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# System prepended metadata

title: 'XML, XHTML, and HTML'

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**Understanding the Differences Between XML, XHTML, and HTML**

*When creating or managing websites or data, you might come across XML, XHTML, and HTML. They may look similar, but they have different uses and rules. Let me explain them in a simple way with examples.*

**1. XML (eXtensible Markup Language**

What is it? XML is used to store and transport data. It doesn’t display data like a webpage but helps organize it in a readable way.

Key Points:

* You can create your own tags.
* It follows strict rules.
* It’s mainly for data storage and sharing.

Example:
![Screenshot from 2025-01-19 12-39-01](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/ryYyrDcw1l.png)

*This is just a way to store information about books.*


**2. XHTML (eXtensible HyperText Markup Language)**

What is it? XHTML is a mix of HTML and XML. It’s like HTML but with stricter rules (like XML).

Key Points:

* Tags must be properly closed.
* Use lowercase for everything.
* Pages must follow the rules, or they won’t work.

Example:

![Screenshot from 2025-01-19 12-43-48](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/r1XcSv9P1g.png)

*Notice the img tag is closed and everything is lowercase.*


**3. HTML (HyperText Markup Language)**

What is it? HTML is used to design and structure web pages. It’s easier and less strict than XHTML.

Key Points:

* Tags don’t have to be closed (but it’s good practice to do so).
* It’s not case-sensitive.
* Used to create content on websites.

Examples: 

![Screenshot from 2025-01-19 12-51-25](https://hackmd.io/_uploads/ByCPDD9Dyl.png)

*This is simpler because img doesn’t need the closing slash.*


**When to Use Them**

* XML: When you need to store or send data (e.g., APIs, config files).

* XHTML: When you want a webpage that follows strict rules.

* HTML: For most websites because it’s simple and flexible.