XML Upgrade Plan (Print Version Available)
Why is XML Required?
As the internet has grown so has the size of the language that is used to compose websites. Although Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) is adequate for the the designing of websites the amounts of code that are developed by individual web designers, if left unchecked, would be unweildy and impossible to document. Essentially, the content of a site using HTML alone is indistinguishable from its structure. As a consequence, to design a website you would need to know a vast amount of content code as well as structural code
Extensible Markup Language (XML) has been designed to avoid this issue so that standard information formats can be produced that promote simplicity and usability. XML is a syntax that specifies the form of presentation of data. What's more it is flexible enough to allow individual designers to create their own tags or elements that are arranged by a standard structural code. (Felke-Morris: 2009;33)
Another issue is the development and amazing popular of mobile technologies for accessing the internet. The programmes originally developed for HTML allow many errors. Therefore, if this situation were permitted to continue the processing power required to find and correct errors would be beyond smaller mobile devices and make internet access impossible.(Felke-Morris: 2009;42)
How will XML be Implemented?
XML is not replacing HTML, but it is the keystone in the re-formulation of HTML as Extensible Hypertext Markup Language (XHTML). This means that all websites accessible previously are still available to XHTML and the change to the new language is a "bridge" between old and new.(Felke-Morris: 2009;43) The added bonus of XML syntax is that as new technologies arise, new tags can be coded for perhaps as yet unknown capabilities.
What sections of this ste will be affected?
The current site follows XHTML, but in further upgrades several issues would arise. The use of multimedia would require attention. Particularly, Flash images which as yet do not completely follow XML format rules. Also, standardisation of some of the tags used on the site will have to be streamlined to pass validation testing. Moreover, improvements in XML will facilitate web browser searching of the site. Lastly, changes will need to be made for accessibilty and display on mobile devices as the format is designed for larger screen resolutions.
What will be the Advantages and Disadvantages of XML inclusion?
The good points for XML are that it allows easier editing by use of external Cascading Style Sheets (CSS). Changes can be made to a single document rather than all pages on the site. Disadvantages arise due to the fact that not all web browsers support XML code, and seaching of the sites by some browsers will not be effective.
References
Felke-Morris, T. Web Development and Design Foundations with XHTML. 5th Ed. Boston. Pearson, 2010.