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Well-Formed XML

Introduction

XML is designed to conform to authors' needs, allowing Web documents a much greater level of structural and stylistic customization than has been traditionally allowed with HTML. XML is the result of an effort to make it possible to distribute Standard Generalized Markup Language documents over the Web. It is designed as a very small subset of SGML and fulfils the goals of the project. XML documents can be easily distributed and displayed on the Web, as can SGML documents that are made to conform with the XML subset. Independent of this goal, XML offers HTML developers, uninterested in the merits of SGML, a chance to customize and add proprietary elements to HTML. XML does not simply cater to Web authors but to anyone interested in publishing. XSL and DSSSL processors, such as XT and Jade, are used to convert XML documents to print and Web formats in a controlled and predictable manner.

In the well-formed and valid XML tutorials, you will learn how to create well-formed and valid XML documents. The ability to create and use XML documents is not solely held by information professionals but can be easily adopted by amateur Web developers. XML documents need not be complex but can be simple and very effective. The well-formed XML tutorial teaches you how to create well-formed XML documents, which are similar in some ways to HTML, as they allow unconstrained document creation. Valid XML is more involved but comes with its rewards. It requires that you write or borrow a document type definition before writing your documents but provides you with a general structure by which to create them. After completing these tutorials, you should learn how to write stylesheets to view your documents or convert them to print formats, allowing you to distribute your document to a variety of audiences.