What is the Difference Between HTML and XML?

 What is the Difference Between HTML and XML?

Do you feel confused between the two popular concepts of programming, HTML and XML? Most of the individuals are facing the same issue! They are markup languages but offer different functionality and serve distinct purposes.

If you aim to design stunning web pages, then HTML is perfect for you. On the other hand, if your goal is to save and arrange vital data, then XML is your saviour. 

In this article, I will shed some light on the difference between HTML and XML, defining these concepts and their exclusive features. From major purpose to data types, what are the areas of differences, and how these two tags are different from each other, all will be covered here.

If you are seeking more knowledge of HTML and XML, you should join the Full-Stack Web Development Course ASAP. 

The below-mentioned differences between HTML and XML will guide you through your web development journey further. Let’s get started with knowing the concepts of HTML and XML tags first.

Difference Between HTML and XML: At a Glance

Introduction to HTML

HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language. This is the most basic programming language for responsive and dynamic web applications. It assists browsers in knowing the hidden content of a website and what it will display further. 

HTML develops a stunning webpage with the integration of clean and clear tags. Headlines, images, content, links, meta descriptions, and more are all defined through these specific HTML tags! Browsers highlight the webpage perfectly once they decode these HTML tags.

HTML is simpler to master and has various benefits for developing web pages and applications. It makes sure of CSS and JavaScript to produce the newest web pages.

You must know more about HTML, no matter what expertise level or technical skills you possess. It boosts the development of user-intuitive and highly optimized web applications. 

Features of HTML

There are some key features of HTML, and I have tried to mention them below; 

#1. Semantic Elements: Semantic elements like <article>, <header>, and <footer> are offered with HTML. The content is important due to these stunning elements. They make it simpler for programmers and search engines to figure out the structure of a webpage. 

#2. Platform Independence: HTML is accessible with all devices and operating systems. A webpage displays the same whether on a desktop, smartphone or tablet. All you require is a web browser to access the HTML pages. 

#3. Geolocation API: The Geolocation API of HTML allows websites to figure out users' location. This enables the delivery of location-based services like detailed weather reports,  maps, navigational information and nearby store suggestions. 

#4. Easy Accessibility: The easy-of-access features such as screen readers, and keyboard navigation are offered by HTML. This makes it simpler for users with physical impairment to use and access the website fully. With the application of the right tags, the web has become highly accessible. 

#5. Multimedia Support: There is no additional demand for different plugins to support videos, images and audio due to the multimedia support feature of HTML. To add multimedia content, you must use elements such as <image>, <audio>, and <video>. Websites are becoming highly interactive with this element. 

#6. Responsive Design: With the integration of CSS, HTML helps in creating responsive designs. Websites are becoming flexible in adapting to different screen sizes. The overall user experience will be enhanced on smartphones, tablets, and desktops. 

Introduction to XML

The term XML stands for Extensible Markup Language. Data is structured and saved with the help of XML. XML has little control over the look of data, in comparison to HTML. Instead of this, it highlights data structures and transport.

Both humans and devices can easily read XML language. It highlights data with the application of custom tags.  For example, <name>Melissa</name> saves the name. 

Web services, various applications, and databases all make effective use of XML. It allows the easy sharing of data among different systems.

XML is beneficial for data storage, easy file configuration, and APIs as it is organized and dynamic. It promotes the easy sharing and arrangement of vital information.

Features of XML

There are some key features of XML, and I have tried to illustrate them below; 

#1. Simplicity: It is simple to read and understand the programming language XML. It saves data in an organized way by integrating simple and clear tags. XML files can be analyzed by both machines and individuals without any errors.

#2. Extensible: Users can create custom tags per their demands with the help of XML programming language. As compared to HTML, there are no exact predefined tags. XML can be employed for a wide range of data sharing and storage purposes due to this specific feature.

#3. Unicode Support: XML can allow data in multiple languages due to its Unicode integration feature. It is highly beneficial for global applications that need the sharing and saving of multilingual information.

#4. Easy Data Sharing: XML enables data sharing over different platforms and systems. It is highly recommended for online databases, services, and software integration due to its compatibility with various web applications and devices.

#5. Allows XML Validation: Two different ways of data validation are allowed by XML, including XSD or XML Schema definition and DTD or Document Type Definition. With this feature, errors in storage and transmission are restricted, and vital information is ensured to follow the right data structure. 

Key Difference Between HTML and XML

Given below are the major differences between HTML and XML and I have tried to cover them in simple and easy terms. Let’s get going;

1. Purpose 

Web pages are developed and presented with the proper application of HTML. It promotes the arrangement of text, links, and graphics. It addresses the appearance of vital information on a webpage. The purpose is seen as one prime difference between HTML and XML. 

