How XML Works

Case studies of XML never fail to mention new and exciting possibilities where XML adds value to existing environments — or solves previously intractable problems. That's probably why XML applications are widely used for everything from displaying chemical formulas to setting up a family tree. So how can you use the power of XML?

Classifying information

One of the more useful functions of XML involves classifying information. To see how this would work, imagine yourself in the business of selling books.

Books can be classified in many ways, but we kind of like the following classification scheme:

• Title


• Author


• Publisher


• Price


• Content Type (Fiction, Nonfiction)


• Format (Paperback, Hardback)


• ISBN

Using XML, you can create tags to classify this information. The following code shows a possible XML format for one book:

Demille, Nelson
Warner
$26.95
Fiction
Hardback
0446576638

Giving your tags meaningful names that actually reflect the content makes it easier to work with the information. 1 2 3 4 5 Next Page In addition, make sure to read these articles: Free Instant-Messaging Software The Essential Guide to XML Technologies. Altova XMLSpy Now Supports New ECMA Office Open XML File Formats. Productivity Tips for Instant Messaging Social Networks: The Internet Continues to Evolve More Related Topics: Industries:  Software Services & Applications (301)  ,  Internet Social Networking  ,  XML  ,  Software Services & Applications  ,  Markup Languages  ,  Technology Subjects:  Case Studies  ,  Reports, Reviews & Sections T T T Print Email  Digg It  del.icio.us Related Resources Latest Posts Social Networking or Online Community? While I'm on the subject of social networking, Denis Pombriant at Beagle Research Group, a CRM consultancy, offers a thoughtful view on the topic. He ... Read More Should you junk Word for online editors? A few weeks ago Google acquired Writely , an online word processor that supports Word and XML formats. Here's word of another such app - ... Read More Doing business with state governments? Office format wars may affect you A story last week in Information Week shows that governments are increasingly moving towards open formats for Office documents. This time it's Minnesota, where ... Read More Podcasts How to Raise Capital, Pitch to Investors, and Use the Power of Partnerships Betsy Flanagan of Startup Studio interviews David Samuel, founder of Spinner Networks, which was acquired by AOL for $320 million, and Grouper, which was sold ... How to Listen to Market Demand and Create a $100 Million Company Betsy Flanagan of Startup Studio interviews Matt Shobe, cofounder of FeedBurner, the leading provider of media distribution services for blogs, RSS feeds, and podcasts. Meebo Founder Seth Sternberg: Entrepreneurism and Raising Venture Capital Betsy Flanagan of Startup Studio interviews Seth Sternberg, a cofounder of Meebo, a Web-based platform that enables instant messaging from any computer. Forms and Agreements E-Mail Policy Web Site Development Agreement Checklist of Issues for Web Site Development Contracts Internet Advertising Agreement All Forms How to Create a Successful Blog Betsy Flanagan of Startup Studio interviews venture capitalist David Hornik of August Capital and the creator of VentureBlog. Business Resources Vendor Quotes Business Directory Office Products Free Business Magazines Franchise Opportunities Sponsored Links Site Map | Contact Us | FAQs | About Us | Media Kit | Reprints | RSS Directory | Sign Up for Free Newsletters | Disclosure Policy Copyright © 1999 - 2008 AllBusiness.com, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this content or the data or information included therein may be reproduced, republished or redistributed without the prior written consent of AllBusiness.com. Use of this site is governed by our Copyright and Intellectual Property Policy, Terms of Use Agreement and Privacy Policy. © How XML Works True. Used by arrangement with Wiley & Sons, Inc. Get In-Depth Company Information from Hoover's | Buy a D&B Credit Report | What is in Your Company's D&B Credit Report? | Article Archives Online Business Database | Online Business Information | Email Marketing Lists | Sales and Marketing Solutions | Business Mailing Lists Information and opinions on AllBusiness.com solely represent the thoughts and opinions of the authors and are not endorsed by, or reflect the beliefs of, AllBusiness.com, its parent company D&B, and its affiliates.