Printing Technology XML Information Content Connection Technology

The full name of XML is eXtensible Markup Language, which refers to the language of the language, which is the language of the production language, and an extensible assembly language. It is the successor language of SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language), not the successor language of hypertext HTML (HyperText Markup Language). Just using XML makes no sense, but you cannot exchange information without using XML-produced languages.

XML files can provide bi-directional connectivity and promote standardization of XLink/xpointers that are seeking to manage content and connections separately. The structure and functions of Xlink/Xpointer, and the procedures for handling this information, etc., will be outlined below.

What can be solved with Xlink

The HTML connection function is very simple and convenient. However, if XML is used to reorganize information content, it is considered that connection information is also produced in XML. Xlink was created by incorporating HTML elements and HyTime elements.

The W3C (World Wide Web Consortium)-recommended Xlink only stipulates "the method of recording the relationship between A and B." As for assembly, there is no regulation. In other words, how to assemble and completely follow the producers' wishes. However, if you can describe in accordance with Xlink's regulations and assemble it into application software, you can accomplish the following functions.

(1) Without changing the A and B files produced by others, the connection information between A and B related files can be added.

(2) It is possible to summarize only the connection information between files, and to transfer or exchange any information after use. With HTML, since the connection information is included in the information content, it is not possible to extract only the summary of the connection information. As for Xlink, the connection information is outside the information content, so only the summary of the connection information can be defined. Even if other people grasp the information content, as long as the summary of the connection information is exchanged, the information content can be reused.

(3) Using Pointer, you can describe the information that the connected party has filled.

(4) Several connected parties can be defined. HTML can only describe one connection to the other, but it can make one or several connections.

Xlink (XML linking language) application example

Using the description of the Xlink connection information and assembling the corresponding Xlink application software, consider the following application examples:

Update of connection information; Access management; Knowledge management; Filling of information; Dynamic release of information content; File management; Various media information content is made from one main information source; multiple reference information are managed at the same time; use Xlink to achieve information Content management.

In addition, the main points of using Xlink for content management include:

(1) W3C standard technology

When Xlink considers it as XML or output HTML, it should adopt the same affinity and universal W3C standard technology.

(2) World-wide network breadth management

For multiple offices connected via the Internet, as long as the content of the connection information using XLink is used, the administrator can manage the entire information content through the network.

(3) Reuse of information content of third parties

With Xlink, it is very easy to reuse XML content created by third parties. However, in practice, how to make use of information content produced by third parties to do business, but also need to consider other issues such as copyright.

Xlink Features

The development of Xlink was initiated almost simultaneously with XML (1997). However, in the specification production process, some people want to absorb various functions as much as possible, but some people want to make a simple format. Due to mutual disputes and multiple changes in the preparation process, a lot of time was wasted and it was recommended as a W3C product in June 2001.

Xlink describes the connection information in an XML file or between several XML files. It can promote the connection between several files on the Internet. It has the following characteristics:

(1) It is possible to specify the relationship between two or more file resources;

(2) The HTML connection information is described in the HTML file, but Xlink can separate the connection information from the resource.

(3) The search connection information can be automatically specified, and the designation can be ascertained so that the user can read the information of the connection partner without any operation.

Xlink's Future and Existing Problems

Xlink can also promote the reuse of information in an information-dispersed environment. At the same time, XML files and Xlink can dynamically generate combined information content.

Xlink can manage information in multiple directions or bidirectionally, so that all information content meets the requirements of various specific objects. In order to allow most people to give new added value to their objects, the information is reprocessed and then delivered. Use, nowadays, methods of adding value to information have changed.
Thanks to the use of XLink, it has become possible to create new information with a combination of multiple information, but in the use of Xlink, the following issues exist:

(1) Problems of Copyright in Reuse

Xlink provides a structure that allows simple re-use of information content produced by third parties. This does not pose any problem in the case where all information content is produced on its own, but if it is intended to make use of externally available resources to produce more useful information content, copyright issues will arise. This can have some kind of technical solution, but there are still legal issues.

(2) Simple production environment

Now, it's not easy to make information content in XML. It's even harder to add Xlink. At present, there is no simple production environment, but there are already a number of dedicated software applications. Therefore, the solution to this problem is just around the corner.

(3) The popularity of XML content

This is indeed the biggest issue. From the current situation, the content of XML information on the Internet is very small. Most of the information provided online is not provided to users in XML but is managed in XML.

By the way, using Xlink will greatly benefit users, and even if it is paid for directly providing XML content, it can also collect usage fees. Therefore, the proper delivery of business to the beneficiaries is the key to solving the problem.