HTML vs XML – Difference

HTML and XML are two important markup languages used in web development. They may look similar at first, but they have different purposes. HTML is used to show content on web pages, while XML is used to store and move data. It’s important for developers to know the difference between HTML and XML so they can use them correctly.

Let’s look at what HTML and XML do. HTML organizes the stuff you see on websites, like headings, paragraphs, pictures, and links. On the other hand, XML provides a flexible way to organize data so it can be easily shared between different systems and programs. Knowing when to use XML vs HTML helps you pick the right tool for your project needs.

What is HTML and XML

HTML and XML might look alike at first, but they do different jobs in web development. HTML is the main part of web pages, giving shape to what you see in your browser. XML, however, works more like a flexible data box, helping different systems talk to each other in the background.

When you look closer, HTML and XML are built differently. HTML uses a set list of tags that tell browsers how to show things, while XML lets you make your own tags to organize data how you want. It’s a bit like HTML is a set menu, and XML is where you can make your own meal.

HTML of Overview

HTML is the language websites use to show information on your screen. It uses tags like paragraphs either headings to arrange content. These tags work like a plan, telling browsers how to lay out text, pictures, and other things on a web page.

XML of Overview

XML is about organizing and moving data around. Unlike HTML’s fixed tags, XML lets you create custom tags that describe your specific data. This makes XML great for things like keeping product info, setting up apps, or sending data between different systems that need to understand each other.

ALSO READ: SGML-vs-XML-comparison

HTML vs XML differences

While HTML and XML might seem related, they have big differences in how they work and what they’re used for. Let’s look at the main ways these two markup languages handle information differently.

Features of HTML and XML.

HTML and XML each have their own special tools that make them good at different things. HTML is like the main builder of web pages, while XML is more of a data organizer. Let’s look at what makes each one special.

HTML Features

• Set tags for web page structure
• Attributes for extra element properties
• Forms for user input
• Support for pictures, sound, and video
• Ability to make links

HTML comes with tools for making web pages. Its set tags are like building blocks – you put them together to make your site’s structure. With forms, you can get info from visitors, while support for pictures and videos lets you add interesting things. And links help connect different parts of the web.

XML Features

• Make your own tags
• Focus on data structure
• Works on any platform or app
• Can add extra info about data
• Can be used for many types of data

XML is all about being flexible with data. You can make your own tags, like creating a custom filing system. It works with any computer or app – XML gets along with everything. Plus, you can add extra info about your data and easily use it for all kinds of information.

Pros and Cons

Every tool has good and not-so-good points. HTML and XML are the same. Let’s look at what’s good and not so good about each one to help you pick the right tool for your digital jobs.

HTML Advantages

• Easy to learn and use
• Works well with browsers
• Great for making web pages
• Lots of ready-made tags

HTML is like a friendly coding language. It’s pretty easy to start with, and web browsers know how to read it. If you’re making a website, HTML is your best choice. It comes with many ready-made tags, so you don’t have to make new ones for common web parts.

HTML Disadvantages

• Can’t make new tags easily
• Not good for storing complex data
• Mostly about how things look

But HTML isn’t perfect. You have to use the tags it gives you – no making new ones. If you need to store complicated data, HTML isn’t the best. It’s mainly about making things look good on a web page, not organizing complex information.

XML Advantages

• Very flexible with custom tags
• Great for storing and moving data
• Works on any platform
• Can handle complex data structures

XML is like a flexible data container. You can make any tags you want, which is great for organizing tricky information. It’s good at storing data and sending it between different systems. No matter what kind of computer or program you’re using, XML can probably work with it. And if you’ve got complicated data, XML can handle those complex structures.

XML Disadvantages

• Harder to learn and use
• Needs extra work to show on web pages
• Can be wordy for simple data

XML does have some problems, though. It’s not as easy for beginners as HTML – there’s more to learn at first. If you want to show XML data on a web page, you’ll need extra steps to change it. And sometimes, XML can use too many words to describe simple information.

FAQs

People often have questions about the difference between XML and HTML. Let’s answer some common ones to help clear up any mix-ups about these two markup languages.