Special Edition Using XML, Second Edition

XML Design Goals

There were a number of design goals that the authors of the XML specification kept in mind as they were designing XML. These goals are designed to keep XML well focused, and to ensure that the standard meets the needs of those who will be using XML in real-world applications. These goals include

• XML shall be straightforwardly usable over the Internet.

  This goal is rooted in the need to adapt SGML for use in conjunction with the World Wide Web. Although the SGML specification doesn't limit uses to traditional publishing or electronic documentation, many have felt that it is too broad and confusing to easily adapt to Internet-related technologies. SGML will always have a place for building complex documents and document sets. However, ...