Learn About Key E-commerce Trends and Technologies at Your Own Pace.This tutorial provides information about basic XML concepts. It should be used as a pre- requisite to understanding what XML is, and how XML is developing to meet the need of providing electronic commerce solutions. It is only the beginning. This tutorial will introduce terms and concepts that you will find necessary to form an awareness of XML. Future modules will build upon this knowledge, allowing you to create, read and interpret XML documents.

The best way to use this tutorial is to read through a module and its sub-topics, though not necessarily at one sitting. This tutorial does build on information presented in earlier modules, but individual sub-topics can be used as reference outside of the linear progres- sion of the course. You will find self-checks at the end of each module so you can evalu- ate your understanding of the material. Tutorial Objectives After completing this tutorial, you should be able to discuss: • What is XML • How and why XML was developed • What is the basic structure of an XML document • How XML documents are read • What are the components of an XML application • How XML may be used in providing electronic commerce solutions