MathML/XML series — Glossary of some XML formats
Peter James Rowlett · MSOR Connections · 2006
An XML format is a particular set of such tags. XML formats exist as international standards or can be created to suit a particular purpose. The meaning of the tags in a particular XML format is agreed on and programs using that XML format should behave consistently. For instance, “para” above might refer to a paragraph of text, a name of a parachuter or a paranormal phenomenon (or anything else, really), depending on the meaning given to it by the creator(s) of the particular XML format. In general, output is best in a recognised format so that it can be viewed by as many users as possible. Custom XML formats can be useful for internal storage and processing.