XML Full Form: What Is XML, Sample Files & How to Open XML

If you have ever opened a file with the extension of. xml suffix and are unsure what it is or how to work with it, you're not the only one. In this guide we shall cover the XML full form and what actually is XML, XML file structure with samples and how you can open XML file formats.

What is the Full Form of XML?

XML full form is – Extensible Markup Language XML (Extensible Markup Language) is a markup language that is both human-readable and machine-readable, and it was used to define rules to encode documents; it was developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C).

Unlike HTML which is used for presentation of data XML is intended to store and transport data. XML is "extensible" -- the part that is like a word; this means that you can create your own tags and structure your data as you want.

What is XML?

So, to cut a long story short, what actually is XML? XML stands for Extensible Markup Language. It is often used for web development, data exchange between systems, and use cases requiring storing and sharing data in a both structured and human-readable format.

Also, XML is platform-independent and software-independent, thus making it popular among developers that are working on the databases, APIs, and web services.

Key Features of XML:

• Self-descriptive: Tags describe the data.

• Hierarchical structure: An underlying tree structure is used to store data.

• By having custom tags: In XML unlike HTML, we can have our own tags.

• Cross platform — it works on any platform

Why is XML Important?

XML full form sounds a bit technical, yet its uses are wide and helpful. It is the foundation of many data exchange formats such as RSS feeds, SOAP protocols and others. XML's role as a device for structuring, storing, and transferring data is critical in industries as diverse as banking, healthcare, and e-commerce.

Sample XML File

• XML file 2.1 XML structure

• Example of a Basic XML Structure:

• John

• Jane

• Reminder

• Our meeting tomorrow, don’t forget!

In this below XML sample file, data is passed within custom tags. There is a root element note and four child elements to, from, heading, and body. Each tag is unequivocally defined exactly about the data.

How to Open XML File

One of the typical inquiries that individuals pose is: how to open XML file?

You can read Xml files using this data in various ways:

1. Open XML Files in Web Browsers

XML files can most commonly be opened using modern browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Safari. You can simply drag and drop the whole XML file in the browser window or you can right-click and use your browser in the “open with” option.

2. There are various text editors which we can use to open XML files.

An XML file can be opened by basic text editors like Notepad (for Windows) or TextEdit (for Mac). Nonetheless, for more efficient experience to view much bigger XML files, they can be opened in code editors such as Visual Studio Code, Sublime Text, Atom. These editors provide the usual syntax highlighting, folding, and tag matching.

3. How to Open XML Files in Excel or Google Sheets

Well, both Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets can import and open XML files. This is especially useful when your XML data is tabular in nature. Select the import option and follow the instructions, mapping XML elements to your spreadsheet columns.

4. XML Viewers and Editors

There are also specific XML viewing tools that you can get as well. These come with capabilities such as tree views, syntax checking, schema validation etc. XML Notepad, Oxygen XML Editor, EditiX XML Editor, etc.

5. Contrast Between XML and HTML

There are many differences between XML vs HTML, both of them are markup languages. HTML displays content on web browsers, while XML is for storing and transporting data.

Here's a quick comparison:

• Therefore, XML is used for storing data whereas HTML is used for visualizing data.

• You can create custom tags in XML; HTML will have only certain tags.

• Syntax: XML has strict well-formed syntax; HTML is more lenient.

• Case Sensitivity XML is case-sensitive while HTML is not.

Knowing what the XML full form is facilitates you in understanding the major differences between the two markup languages. Once you know what is XML, you can understand easily that what role does it play along with other web technologies.

Advantages of Using XML

The advantages of using XML for data handling and software development are as follows:

• Scalability: From small configuration files to complex datasets.

• Flexibility: Customizable tags and data structures.

• Multi-Platform: Works on many software and operating systems.

• Integration: Easily connects with APIs, web services, and databases.

• Data Sharing: facilitate the structure of data sharing between systems

Common Use Cases for XML

Now that you know the full form of XML and the meaning of XML, it will be easier to understand where it is used and why.

• XML in Web Services

XML is used by many web services to format messages including data exchange protocols such as SOAP. XML establishes a common data format that is machine-readable on all platforms.

• XML for RSS Feeds

Many blogs and news websites will use XML to generate RSS feeds. That allows readers to subscribe for updates and read them in the so-called RSS readers.

• Configuration and Settings

Many applications store settings and configuration data in XML format. This greatly simplifies data editing or migration between platforms.

• Applications Sharing Data with Each Other

It gives Internet applications a common way to talk. For example, customer data migration from a CRM into an ERP system is commonly done with XML.

• Document Structuring and Management

XML’s use in digital publishing and document management to markup texts, particularly for legal, academic, and technical documents

Working with XML: Best Practices

• It must always have one root element which contains all other elements.

• Keep consistent indentations and naming conventions

• If a file is large, use comments to explain parts.

• Use a schema or DTD to validate your XML.

• HTML Escape for reserved characters eg &

Conclusion: XML Full Form: What Is XML, Sample Files & How to Open XML 

Simply put, XML is Widely Used Programming Language used for transporting and storing of structured data. Learn what is XML, review a sample XML file and how to open XML file types, whether you're planning to start out with working on structured data or if you already do.

It is the format of choice for everything, from data storage to powering sophisticated web services, and XML continues to be a ubiquitous part of modern computing.

Return to this reference whenever you need to remember the format or function of XML. You know how to open, create, toggle, and execute XML files!