XML contains features that aid the process of data transfer. These features include concurrent human and machine readable formatting, the use of Unicode which makes it possible for nearly all information regardless of the human language used to be communicated, the representation of records, lists and tree data structures, a self-documenting format that expounds on structure and field names and values, and a strict syntax requirement that permit even the parsing algorithms to be easily used and understood.
XML offers a format used for document storage and processing. This format is used both on an off line. The benefits of this format include a hierarchical structure that can work with most documents, plain text files, and immunity to new shifts in technology. This format is grounded on international standards and has been in use since 1986.
Although XML carries numerous positive aspects, there are some weaknesses of the language as well. The hierarchical model of representation is beneficial, but can be limited in comparison to the relational model as it offers only a fixed window into the actual information. If overlapping data structures need to be modeled or if XML is being mapped to relational or object oriented paradigms, extra work is required and tedious. XML can be utilized for low amounts of data storage (with particular views concerning for instance the architecture, data, and implementation of the files). When an XML statement is being typed, the order of the strikes of PC keys required is uncomfortable.