By Mohm. Mahbubur Rahman
(12/18/99)

Nearly everyone is talking about XML (Extensible Markup Language) these days. But few understand what it's really all about.

XML's proponents claim it will cure everything that's wrong with HTML and enable the seamless exchange of data between different applications and operating systems. Indeed, most observers agree that XML is poised to cause a revolution in content delivery and exchange. And those of you who get it first will probably benefit the most.

If you've been dying to learn more about XML but have been unable to find the time to dig through all the technical specs and marketing hyperbole, we have the perfect answer: let BUILDER.COM do the digging for you. We've asked and answered the top 20 questions about XML, and while they may not make you an XML expert, we guarantee they'll give you a better appreciation of just what this technology has in store for Web builders.

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� �	1	What is XML?	11	How do OSD and CDF relate to XML?
� �	2	Why is XML important?	12	What about e-commerce and XML?
� �	3	How are SGML, HTML, and XML related?	13	What about style sheets in XML?
� �	4	How will XML be implemented?	14	How does XML improve hyperlinking?
� �	5	What is a Document Type Definition (DTD)?	15	Does XML have a place on servers?
� �	6	What are well-formed and valid documents?	16	Who should learn XML?
� �	7	How do browsers read XML?	17	What XML authoring tools can I use?
� �	8	How does RDF relate to XML?	18	What about internationalization?
� �	9	How will Netscape implement XML in its browser?	19	What's the future of XML?
� �	10	How does Microsoft implement XML in its browser?	20	Where can I learn more about XML?

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�1. What is XML?