To compare XML with HTML is a bit like comparing an apple and an orange, they are both fruit, yet each uniquely different from the other.
It can be difficult to compare two different things which are as similar as XML (Extensible Markup Language) and HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language). So similar and yet so different, but let’s try to compare XML and HTML and work out the advantages and disadvantages of each.
The Main Difference between XML and HTML
The main difference here is that XML was essentially designed to carry data while HTML is chiefly concerned with how the data looks. A chauffeur might drive the celebrity to the red carpet, but the stylist makes sure they look great when they get there, however, if the celebrity had to walk they might not look quite so good by the time they arrived – get my drift?
So, whereas XML chiefly describes and focuses on the data, HTML displays and focuses on how it looks. XML is therefore most commonly used for data manipulation and transmission, storing data in files and sharing the data between diverse applications. XML is an excellent way to exchange any information; however, different methods can be applied for displaying the xml data which has been transmitted.
Compare XML and HTML Tags
HTML tags are predefined, but with XML tags, the users need to ‘invent’ their own tags. The structure of the HTML documents, and the tags used to mark them up are defined in the HTML standard (< h1> , <p1> etc). One disadvantage of XML is that their tags are case sensitive, which is not the case with HTML
Which is best, XML or HTML
That’s a good question which doesn’t really have an answer. Which is best, the pancake or the maple syrup? The answer is, XML (shall we call it the maple syrup) complements the HTML, but does not replace it. HTML has been around for a long time, since the early 90’s, and many might say that it has already passed the point of further logical development, but there are many good points with HTML (which is why it’s so well known).
- It is quite simple, so it’s quick and easy to learn, even for beginners
- Due to its simplicity, it’s everywhere, all over the Internet
- You only need a browser to view it
- It can be used for the visual appearance of text and images
So, which is best? Well, is an apple better than an orange, is a dog better than a cat. They are both different and yet both have a very clear role to play in the information standards of the future.