November 15, 2004
This article provides an introduction to XML and DTD structures, with links to various other documents that may prove helpful to someone learning about eXtensible Markup Language (XML) and Document Type Definitions (DTDs).
An interesting side-note to the discussion about XML and DTD is that for some reason this page is listed on the first page of a google search for "pc experts surrey". Strange that it comes ahead of our Windows technical support page, our linux consultants page, our Windows troubleshooting page, and our computer support in Surrey, BC page..
August 25, 2004
When businesses try to share documents between several computers, potentially using separately customized business applications, the documents must be shared using a format that can be understood and integrated by the computers receiving the documents. XML, or eXtensible Markup Language, is a standard way to package information so that it can easily be interpreted by other people or by computer programs written in almost any programming language (C/C++, Java, PHP, Python, ASP, Perl, Visual Basic, etc.).
XML is used to format documents (see XHTML, OASIS OpenOffice.org XML), give styles to documents (see XLS), organize financial reports (see XBRL), post News Feeds (see RSS), describe vector graphics (see SVG), describe mathematical formulas (see MathML), or form a part of a custom database solution designed to keep track of inventory, customers, and more.
XML can hold all sorts of information using a well-defined structure, or Document Type Definition (DTD). DTD files describe the format of the XML file so that the appropriate program can verify and use the XML file. Some of the many XML standards can be found here.
Since both XML and DTD files are sent in clear text they are usually much easier to read and manipulate than binary or proprietary document formats. This is useful in projects that require the collaboration of several programming teams or have servers at different locations. When needed, though, XML and DTD files can be sent securely to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the information in the files.
XML solutions are often suggested when XML has already been used in some form, or when information will be passed between computers on different networks, potentially to be used by other businesses or business units.
