Programmers listen up! Learning XML can make you more valuable to your company and can get you a higher salary, and who doesn’t want those things? This is why we gathered the 30 best online courses for XML. We know you’re busy; we know there are a million other things you need to be doing, but we also know how important it is for those who work in the computer field to learn XML because it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
XML
For those of you who don’t know about XML, let us explain: XML stands for Extensible Markup Language. Yes, we know it technically should be EML, but XML just sounds cooler. XML is not a programming language, which is used to implement algorithms, but rather it’s a markup language, which is used for giving logical structure to a set of information.
There has been a lot of excited talk about XML since the ’90s, given its ability to separate information from its presentation. While most of you have heard about XML and how it is used to present information on a browser, it can also define the type of information being presented. Pretty cool, huh? You’re also able to define your own set of tags. XML has become increasingly popular because of its ease in displaying information on a mobile device and its versatility in transferring data between different organizations.
The Pay
This is what many of you really want to know! You may be saying to yourself, “Okay, the language sounds pretty cool, but what is this going to do for my career, and how much more will I earn?” There is no shame in getting down to the most critical questions. According to Salary.com, an XML developer can expect to make between $58,540 to $77,152 per year. If you’re a master of other markup and programming languages, you can expect to make even more than that.
Methodology
We at Online Course Report believe in being entirely transparent in our selection process so you can follow our logic and likely arrive at the same conclusions. Plus, this is your time and money you are going to be investing in these courses, so don’t you want to know that you’re actually taking one of the best online XML courses? There are many courses available for teaching you XML, but when selecting our list, we placed emphasis on specific criteria, and we asked ourselves a few questions. Here’s what directed us to determine the 30 Best Online Courses for XML:
- Content: Does the course cover the subject of XML thoroughly?
- Examples: Are there examples that demonstrate the explained topics?
- Price: Is the course reasonably priced for the content and structure provided?
- Certification: Does the course prepare the learner for certification in XML upon course completion?
- Student Satisfaction: Are the students who take this course satisfied with the information they learned?
What Are the Best Online XML Courses?
#1. Learn API Technical Writing: JSON and XML for Writers by Udemy
The API technical writing course by Udemy is geared toward beginner programmers who are looking for a course that covers the foundation of both XML and JSON. No prior experience is necessary to take this course. However, for those with previous experience, this course can help to strengthen what you have previously learned.
This course focuses on the basics of programming. It teaches you, in detail, what APIs are and why they are essential in the world of technical writing. Next, the course teaches you how to read as well as document structured data in XML and JSON form.
The course costs $18.99 and is delivered in video format with quizzes, PowerPoints, and hands-on activities to teach you the concepts from different learning styles. In total, the course takes two and a half hours to complete. With over 2,000 ratings, this course has earned a 4.5-star average from its previous students.
#2. XML by LinkedIn Learning
If you are looking to understand the basics of XML, without spending an arm and a leg, LinkedIn Learning may have what you are looking for. Its two-and-a-half-hour video training costs $34.99 and has been viewed by almost 30,000 people.
The teacher aims to cover the core concepts of XML in a way that helps you learn and master them for real-life use. The course also touches on more advanced topics, including using CSS to style your XML and using XPath and XSLT.
After purchasing this video, you will be able to go back and rewatch sections to solidify your learning. The video can be used to teach a beginner or help an intermediate developer reinforce their skills. Try a free trial for Linkedin Learning.
#3. XML Tutorial by W3Schools.com
The XML Tutorial by W3Schools.com is a comprehensive overview of what XML is and how to use it. Unlike some other online programs that are in video form, this tutorial is all in text. There are multiple sections with explanations and examples.
The tutorial not only covers how and when to use XML but important XML standards like XPath, DTD, and XQuery. The course has multiple real-life examples and uses simple, to-the-point language. After completing the course and quizzes, you are able to download a certificate from W3Schools.
#4. Free Learn XML Tutorial by Webucator
Webucator has a well-rounded XML introductory course. It covers why a person would choose XML, the syntax rules, and how to implement XML in documents. The way the course is set up, it allows users to go at their own pace. The course itself is available anytime, and it’s completely free of charge.
Within this course, a person can learn all the basics of XML, which will prepare them to make their own XML document. The course style is designed to make the complex feel simple and easy to understand. Webucator’s XML course is ideal for people with very little knowledge of XML.
