, user profiles or configuration settings. XML does not impose a specific set of tags, which means developers can define their own based on the needs of a particular project. This flexibility is one of XML’s strengths, especially for applications that need to store or transmit structured information in a standardized format. XML is widely used in web development, data integration, APIs, content management systems and digital publishing. It supports data sharing between different software systems, even when they are built in different programming languages. Common use cases include RSS feeds, sitemap files for SEO, and configuration files for software applications. While newer formats like JSON are now more common for web-based applications due to their lighter weight, XML remains important in enterprise systems, financial services and legacy platforms. Understanding how XML works helps teams ensure compatibility, consistency and clarity when managing data across digital environments.