Why Use XML?

XML and JSON both accomplish similar tasks, so which should you use?

XML used to be used for the same things that today JSON is primarily used for. Configuration files, HTTP bodies, and other data-transfer can work with either JSON or XML. Personally, I believe that if JSON works, you should favor it over XML. JSON is:

• Lighter-weight
• Easier to read
• Has better support in most programming languages

There are cases where XML might still be better, or maybe even necessary, but that tends to be the exception rather than the rule.