How to Read XML Encoding

Extensive Markup Language (XML) provides you with formatted data. The XML programming language is common on the Internet, because it allows software developers to share data in a standard format. This means you can import data regardless of the source, since the XML file format is the same across all platforms including Linux, Microsoft and Macintosh. The XML encoding line item in the file tells you what type of characters are found in the file.

Instructions

1. Right-click the XML file on your desktop and select "Open With." Click "Notepad" and then click "Open" to view the XML file in the plain text editor. This editor is included with any Windows computer.

2. View the first line of the XML file. Encoding specifications are always listed in the first line of the XML file. Below is an example of the encoding specification line item in an XML file:

   <?xml version="2.0" encoding="UTF-16"?>

3. Review the type of encoding listed in the Resource link. You can also change the XML encoding standard in the file. If you do change the encoding, click the Notepad "File" menu item and select "Save" to save any changes.

References

• W3 Schools: XML Encoding

Resources

• Open Tag: XML Encoding Types