XML & Schema

What is XML?

XML, eXtensible Markup Language, is a cousin of HTML. Derived from SGML, XML is designed to be more accessible. It is a format for writing documents and program code. Like HTML, it uses tags enclosed with "<" and ">" to denote the position and function of the text contained inside it. Unlike HTML, there is no one standard set of tags for XML. Every XML document refers to a "Schema" or "DTD" which defines which tags can be used, where they can be used, and how many times. A schema can be specifically customized to the type of document needed or generalised for a range of documents.

After the XML document is completed, any program that reads it will show the code tags and content together which can be confusing (similar to if you viewed this page in its source code format). To solve this problem, XSL is used; these are stylesheets which read the XML and convert it into another format for distribution or publication (eg. PDF, MS Word, HTML, etc.)

Me and XML

I have experience at using software tools that help me create Schema, XML and XSL documents and produce other documents from them. XML format is most useful for translation as translation software can read the tags in an XML document and separate the content from the code which allows the translated document to be produced in the exact same format as the source.

If you are interested in having a document transferred into XML, need a Schema, or for other XML-related queries, please send an e-mail to web@redthorpe.co.uk for more information.
If you would like an XML document translated into another language, please send am e-mail to translation@redthorpe.co.uk with the details.