#5. Introduction to XML by ed2go
There are many tutorials and short courses for XML available, however, if you are looking for comprehensive, in-depth XML training, ed2go offers a six-week course, which is 24 hours in length. There are no prerequisites for enrolling, although, if you are a Mac user, you will need to be able to run Windows OS.
The program is offered every month and is instructor-led. Each week there are two lessons that cover all elements of XML techniques, such as creating XML sheets and reusing code to create XML. The goal is to prepare students to begin writing their own programs.
Although the course is instructor-led, you can still work at your own pace to some extent. You will have two weeks to complete each lesson after it is released. The cost of the program is very reasonable, at $149.
#6. Introduction to XML Course by Online-Learning.com
The Introduction to XML course by Online-Learning.com includes four hours per week over the span of six weeks. It is completed online; however, you will get one-on-one mentorship from the instructor. The cost of the program is $279.
This is a thorough course on XML. It begins with an overview of XML, which even beginners can understand, and works up to detailed and more complex XML tasks. Students will be trained in how to prepare XML documents, DTD syntax, as well as using CSS with XML.
There are several testimonials on the Online-Learning.com website from previous students. The majority of the reviews are positive and highly recommend this course for its organized material and easy-to-understand language.
#7. XML Training by EDUCBA
EDUCBA’s XML Course in an extensive program with over 40 hours of video instruction. The program will take you from the basics up to more high-level XML concepts. It includes five videos and six projects, and, once purchased, you have access indefinitely.
The course is ideal for prospective computer engineers with a background in web development who want to learn XML in great detail. The subjects of the course include XML basics, Java application, and XML schema. It is taught through videos as well as hand-on activities.
The regular price for the program is $299, however, it often goes on sale for as low as $79. Once you finish all the sections of the course, you will receive a certificate of completion. The certificate is valuable in that it demonstrates to future employers that you have received high-level training in the area of XML.
#8. XML Training by Certstaffix
Certstaffix online XML course is self-paced. The benefit is that you can learn XML on your own schedule, all while tending to work or other commitments. It is presented in video format, which includes screenshots of real-life examples. Plus, once purchased, you have access for six months, allowing time to go back and revisit parts of the course for a deeper understanding.
The training covers standard XML topics, from creating documents to the benefits of XML, to XML schemas. In total, the course is just over 30 hours. The cost of the course is $350, which may seem to be on the higher end compared to other similar programs, but this course contains more hours of instruction than many others.
#9. Introduction to XML Publishing Training Class Overview by American Graphics Institute
This is a foundational XML course that teaches you the fundamental concepts of XML. The course instructs how to utilize XML for print and web publishing as well as how to use programs and browsers that support XML.
The XML Publishing Training Class is considered a beginner course. To enroll, you do not need to have prior experience with JavaScript or CSS. The class can be taken online, in-person, or privately.
Although it is considered an entry-level course, the syllabus includes some more advanced topics such as using non-roman characters, entities, and notations. Also, you will hear from experts with many years of experience share their best-practice tips.
#10. XML Online Course by Youth 4 Work
This course breaks down the fundamentals from the very beginning. The information is bite-sized, from explaining what XML stands for to how to use this language to interact with other systems in different organizations.
The homepage of this website even breaks down the reasons why you should take this course over others and how the information taught in this course can be applicable to your everyday job.
The course includes the prerequisite that you must have a basic understanding of computers and software. The course consists of over 55 lectures divided up into eight sections. So, take a section a week, or even a section a month, to make the task of completing this course less daunting.
#11. XML Schema 1.1 by Altova
Altova has made learning the basics of XML extremely easy by dividing the information into nine chapters, each of which represents a major concept in XML. When you open each of the chapters, you are guided through a tutorial and sequences of clickable boxes.
The program itself is extremely user-friendly with a forward button, a backward button, and a pause button. The programs make learning the information seem like you are clicking through a PowerPoint presentation.
This program even has a search box for those times you remember a piece of information but feel like you are forgetting something. Simply type in what you remember, and you will be directed to that place in the course. Some of the nine chapters cover:
- Schema Language
- XML Schema Core Concepts
- Built-in Datatypes
- User-defined Simple Types
- Complex Types
#12. XML and XML Schema Definition in Easy Steps by Udemy
This course is made for students specifically wanting to learn the syntax and concepts behind the extensible markup language. There have been over 5,500 students who have enrolled in this class, with most of them giving this course more than a four-out-of-five star review.
