Extensible Markup Language (XML)
So, answering what is XML, briefly and comprehensively, based on industry standards and accepted terminology, definitions both published and online, it is an accepted, standardized, text-based, document format. It is used for storing application-readable information. Thus, a computer processing standard.
XML can store any type of data (docs, pics, binary files, databases, information etc.). Versatile and highly adaptable. Reading and writing XML is easy in the .NET programming and development context. A staple of sorts. Object conversion, storage, transfer and retrieval enabler, built-in and custom-possible, it is a useful tool in the toolkit.
It is used for greater inter-operability, administrator-friendly, forward-thinking, for use across platforms, conforming to schemas, or exercising more object encoding control. (draw-backs: public data and no graphics processing).
XML SoapFormatter (see elsewhere), serialization tool for example provides increased reliability and efficiencies for across-network-type applications, or non-.NET Framework applications. It is the most flexible programming language to use for across platform type applications and inter-operability, compatibility and scope or range-use.
Key Exam Points
- use XML for better and more compatibility, inter-operability, flexibility, future-generation functioning.
- Review chapter, content and references on custom, XML, Serialization, for objects, files and streams, choosing between binary, XML, SOAP and custom serialization, why and how to use it for both serialization/de-serialization of objects, classes, controls and conformity, using XML (what, when, where, why, how, (NOT!). System.XML.Serialization namespace dynamics, tools and processes. Creating classes that can be used for XML-serialization, schemas, controls and attributes, both theory and their applications. You can always recognize these XML by the brackets used, (not to be confused with Use in VB, C#, attributes). Master the XMLWriter and XMLSerializer.
- For the exam study examples for XML serialization, schemas, code, programming, contexts, applications and scenarios, that help you to gain a better understanding of its use, possibilities, benefits, risks, down-sides (if any).
- Take the practice test and exam questions (Q&A, with solutions/answers, application-work-labs)
Related Terms
SOAPFormatter, BinaryFormatter, Serialization, Deserialization.
This article is based on the 2nd edition of the Microsoft .Net Framework Application Training Kit with the purpose to help 70-536 Exam takers to succeed. I constantly look for ways to improve the content. Please leave a comment about this article or drop me a message if you would like to see changes for this site.
