Buzz
Undoubtedly, you've encountered numerous XML files while using your computer, but do you understand what XML is? Join us in this article to explore the concepts of XML and how to open and read XML files using software.
Explore the world of XML as we delve into its concepts, applications, and characteristics. Discover how to open and read XML files using XML Viewer software. Stay tuned for insights.
What is XML?
Decoding XML: Extensible Markup Language Unveiled
XML, an acronym for eXtensible Markup Language, akin to HTML proposed by W3C, serves as an extensible markup language defining rules for encoding documents.
XML, a simple subset of SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language – a system for organizing and tagging elements in a document, developed and standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)), has the ability to describe various types of data, store and transmit data.
Applications of XML
- There are hundreds of document formats utilizing XML syntax, including RSS, Atom, SOAP, SVG, and XHTML. XML-based formats have become the default for many office tools such as Microsoft Office (Office Open XML), OpenOffice.org, LibreOffice (OpenDocument), and Apple's iWork.
- XML plays a pivotal role in Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA). Different systems communicate through XML message exchange, standardized with an XML Schema (XSD).
- XML serves as the fundamental language for communication protocols like XMPP. Microsoft .NET Framework applications leverage XML files for configuration.
- In publishing, DITA stands as an industry-standard XML data format. XML widely consolidates various publishing formats.
- Numerous industry data standards, such as HL7, OTA, FpML, MISMO, NIEM, etc., rely on XML and its rich schema specification features.
- XML has become prevalent for data exchange over the Internet. IETF RFC: 7303 defines rules for constructing Internet media types for XML usage as application/xml and text/xml, conveying data structure without semantics.
Key Features of XML
- XML files are often lengthy, resembling text files but not intended for direct reading.
- Within XML files, all information is represented as text, interspersed with markup tags tasked with signifying the division of information into a hierarchical structure of character data, elements holding data, and attributes of those elements. XML files are employed for structured data.
- XML files bear resemblance to the structure of HTML files. XML is likened to the bridge transforming HTML into XHTML.
- XML is a modular entity.
- XML is also regarded as the foundation for RDF and the Semantic Web.
- XML is free of copyright, platform-independent, and exceptionally well-supported.
How to Open and Read XML Files with Software
Method 1: Using Notepad
This is the most common approach if you want to open a .xml file. However, be aware that this method won't display the standard format of the data within the XML.
You can utilize advanced Notepad software like Notepad++ for an enhanced experience. Notepad++ highlights syntax and data formats within the XML file.
To download Notepad++, visit the website https://notepad-plus-plus.org/download/v7.5.9.html
Method 2: Using XML Viewer Software
XML Viewer is designed to facilitate easy viewing of XML files and allows you to edit files effortlessly. It enables you to add and remove items within the XML file while viewing. The software also integrates drag-and-drop functionality for convenient file editing.
You can download it from the official website https://www.mitec.cz/xmlv.html. After downloading, extract the zip file and run the XMLView.exe.
On the XML Viewer interface, you have various methods to open XML files:
- Click on the Open icon in the toolbar.
- Choose File -> Open (Ctrl + O).
- Drag and drop the XML file onto the XML Viewer interface.
An Open window appears; select the desired XML file and click Open.
On the interface, swiftly read the XML file with a clear display of tags, values, full presentation, and detailed XML file information below.
To edit the XML file, choose File -> Editor.
In the XML Editor window, you can view the XML file in structural format. Edit the XML file as desired, then press Save to save the edited XML file.
So here, the article shares concepts of XML, how to open, and read XML files using notepad, notepad++, and XML Editor software. Hopefully, after this article, you'll have a clearer understanding of XML and how to edit XML files. Best of luck to you all!
