XML
XML (Extensible Markup Language) is a structured, tag-based text format for representing and exchanging data in a way that is both machine- and human-readable. Data is wrapped in nested, named elements (tags), giving it a self-describing structure that can be validated against a defined schema.
XML was for years the standard format for data exchange and web services, and it remains widely used in logistics and trade — in many industry data standards, customs and government filings, older web services (SOAP), and XML-based EDI (for example some carrier and customs message formats). Its strengths are rigour, validation and expressiveness; its drawback, compared with JSON, is that it is more verbose and heavier to process, which is why JSON has overtaken it for most modern REST APIs. In practice, integrating logistics systems often means handling both — JSON for newer APIs and XML for established standards, customs interfaces and legacy connections. XML is an important format to understand for data exchange and system integration across the mix of old and new interfaces in freight and trade. It remains a foundational technology in enterprise data.
Even as JSON took over new APIs, XML persists everywhere in trade — customs filings, government interfaces, SOAP services and XML-based EDI — so real-world integration means handling both. Its rigour and validation keep it entrenched in established standards. Understanding XML is essential to connecting the mix of modern and legacy interfaces that logistics systems must talk to.
How does XML differ from JSON?
XML is tag-based, self-describing and strongly validated but verbose; JSON is lighter and simpler, which is why JSON dominates modern APIs while XML persists in standards and legacy systems.
Where is XML still used in logistics?
In many data standards, customs and government filings, SOAP web services and XML-based EDI message formats.