HTML vs. XML: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 19, 2023
HTML is for displaying web content, while XML is for carrying data.
Key Differences
HTML, standing for HyperText Markup Language, is the standard markup language for creating web pages and web applications. XML, which stands for eXtensible Markup Language, is a markup language designed to store and transport data. Unlike HTML which focuses on how to present content, XML emphasizes what the content is.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
HTML has a predefined set of tags that dictate the appearance and layout of content on a web page. On the other hand, XML allows users to define their tags, ensuring the data is self-descriptive. The tags in HTML are not flexible, and there is a set way in which they should be used. XML, however, is flexible and can be designed to carry data, not just for web pages but for a multitude of applications.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
HTML is mainly used in web development for building web pages. Its tags are used to structure the content on the web page, integrating texts, images, and other multimedia elements. XML, in contrast, is utilized across various platforms and applications as a way to transport and store data. It doesn't have a specific look or design like HTML, but rather, it describes the data's structure.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Both HTML and XML have similar syntax characteristics, such as the use of tags and attributes. However, HTML is more lenient when it comes to syntax errors, often still rendering the content even with mistakes. XML is strict and will not process files with errors, emphasizing the correctness of the data structure.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Predefined Tags
Yes, specific tags for web content
No, users can define their own tags
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Flexibility
Less flexible, specific to web presentation
Highly flexible, used across various applications
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Error Handling
More lenient with syntax errors
Strict, will not process files with errors
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
HTML and XML Definitions
Html
HTML uses tags to structure and present content.
He added an HTML tag to emphasize the text.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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XML
XML allows users to define their tags.
She created custom XML tags for her application.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Html
HTML is the standard language for creating web pages.
HTML allows designers to structure content on web pages.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
XML
XML stands for eXtensible Markup Language.
He transported data using XML format.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
Html
HTML stands for HyperText Markup Language.
She coded the website using HTML.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
XML
XML is designed to carry and transport data.
XML ensures data integrity during transportation.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
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Html
HTML integrates text, images, and multimedia elements.
She embedded a video using HTML code.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
XML
XML emphasizes data structure over design.
The XML file described the data hierarchy clearly.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Html
HTML provides the visual structure for web browsers.
Browsers interpret HTML to display web content.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
XML
XML requires strict syntax and error handling.
The XML file wouldn't process due to a syntax error.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Html
A markup language used to structure text and multimedia documents and to set up hypertext links between documents, used extensively on the World Wide Web.
Sumera Saeed
Sep 19, 2015
XML
An international standard metalanguage for creating markup languages that structure digital information in a way that allows for the exchange, display, and storage of data independent of proprietary operating systems and hardware devices.
Sumera Saeed
Sep 19, 2015
Html
A set of tags and rules (conforming to SGML) for using them in developing hypertext documents
Sumera Saeed
Sep 19, 2015
FAQs
How does XML differ from HTML in purpose?
XML is designed to carry and transport data, while HTML is for displaying content.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
What is the main purpose of HTML?
HTML is used for creating and displaying web content.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 19, 2023
How does error handling in XML differ from HTML?
XML is strict and won't process files with errors, whereas HTML is more lenient.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
Is HTML strict about syntax errors?
No, HTML is more lenient with syntax errors compared to XML.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
Can XML describe data's appearance?
No, XML focuses on describing data's structure, not its appearance.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Why would one use XML over HTML?
For transporting and storing data in a structured format.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Do both HTML and XML use tags and attributes?
Yes, both languages use tags and attributes in their structure.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Is HTML limited to web applications?
Mostly, as HTML is designed for web content presentation.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
Can I use both HTML and XML together?
Yes, for example, XML can be used to transport data that can be displayed using HTML.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
Which is older, HTML or XML?
HTML is older, originating in the late 1980s, while XML was developed in the late 1990s.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Can I use XML to design websites?
XML is primarily for data, not design. You'd use HTML for web design.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Can I embed multimedia elements using XML?
XML carries data. Multimedia embedding is a function of HTML.
Harlon Moss
Oct 19, 2023
How do web browsers interpret HTML and XML?
Browsers display content using HTML. XML data might be processed or displayed based on its purpose.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 19, 2023
Is XML dependent on a specific platform or software?
No, XML is platform-independent.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Can I use XML for applications other than web?
Yes, XML is versatile and can be used across various platforms and applications.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
Are HTML tags flexible?
No, HTML has a predefined set of tags for web content.
Janet White
Oct 19, 2023
Which is more flexible, HTML or XML?
XML is more flexible as it allows custom tag definitions.
Sara Rehman
Oct 19, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
