loadXML

loadXML refers to a common function or method used in programming to parse and load data from an XML (Extensible Markup Language) file into a program's memory. XML is a markup language that defines a set of rules for encoding documents in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable. When loadXML is invoked, it typically takes a file path or a string containing XML content as input. The function then processes this input, interpreting the tags, attributes, and values defined within the XML structure.

The result of loadXML is usually an in-memory representation of the XML document, often referred to as a Document Object Model (DOM). This DOM allows developers to navigate, access, and manipulate the data within the XML document programmatically. For instance, one might use the DOM to retrieve specific elements, extract their text content, or modify their attributes. The specific implementation and return type of loadXML can vary depending on the programming language or library being used. Common languages like JavaScript (within web browsers), Python, Java, and C# all have built-in or readily available libraries that provide functionality for loading and parsing XML. This process is fundamental for applications that need to exchange data or configure themselves using XML files.