XML namespaces provide a simple method of qualifying element and attribute names to avoid possible collisions between tag sets when more than one tag set is used within a document. XML schema allows additional constraints to be applied to elements and attributes. XML schema enables an element to be defined as a numeric or date type. This is not the complete list, and new specifications are continuously being defined. Programs use the APIs provided with DOM to view or manipulate the document.
Parsers are widely available and can be downloaded from the Web.
Once a vocabulary is agreed upon, it can be used on the Internet to transport documents between business partners. By using parsers, companies can accept and process XML documents either for viewing or as input to their business processes. This provides an economical way for smaller businesses to enter the EDI-type environment. Vocabularies are being defined and used within the marketplace today. Many industries that did not have established EDI standards are creating XML vocabularies to fit their needs.