XML Feeds
XML is eXtensible Markup Language.
It is a universally accepted general purpose way of defining and exchanging data. It is not platform dependent. It does not matter what database or computer system the information is stored on or transferred between. Like HTML it is a way to define data, so that it can be used by many different systems.
How to use XML
XML is an information format. It is up to the website or database owner to develop a way to use the data defined in the XML file and to decide how they will store the information in their own database or on their system. Often shopping cart systems or web portal systems will have a module which will allow the use of xml imports. Sometimes a shopping cart system will need to develop a script or program in the programming language of their choice which will read the xml file, parse it (match the info to their own needs) and then insert the data into their own database.
If your shopping cart system does not have a way to import xml, you may need a programmer to build a program for you to import the data. There is third party software which will allow you to change the format of the xml file. Perhaps one of these will transform the xml file into another format which you can import.
Why use XML?
- It is self documenting, so it describes the data and field names for the data stored with it.
- It has strict syntax requirements, which make coding for it very simple, consistent and efficient.
- It is based upon international standards.
- It is widely used.
- It is hierarchical, making it perfect for storing repetitive similar information (a database table or tables)
- It is platform independent, thus immune to changes in technology
- It is forward and backward compatible so easy to maintain
- Extensive software is available and components are built into almost all programming languages available today.
- XML in some form has been in use since 1980. The current incarnation was ratified by the WWW Consortium 10 years ago.
- It is universal.
Opting for XML for data exchange is a bit like choosing SQL for databases: you still have to build your own database and your own programs and procedures that manipulate it, but there are many tools available and many people who can help you. And since XML is license-free, you can build your own software around it without paying anybody anything. The large and growing support means that you are also not tied to a single vendor. Even Microsoft uses it for their newest Office suite of products.
More information and Resources on XML
Wikipedia definition: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XML
W3 Schools XML Tutorial http://www.w3schools.com/xml
W3C XML Homepage http://www.w3.org/XML/
IBM’s “New to XML” page http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/xml/newto/
O’Reilly XML Information - http://xml.com/
PHP’s XML Parser - http://us3.php.net/xml
Support
Per request we can provide an XML feed for all our wholesale products, at this time we do not offer support for this service. Please contact a specialist or one of the above resources for help in integrating it into your store.
