Chapter 1: Why XML? OVERVIEW............................................................ Extensible Markup Language (XML) did not simply emerge because it was neat stuff. In 1996 within the Worldwide Web Consortium (W3C) decided that Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) was the best starting point for a simplified methodology of serious Internet information exchange. The company representatives were explicit in stating XML's reason for being. And the agenda for developing XML was clear. The W3C goals for XML represent a strong business case for XML, and the dominance of the Web is yet a further motivation. The Need for XML The title of this book might well have been Why XML? The second unit (Core Tech- nologies) presents a value proposition for each major piece of the XML specifica- tion. Each of these XML technologies demonstrates that it now makes sound business sense. So that makes XML worth your serious consideration. But even before the technologies and before the release of the W3C's first draft of the specification, a large body of electronic information players not only envisioned a need for XML, they felt it. Section 1.1 of the initial draft has proven to be a consis- tent restatement of that need felt by the entire XML community. W3C AGENDA FOR XML ........................................ The original XML Working Group W3C in November 1996 drafted a 10-item list of goals for XML.  They are all cast as imperatives: shall be, should be, is to be. So perhaps we should refer to them as the X Commandments. That list is part of the actual XML specification. They Said It... Through thy Idealo! the immortal Reality! Through thy Realitylo! the immortal Idea! Walt Whitman: As a Strong Bird on Pinions Free (Leaves of Grass)