# HELP ! why / when use XML?

**URL:** <https://forum.kirupa.com/t/help-why-when-use-xml/19657>\
**Category:** Uncategorized\
**Created:** [April 30, 2003, 8:12am UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/help-why-when-use-xml/19657 "2003-04-30T08:12:34Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Stanley](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7ab992/32.png) [@Stanley](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/Stanley)\
**Post date:** [April 30, 2003, 8:12am UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/help-why-when-use-xml/19657/1 "2003-04-30T08:12:34Z")

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Okay people,  
I’ve searched this forum, but non of the posts could clarify this for me. I generally now what XML is about( a sort of content oriented, by custom tags well structured textfile) . But what is the big fuss about? I don’t see why it’s better than using a PHP or ASP script to get data out of a MySql database, or for smaller chunks of data just use an URL encoded txt-file.

Simply put: WHY use xml? And WHEN do you use it?

In what situation do I choose XML because it’s much handier/better/… than the other technologies?

I’ve missed out on something I guess.  
Please help

thanks guys  
Stanley