What is binary xml?

Binary XML is a type of data format that stores XML data in a compact, binary format instead of the traditional text-based format. It is used to reduce the file size of XML documents and speed up the parsing process. Binary XML is designed to be compatible with existing XML tools, such as SAX and DOM parsers, and can be used over standard network protocols like HTTP.

There are several binary XML formats in use today, including WBXML (Wireless Application Protocol Binary XML), EXI (Efficient XML Interchange), and Fast Infoset. These formats offer different degrees of compression and parsing speed, depending on the specific implementation.

Binary XML is particularly useful in situations where bandwidth and processing power are limited, such as in mobile devices, embedded systems, and web services. It can also be used in high-volume data transmission applications, such as those involving real-time data feeds and financial transactions.

However, binary XML has some limitations, such as reduced human readability and the potential for compatibility issues when using different implementations. As a result, it may not be appropriate for all use cases and XML data needs.