XML is text-based ¶

XML refers to extensible markup language

You can use simple XML editors such as notepad to create or edit XML files.

However, when you start using XML, you will soon find that it can edit XML files better using a professional XML editor.

Why not use notepad? ¶

Many developers use notepad to edit XML and HTML documents because the most commonly used operating systems come with notepad and it is easy to use. Personally, I often use notepad to quickly edit some simple HTML, CSS, and XML files.

However, if you use notepad to edit XML, you may soon find a lot of problems.

You cannot determine the type of document you are editing, so it cannot assist you in your work.

Why use the XML editor? ¶

Today, XML is a very important technology, and development projects are using these XML-based technologies:

• Define the structure and data type of XML with XML Schema

• Using XSLT to transform XML data

• Using SOAP to exchange XML data between applications

• Using WSDL to describe network services

• Using RDF to describe network resources

• Using XPath and XQuery to access XML data

• Use SMIL to define graphics

To be able to write error-free XML documents, you need a smart XML editor!

XML Editor ¶

A professional XML editor will help you write error-free XML documents, validate XML against some kind of DTD or schema, and force you to create legitimate XML structures.

The XML editor should have the following capabilities:

• Automatically add an end tag to the start tag

• Force you to write a legitimate XML

• Verify XML against DTD

• Verify XML against Schema

• Colorize the code for your XML syntax