Summary

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This discussion of XML's core syntax and extension only scratches the surface of what remains an emerging technology. The best way to track XML's rapid evolution is to closely monitor the XML activity at the W3C, http://www.w3.org/XML/. The implications of XML are enormous . Just as a metadata definition language, XML has some wonderful uses for extending the Web. Languages such as WML, RSS, SOAP, and SVG show how XML can be used. Other languages certainly are possible, including markup to help search engines to more accurately index Web pages. Like many new, hot technologies, XML will go through a "hype phase" that suggests it is good for everything. However, at least in the short term , XML will augment HTML and address its weaknesses rather than replace it outright . Just as Windows relied on DOS and did not quickly supplant it, the market-driven nature of Web technologies in conjunction with the existing heavy investment in HTML-based information probably will spur an XML evolution rather than XML revolution.

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