So, you want to learn XML, huh? Well, you picked the right language, because XML is probably the most used non-compiled (not used for programs) language. Why? Because it is both extremely easy to use and extremely versitile. In any situation which involves data (or some that don’t) you can easily use XML. Of course, you often need to use another language to display it.
That’s the great thing about XML. It’s so versitile, it can even be used to create other languages. For instance, XSLT, which is used to convert XML to other data types (especially HTML) is actually a set of XML tags (more on that later) which are defined in a schema (later on as well). XHTML, which is the newer version of HTML, is also just XML tags. So why not learn it?
Another great thing about XML is that you don’t really need anything to create it. All you need is a simple text editor. Windows users know it as Notepad. You’ll find it under Accessories in your start menu.
If you want to create XML with a little more ease, though, you should get an XML editor. I personally used to use Microsoft Visual Studio .NET, which I got for Visual Basic .NET, but also has a great XML editor. However, since that has a $1000 price tag (I got it for $90 with academic pricing), most people won’t be using that. To find some other ones, just do a Google search for “XML Editor” or something like that. You’ll eventually find a good one, although you won’t be able to tell if it’s good until you learn how to write XML.
However, most “hardcore” XML writers still use Notpad (just like hardcore HTML people use Notepad) because of it’s simplicity. I personally use notepad. Just so you don’t get confused, you should probably start writing XML using Notepad.
Of course, that will allow you to make XML files, but not view them. For that, you’ll need Microsoft Internet Explorer 6, and perferably SP1 (or higher, once they release more service packs). Sorry Win95 users, I know that leaves you out, but you really do need it! Another browser, such as Netscape or Mozilla, will work as well, but I haven’t tested anything in them, so no promises.
The last thing you’ll need is an XML parser (interpreter). I recommend MSXML4 SP2, since it is the standard parser. You don’t HAVE to get it (the parser included with IE6 should work), but it’s a good idea, and will make things run faster.
Okay, you finally have all of your materials ready. Let’s get to work.