How to use .xml files

.xml is the standard when transferring data between two systems and can be read by humans and machines alike. Although you can use a standard text editor to open a .xml file, in certain circumstances, it is easier if you use a professional tool

The .xml file extension stands for Extensible Markup Language. When using this format, data is saved so that it can be read by both humans and machines. A .xml file is a text-based document that is compatible with the majority of text editors. In many instances, a .xml file is similar to .html. Both use tags that are surrounded by brackets and both are used to transfer data between computer systems. In a .xml file, tags can be freely edited. Over time, this file format has become the standard format for transferring data between two systems.

The big advantage of a .xml file is its flexibility. Specifications can be defined and kept within the data itself. .xml files can be expanded and used for other things such as creating a sitemap.xml, RSS-Feeds, SVG or other memory formats like ODF. This file format is advantageous because it takes up little memory, can be safely used and can be restored relatively easily. Learning how to use this file format is also simple, which leads to fewer errors. On top of that, porting the format doesn’t take much effort, allowing you to easily open .xml files in different programs.

The easiest way to open a .xml file is with a standard text editor. Although the files are formatted in a way that computers can read, when you look more closely, you can see that they're simple text documents that have clear and easy-to-understand syntax. The tags ensure that the values and prompts can be created and edited in text form. With a .xml file, tags can be contained within one another or have different parameters. This forms a hierarchy which can also be understood by a computer. Below we’ll explain how you can use a simple text editor to open and edit a .xml file.

1. First, open the folder containing the .xml file and right click on the file.
2. In the .xml file’s drop-down menu, select “Open with” and choose the text editor you want to use. If the text editor you want to use isn’t displayed, you can also search for it.
3. After selecting a text editor, your .xml file will open, and you can make changes. When you are done editing, make sure to save the changes you’ve made.

While you can use a standard text editor to open a .xml file, it’s best to work with a code editor if you plan on working with this format a lot. These will actively support you when writing syntax and help ensure that the formatting is correct. They also provide additional features, which can be useful. For quick access or changes, you can also use programs in your operating system. The following tools can be used to open a .xml file:

• Adobe Acrobat
• Adobe InDesign
• Bare Bones BBEdit
• Eclipse
• gedit
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Notepad
• Nuance OmniPage
• Progress Stylus Studio
• Sublime Text
• SynchRO Soft oXygen XML Editor
• Thomson Reuters EndNote