Why use XML?

XML provides a simple semi-structured data format. Semi-structured means that the data does have some structure, but that structure is not rigid. This provides a large amount of flexibility due to the fact that the database does not have to have a schema designed in advance. You're free to add data with any internal structure as long as it fulfills the rules required by well-formed XML.

This flexibility gives you the capability to evolve your database on the fly during the content creation process. This works because the database behind Syncato is a personal database. You're free to add data in what ever structure you wish and then reuse that data to communicate information to the world however you desire.

XML also has a powerful set of associated technologies, in particular XPath and XSL-T that can be leveraged to easily build powerful applications around the content of the Syncato database. There is a learning curve involved there if you're not already familiar with the technologies, but there is also an entire new realm of power that is opened up to you by doing so. You can use Syncato without learning anything about XPath and XSL-T, you'll just be missing out on the best capabilities of the system.

Posted by Kimbro Staken