Many times while browsing the internet you come across ‘MSXML’ on various websites. You may wonder, what exactly is this referring to? MSMXL refers to a group of software and support for XML-based applications in computers and on the internet. You must be wondering now what XML is. XML is a type of language used in programming for structuring, saving and transmitting data. The two terms can be confused with each other so its best to properly define what each is and what it does.

XML is similar to Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) in appearance but they are different in terms of their functions. XML works to organize the document in order that the computer recognizes exactly what the user wants. It is one of the easiest languages to learn in programming since the tags that are used are not predefined. As a matter of fact, XML allows you to create your own tags. On the other hand, HTML concentrates on the appearance of the document like the colour, size and so on. The tags are also standard.

MSXML is also known as Microsoft XML core services. MSXML combines XML with other languages used in programming such as JavaScript, HTML, c++ and a lot more. The tags used in MSXML are predefined therefore persons do not have to make any guesses and as a result, the likelihood of errors is significantly reduced. MSXML makes it easy to load documents without having to type in complex codes. The program makes it easy by allowing users to drag and drop any XML document into an open browser and since XML is a text document then it should be read easily using any program that handles normal text.

There have been various versions of MSXML, version 6.0 being the latest version. The earliest versions, specifically versions 1, 2.0a, 2.5 and 2.6 are no longer used. Version 3.0 is the chief version and is included with the later versions. After version 3.0, 4.0 was designed as an attempt to improve and probably replace version 3.0. However, this did not materialize because version 3.0 consisted of numerous features that were not necessary to replace. Version 5.0 was introduced and it works along with versions 3.0 and 4.0 to maximize performance. It was created specifically for Microsoft Office Applications. Yet another version, version 6.0 was introduced and the purpose of it was to add support for Microsoft SQL server 2005, Visual studio 2005, Net Framework 3.0, Windows Vista and Windows XP SP3. It was made to work in collaboration with version 3.0.

MSXML is simple to use but still it can be very confusing. However, for assistance, there is an integrated help function to assist users to use it efficiently. There are tutorials available on the internet on several websites to provide users with assistance on how to use MSXML. However, if you are a beginner, you might find the tutorial a bit complicated at first but after a while you should be able to use it and understand it efficiently.