Code and Syntax For Fun

XML (eXtensible Markup Language)
XML has been created to overcome some of the limitations that are found in the Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). Because HTML is so hugely popular many of its features have been incorporated into XML and will seem familiar if you know a little about HTML.

The two main applications for XML are the pulication of web pages and the exchange of information.
Focus here :

• Teach the beginner about XML syntax, schemas, links, transformation and styling.

What you need to know

• Minimal knowledge of HTML
• Read, write and comprehend, a basic javascript (not needed to be expert coder, or a Javascript guru)

Platforms and parsers
XML is a cross platform technology but the Microsoft Internet Explorer web browser best supports XML features. Consequently all the featured examples relate to Internet Explorer on the Windows Platform.

The code in a X L document must be processed by a small application called a 'parser'. The MSXML parser can be freely downloaded from the web at http://msdn.microsoft.com/downloads and comprises a single file named msxml4.msi. This files uses the Windows Installer to install the parser on your computer. Recent versions of the windows Operating System include the Windows Installer but this can be freely downloaded from Microsoft if required.