Is XML overhyped?

I think that XML is overhyped

[haryanto]

I am not trying to put down XML in any way but I am trying to start an active discussion about this topic.

I am just wondering why use XML, particularly in web services, when everything that can be represented by good old serialized array other than XML being more readable?

With SOAP adding more and more complicated "features", XML is starting to get a little more unreadable.
XML-RPC is one of the cleaner ones left behind.

[mack]

My guess is xml and rss will be arouhd for quite a long time to come. The biggest advantage I can see is the ability to make info available in a format that can be used by all sorts of devices.

From a web services point of view I think the main reason for it's rise to fame, is it's simplicity, almost anyone who spends a few hrs reading up on it can make use of it, both from a publishing and syndication point of view.

Mack.

[dmorison]

Is XML overhyped?

Yes. Big time - to the extent that it ends up being used inappropriately where all it causes is a completely unnecessary processing overhead.

I remember visiting World Travel Market in London last year - a massive travel industry trade fair attracting a mainly non-technical delegation. There was an exhibtor there promoting their hotel distribution software; and the center-piece of their stand was a giant illuminated "XML" about 20 feet high. If that isn't a direct result of over-hyping then nothing is.

Used properly; it is an excellent tool and has many benefits - I've made use of it in all sorts of ways - in particular the XML + XSLT application for separation of data and presentation.

Dangerous stuff in the wrong hands though ;)