Management Information System (MIS) Practice Exam

Which of the following purposes was XML designed to serve?

1. Adding dynamic content to Web pages

2. Building database queries

3. Developing applications in high-speed arcade graphics

4. Checking the accuracy of user-entered information on Web pages

The correct answer is: Building database queries

The correct choice highlights one of the primary functions of XML (eXtensible Markup Language), which is to facilitate the structuring of data to be easily shared and processed between different systems, including databases. XML was created to store and transport data in a way that is both human-readable and machine-readable. This versatility makes XML particularly useful in various applications, including building database queries, where data can be organized in a structured format that machines can interpret effectively. XML serves as a meta-language that allows developers to define their own tags and structure. This capability plays a significant role in how data is manipulated and accessed in database operations. Unlike the other options, which are more specific use cases or entirely different technological goals, XML's core design revolves around data representation and management, which is fundamental for database querying. The other choices focus on specific tasks that do not align with XML's primary purpose. For example, adding dynamic content to web pages typically involves JavaScript or server-side scripting, not XML's data structuring capabilities. Similarly, developing high-speed arcade graphics pertains to graphics programming and rendering techniques rather than XML’s function. Lastly, user-input validation usually involves programming languages and frameworks that emphasize form handling rather than XML's role in data representation.