XML



=What is XML?= XML, or extensible markup language, is made for storing and transferring data. XML acts as a bridge between programs by transporting the data to where it needs to go. But that is where its role ends. XML doesn't in fact do much. There has to be a program that sends, receives, or displays XML to make it meaningful to the computer like JavaScript or CSS. However if the tags are done right, XML is a language that is self-descriptive and easier to read by a person because people define the tags in a way that is meaningful to other people. In other words, XML doesn't have a set of predefined tags, or standards, that have to be used like in HTML. The author defines their own tags and structures their own document. An author can have such tags as Monica or this is meaningful. Basically, what XML does is label information in an intuitive way. XML is very important to the web because it is used for data transmissions between many different computer software. XML is efficient at sending data, importing and storing data, and managing information.

HTML often uses XML for the purpose of data. XML is used to keep the data separate from the HTML. Consequently, the person who is maintaining the website doesn't have to worry about the changes in the data affecting the HTML. Another function of XML is that it stores data in a way that can be shared by different applications. Oftentimes there are incompatible formats, but because XML data is stored in a plain text (and therefore not dependent on software or hardware), with a few simple tweaks it can be used by a broad range of applications. This way data is simpler to share and transport. Also, because of its inherent simplicity, XML makes platform changes easier while also reducing the chance of lost data. Because it is so simple, it is more flexible to such changes. It is also because of this flexibility that it can be used by a broad range of applications including such things as the “reading machines” used by people with disabilities.

=Who uses XML?= XML is not just being used just by web technicians anymore. There are a lot of fields that have adapted XML for their own purposes. For example, in publications there is SportML, or sport markup language, that they use to label sports data. A few more examples of professions that use XML, or their own form of it, are scientists, news people, and business people. Technical communicators are definitely professionals that are going to be using XML because of their “bridge” function in various workplaces. Technical writers, at one time or another, will probably run across another professional that uses XML regularly, even if they do not end up using it themselves. That is why it is important to at least be familiar with XML.

=How is XML relevant to Technical Communication?= Technical Communicators should be familiar with XML for three reasons: to communicate with people, to work effectively with multiple computer applications, and to get a job. Because we often act as the bridge in our careers, we need to have at least a basic knowledge of a wide range of topics to be effective professionals. If a technical writer knows a little about their topic, they can ask better questions and convey clearer information. So if they need to talk with a SME that deals with XML in its various functions and forms, it would be useful to know a little about XML. The second reason is that technical communicators have many different responsibilities, so it is not a stretch to think that one of these responsibilities might be troubleshooting a computer related problem. Because XML is becoming as prevalent as HTML it would be very useful in this context. Lastly, it is a useful skill to have for a job because it is a skill that not many graduates have when they enter the field. So if a graduate had this skill it would give them a leg up in the workplace. Looking through job listings, you will often find that XML is listed as a requirement of an experienced professional, so with this skill it might make climbing the job ladder easier.

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