What does the acronym XML stand for in coding?

The acronym XML stands for eXtensible Markup Language. This terminology reflects the language's primary purpose and design, which is to facilitate the creation of custom markup languages. Unlike other markup languages, which might have predefined tags and structures, XML allows users to define their own tags and document structure. This extensibility makes it highly adaptable for various applications, including data storage, transmission, and formatting.

Understanding XML's capabilities is crucial for tasks involving data interchange between systems and applications, especially in web services and APIs. It serves as a backbone for many modern technologies by providing a flexible way to handle structured data. This adaptability and user-defined nature differentiate XML from other markup languages, making it a core concept for those studying programming and data management.