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XML vs HTML: Key Differences Explained

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This article compares XML (eXtensible Markup Language) and HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), highlighting the key differences between them.

HTML: Hypertext Markup Language

HTML script example Figure-1 depicts HTML script example.

  • HTML is the foundation of websites and web applications.
  • A typical HTML web page is structured into three main sections: header, body, and footer.
  • It’s often used in conjunction with CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) to simplify and shorten HTML code.

CSS separates the styling information (headers, font sizes, colors, tables, images, spacing, paragraphs, etc.) into a separate file. This approach offers several benefits:

  • Code Minimization: HTML paired with CSS significantly reduces code redundancy.
  • Centralized Control: A single CSS file can control the appearance of multiple HTML files.
  • HTML 5.0 is the latest version.
  • HTML can be coded in any text editor (Notepad, TextPad, etc.) and saved with the .html extension.
  • HTML utilizes specific tags to define different structures, such as paragraphs (<p>...</p>) and images (<img tag).
  • Unlike programming languages, HTML doesn’t use conditional statements, arrays, loops, or functions.

XML: eXtensible Markup Language

XML script example Figure-2 depicts XML script example.

  • XML defines a set of rules or syntax for encoding documents in a machine-readable format.
  • It facilitates opening documents in a browser.
  • XML is used for web display. Furthermore, web services and applications utilize XML to transmit data requests over the internet.
  • XML is a meta-language used to develop other languages, such as RSS (Rich Site Summary) feeds.

It’s crucial to understand that XML is not a replacement for HTML. Both have distinct design goals.

The following table outlines the key differences between XML and HTML:

FeatureXML (eXtensible Markup Language)HTML (Hypertext Markup Language)
PurposeDesigned to transport and store data, emphasizing “what data is.” XML is all about carrying information.Designed to display data, emphasizing “how data looks.” HTML is all about displaying information.
Language TypeProvides a framework to define markup languages.Is a markup language itself.
FunctionalityNeither a programming language nor a presentation language.Is a presentation language.
Case SensitivityCase-sensitive, requiring careful attention to detail when writing XML code.Not case-sensitive.
Data HandlingFacilitates data transport between applications and databases.Helps render web pages on the client-side.
Tag UsageAllows custom tag creation, providing greater flexibility.Uses predefined tags.
Whitespace HandlingPreserves whitespace.Does not preserve whitespace.
Nature (Dynamic vs. Static)Dynamic, as it carries information.Static, as it displays information.