Store data using XML ???

Hi,

I've been browsing the web for a few days now to find more info on the practical use of XML. I read that XML is a language to store data .... but how is this done then. Why would I use XML instead of a MySql database or simply .dat-files?? And how would I store/ and read xml data??

I'm sorry if I've asked very stupid questions, but I hope someone can clear some things up for me!

Thanx Michiel

Hi Michiel,

Here is one example of a practical application:

One of my interests is genealogy. For many years genealogists used a standard file format known as GEDCOM for exchanging information. However you needed an application that understood GEDCOM files to read or modify them. The next version of the GEDCOM format will be based on XML. This will make it easier to display information on the web rather than just exchanging files. Until the new GEDCOM format has been finalised I am using a document structure of my own. An example can be viewed at the following url:
http://www.patrick-brennan.com/weddhist/weddell_genealogy.html

patrick