What does XML stand for?

XML stands for eXtensible Markup Language. It's a versatile markup language that is designed to store and transport data in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable. The term "eXtensible" indicates that XML allows for the creation of custom tags, thereby providing a flexible way to describe any kind of data structure.

XML is widely used for various purposes, such as web services, data storage, and configuration files. Its ability to define complex hierarchies and structures makes it particularly suitable for representing structured data and interchanging information across different systems and platforms. This extensibility is a fundamental characteristic that distinguishes XML from other markup languages, allowing developers to tailor the markup to their specific needs and applications.