What is XML?
XML (eXtensible Markup Language), is another markup language like HTML (what this website is created with). It does not style content though, as it stores and transports data as plain text. XML language acts as a carrier only which makes it much easier for different devices such as mobile phones, tablets and reader assist technologies to load the content quickly. XML language also talks more effectively with search engines which gives our shop more exposure.
Future Upgrades:
EJ’s Cake Shop aims to make minimal changes to our site content with the upgrade of XML. We want to retain our original site style and structure. We will however be introducing a blog to our site in which we will post details of our ‘cake of the week’ (a cake we have made that week). It will be an inspirational blog for our customers and we will ensure it has an xml based RSS feed to keep audience updated, should they so wish.
We will also be using XML to build upon our current html and create a mobile version of our site that will ensure greater accessibility for those who use smart phone or tablets.
Disadvantages/Advantages:
The disadvantages for re-coding our site in XML are, obviously, the initial staff time needed to rewrite the site, the fact that XML is strict and any error in the coding will cause our web pages to not load properly, and the fact that at the moment browser support is limited for XML and some older versions do not work at all. The advantages though will mean that once the site is rewritten, it will be easier to update in the future, our site will be more accessible to users of all abilities and will be better suited for current and future technologies.
References:
Felke-Morris, T. (2013). Web development & design foundations with HTML5, 6th ed., Boston: Pearson.
W3School. (n.d.) Introduction to XML. W3School.com. Accessed: May 15, 2013, From: http://www.w3schools.com/xml/xml_whatis.asp
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