XML also known as eXtended Markup Language is a language created to structure, transport and store data or information. But that is the most simple explanation. In reality, there is much more to the semantics of XML. When you embark on the path to mastery of XML, you invariably come across terms like XLink, Namespace, DTD, Schema and so on.

To get a fair idea on what XML stands for, check out the following article which explains XML in 10 points. It took me just 10 seconds to read through the article. Put in a nutshell, these are the main points sans the explanation -

• XML is for structuring data
• XML looks a bit like HTML
• XML is text, but isn’t meant to be read
• XML is verbose by design
• XML is a family of technologies
• XML is new, but not that new
• XML leads HTML to XHTML
• XML is modular
• XML is the basis for RDF and the semantic web
• XML is license-free, platform-independent and well supported.