What Is XML?

XML Meaning

XML stands for Extensible Markup Language. It uses opening and closing tags to organize information in a structured document. XML is readable by humans and machines, which makes it useful for integrations and data exchange.

What Is XML Used For?

XML is commonly used for configuration files, data feeds, invoices, purchase orders, SOAP services, sitemap files, publishing formats, product catalogs, and enterprise integrations.

• Representing nested records with tags and attributes.
• Sending structured data between older enterprise systems.
• Publishing feeds, sitemaps, documents, and configuration data.
• Storing business objects such as orders, products, shipments, and invoices.

Simple XML Example

<product id="MTR-3000">
  <name>Vertical Motor Assembly</name>
  <status>active</status>
  <quantity>2</quantity>
</product>

Nested XML Example

<purchaseOrder id="PO-2026-00873">
  <account id="acct_demo_10492">
    <company>Northstar Supply Co.</company>
  </account>
  <items>
    <item sku="MTR-3000-6357PY55">
      <name>Vertical Motor Assembly</name>
      <warehouse code="WH-OH-180">
        <city>Toledo</city>
      </warehouse>
    </item>
  </items>
</purchaseOrder>

Why Format XML?

Raw XML can become difficult to read when it is compressed or deeply nested. An XML formatter adds indentation and line breaks so tags, attributes, text values, and nested sections are easier to inspect.

Use the QuickDeveloperTools XML Formatter

The QuickDeveloperTools formatter can beautify XML, validate XML syntax, minify XML, show a collapsible tree view, search nodes by tag and value, show matching nodes only, copy formatted output, download XML, and export matched sections.