XML allows the creation of new tags that specify style AND content.
XML allows the creation of arbitrary tags, though many applications will become
more useful and more powerful as standards evolve. The power of XML is that it
can marry the form of the tag to the content of the document. It allows a typical
HTML page to include database like information or cues that can be retrieved. When
used on searchable content, e.g. I like <moviedirector>Ridley Scott</moviedirector>,
it gives the possibility that a visitor could search articles on movie directors
if you give them the search tools to do it. It also allows you to specify the style
for the tag <moviedirector> so it’s display is consistent. While HTML can
perform the styling function with CSS, XML allows not only the display but a
description of the content allowing database like tools to be used on the document
and searches to be run more effectively.F
XML should permit easy price comparisons across the web.
One important application is in ecommerce. If a new standard is applied across
the internet then it would be possible for a website to post its product prices
like so <USdollars>5.00</USdollars> <EUeuro>3.50</EUeuro>
and it is now possible for the site to query the visitors browser for their location.
If the visitor is from the US, the price appears customized in dollars, and if the
visitor is from Europe, the price appears in euro. All behind the scenes where the
visitor doesn’t have to do anything. Even more exciting, the possibility is opened
that a web wide standard would allow the easy comparison of similar products of any
category, from different websites, all by performing a simple
search.F
XML should permit webpage display to be specific to different devices (mobile, desktop, cell phone, etc.)
Another important application applies to new technologies, especially mobile and
handheld devices with limited display capabilities. Again, with the proper evolution
of web wide standards, it will be possible to write one page marked up with XML to
indicate how to display the page for a cell phone vs. a handheld device vs. a PC,
etc. The visitor does nothing while their browser works out the proper display
with the website.F
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