A Friendly Approach to XML - The Disadvantages of XML

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 For XML

  • 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 - XAML Windows Presentation Foundation

    • XAML Silverlight - Used for Rich Internet Applications 

    • XAML WF - XAML Windows Workflow Foundation

    • XPS - XML Paper Specification

Next: What You Can Do with XML >>
 

More XML Tutorials Articles
More By James Payne