A Friendly Approach to XML - The Disadvantages of XML
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Everything has its advantages and disadvantages, and XML is no different. Below is a list of commonly acknowledged disadvantages:
XML is redundant and therefore more bulky than certain binary equivalents of the same data, which can affect storage capacity and processing speed
The hierarchy schemata can be limiting
XML namespaces can be problematic when parsing
A lack of distinction between attributes and content can hinder creating solid data structures
As you can see, the amount of advantages far outweigh the disadvantages, and it is for that reason that XML has taken root so well over the past decade.
Lineage
Before we begin discussing the syntax and methods involved in using XML, I would like to make a brief note about its lineage. Just as SGML spawned the likes of XML, HTML, and XHTML, XML too has given birth to other languages, showcasing its strong foundation and staying power in a world of ever-changing technologies.
XML - EXtensible Markup Language
XSL - EXtensible Stylesheet Language
XSLT - XSL Transformations
XPath
XSL-FO - EXtensible Stylesheet Language Formatting Objects
XQuery
XLink - XML Linking Language
XPointer - XML Pointer Language
XML DTD - XML Document Type Definition
XSD - XML Schema Definition
XML DOM - XML Document Object Model
XForms
WSDL - Web Services Description Language
RDF - Resource Description Framework
RSS - Really Simple Syndication
WAP - Wireless Application Protocol
XHTML - EXtensible HyperText Markup Language
SMIL - Synchronized Multimedia Integration Language
SVG - Scalable Vector Graphics
WML / WMLScript - Wireless Markup Language
XEML - EXEcutable Markup Language
E4X - ECMAScript ForXML
X3D - EXtensible 3D Graphics
XVL - EXtensible Virtual world description Language
xVRML - EXtensible Virtual Reality Modeling Language
3D XML - 3D EXtensible Markup Language
PAD - Portable Application Description
XAML - EXtensible Application Markup Language
XAML WPF - XAMLWindows Presentation Foundation
XAML Silverlight - Used for Rich Internet Applications