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XML format rules

Tag-based markup format used by feeds, sitemaps, SVG, and enterprise APIs.

Format rules

  • One root element
  • Tags must close
  • Attributes quoted

Valid example

<root><item id="1"/></root>

Invalid example

<root><item></root>

Common errors

  • Assuming XML accepts syntax from a similar format
  • Using the wrong encoding or line ending
  • Copying invisible characters from rich text
  • Testing only the happy path and not parser errors

Online validation and conversion

Compared with nearby formats

XML should be chosen for the parser and ecosystem that will consume it. Prefer strict formats for APIs, human-friendly formats for ops config, and signed formats only when verification is required.