On the contrary, data is saved and shared with the application of XML. It ensures that data is well-arranged and simply transferable among other devices, but it will not be able to address how those data appear. 

2. Case-sensitivity

Case sensitivity is not offered with HTML. The web browser will continue to detect tags written in upper case, mixed case and lower case. One most prominent example is <TITLE> and <Title>, conveying the same meaning. 

On the other hand, XML is case-sensitive. Hence, if you type <data> and <DATA> here, they offer different meanings. As an outcome, XML has a more complex standard than HTML. It is seen as one dynamic difference between HTML and XML. 

3. Language Type

Web pages are developed using the proper application of the popular markup language, HTML. Its main aim is to highlight the content in web browsers. HTML is a static language, while XML is a dynamic language. 

On the contrary, XML is a dynamic data format that is more than a markup language for appearance. It enables structured data arrangement and retrievaically defines the data clearly rather than how it should appear.

4. Data Interchange 

Data transfer is not the goal of HTML. Its major aim is to highlight the content to users. Data is not saved or transferred correctly by it. 

Data transfer between different platforms and web applications is the key application of XML. It is highly beneficial for software connectivity as it allows devices to transfer structured data in a standard format. It is considered as one prime difference between HTML and XML. 

5. Framework

HTML performs well inside a set structure. It consists of prefined tags that represent how a webpage must appear, like <h1> <p> and <table>. There are no set tags in the markup language XML. 

Instead, individuals generate their unique tags to their needs. Due to this feature, XML is highly flexible than HTML, which is limited by a set of regulations and norms.

6. Data Types

Data types are not the major focus of HTML. It usually highlights the way that content appears in a web browser. As XML is employed to maintain and indicate structured data, it integrates with various data types. Because it ensures that data is accurately defined and given, APIs and different databases can benefit from it.

7. Namespace Support

Namespaces are not supported by HTML. All the specific components are detected without having the requirement of category specification. It is viewed as one major difference between HTML and XML. 

On the other hand, Namespave is supported in XML to avoid issues when blending data from various sources. It is beneficial when a user combines various XML documents or performs under challenging data structures. 

8. White Spaces

Tabs, extra white spaces, and new lines are overlooked by HTML. In line with web browser norms, it automatically adjusts the spacing. All white spaces, such as new lines, tabs, and spaces, remain the same in XML. For perfectly arranged data, where spacing will get the importance, this is highly recommended.

9. Quotation Marks

It can be done by writing different attributes in HTML without or with quotation marks. For example, <input type= “image”> and <input type= “image> are both allowed. Double or single quotation tags should be applied to define various attributes in XML. It might read <name= “Harry”> instead of <name= Harry>. It is counted as one major difference between HTML and XML. 

10. Data Storage and Transfer

Data will not be saved or placed with the help of HTML. Its only function is to appear as content. Data is often saved and shared over various systems with the application of XML. 

Applications, databases, and web services all employ XML to transfer data in an arranged and optimized manner.

11. Validation

Precise verification is not essential in HTML. Web browsers continue to display web content accurately, even if small issues exist. XML requires to be fully validated and checked. 

The whole file might fail to open once if any issue is detected. This boosts the consistency of XML for organized data. 

12. Tags

HTML integrates already defined tags such as <table>, <h1>, and <p>. You will not be able to make new tags in HTML. XML enables users to determine their specific tags. Therefore, XML is highly adaptable due to the creation functionality as per user demands. This is one major difference between HTML and XML. 

13. Document Type

HTML is similar to HTML5 and XHTML as it strictly follows a document structure. There is no predefined structure for XML. Based on the needs of the web application, there are different ways to apply it. 

XML vs HTML: Which One is Better? 

Both programming languages offer different sanctions and serve separate purposes. If you want to design stunning web pages, then HTML is highly recommended. It assists you in displaying images, texts, and other multimedia files. On the contrary, if you aim to store and organize data, then XML is the best choice. It has nothing to do with the appearance of content. 

For developers looking to make a website, HTML is the best option. For storing and sharing data, XML is recommended. Both the programming languages are independent of each other. Which one to pick depends on your requirements. 

Final Thoughts, 

In summary, the information above shows the exclusiveness of HTML and XML, which are widely used to make responsive and highly interactive websites. These two programming languages are different from each other and are employed for individual purposes. 

I hope I have successfully highlighted the difference between HTML and XML in this blog post. This will help you on your development journey, write code, and build robust and responsive websites. I have also discussed their concept above, along with their exclusive features. 

Start your website development journey with a comprehensive understanding of HTML and XML and boost the readability of your code than before. 

Are you looking for any practical guidance or professional assistance? The Certification program on the Full-Stack Web Development Course will quench your thirst for development needs. You can also check the full course brochure at W3 Web School. 

Happy Reading.