Included with the course are three and a half hours of videos explaining difficult to understand topics of XML. You’ll also get 26 downloadable resources to aid you in applying the language in everyday coding. The course does cost $18.99, but you will get lifetime access to the information and a certificate of completion once the course is finished.
The instructor of this course is a tried and true software developer and web developer who has worked for some of the biggest names in tech. At the end of the day, you’re going to be taught information that will allow you to take the info beyond theory into real-world projects.
#13. Core XML Fundamentals by Train Up
Coming in at our No. 13 spot for best online courses for XML is the Core XML Fundamentals course by Train Up. During this course, instructors will teach you the standards of W3C, the makers of XML, as well as provide you with tools for learning and implementing XML. It doesn’t matter what kind of programmer you are – specializing in Java, C++, or another variety – XML can be useful to you because the language is programming-language independent.
You can expect to pay $1,595 for the quality of this education. The course is three days in length and is conducted entirely online during live streaming with the instructor. Each day of the course starts at 10 a.m. (EST), which should give you enough time to grab a cup of joe and power up your computer.
#14. XML: The Essentials by Indiana University
This is one of the few XML courses available to the public offered by a major academic university. The course lists four prerequisite skills required to take and complete the studies, which the majority of individuals interested will have no problem meeting:
- Use a mouse and keyboard
- Open and save files
- Open and close windows
- Switch between windows
This university has partnerships with Pluralsight and Skillsoft, two companies skilled in providing and presenting online education, so expect crisp and clear presentations that will keep you engaged. The course is divided into eight modules, including those covering:
- Understanding XML
- Setting up the XML Editing Environment
- Exploring XML Syntax
- Checking for Well-Formedness
- Designing an XML Document
#15. Learn XML Crash Course: Discover Essential XML Fundamentals by Udemy
Comprehensive courses are great, but some people are looking for a quick overview of XML. Udemy has created a crash course for that very reason. In the site’s two-hour tutorial, you can learn the foundational concepts of XML documents and syntax.
The course costs less than $20 and is available to all skill levels. For some, it can serve as an introduction before taking more in-depth XML courses, and for others who learn very quickly, it may be enough to get started with XML.
The course includes video instruction, examples, and quizzes to test your knowledge. After you complete the course, you will receive a completion certificate. People who have taken the course give it a four-star rating on average.
#16. XML Fundamentals by Oracle University
Oracle University has developed an XML course that teaches the core concepts of XML web development, such as XML document creation and validation using DTD. Also, the course includes directions on how to use XML in conjunction with Oracle products. The time limit to complete the course is 90 days.
One aspect to consider is the price tag. The course is priced at $1,350, which is considerably more expensive than comparable XML training. Oracle is a well-known name in the tech arena, however, so learning from this university will likely carry some weight when speaking with future employers.
#17. XML Training by Software Skills Training
This XML training teaches you to use XML with Java, .NET, and JavaScript, which are some of the most common applications. It covers the fundamentals of XML, such as document creation, syntax, and namespaces, as well as DTD, designing and modifying XML schemas, and much more. Overall, the course is very comprehensive.
The course is taught over five days, with online and in-person options available. It is recommended that you have some experience with an object-oriented language before enrolling. The cost of the program is $2,795, which is higher than average, but for those looking for a single course to cover the basics of XML as well as advanced topics, it may be the right choice.
#18. XML Introduction by Train Up
Like the course in our No. 13 spot, Train Up teaches the XML Introduction course. You can think of this course as the precursor to the Core XML Fundamentals course, as you will learn to perform simple skills like creating a basic XML document. You won’t have to worry about clearing your week to learn this information because the course is scheduled only to take one day to complete.
This is a live virtual course that will only set you back $545, which is not a steep price for learning the fundamentals of a new skill that can be used daily. The classes are typically held at the end of each month, but you must sign up two months in advance. Train Up has an excellent reputation for providing quality education, as it has worked with over 50,000 companies, including nine out of ten Fortune 500 companies.
#19. XML Certification by XML Master
The XML Certification is a professional training program designed to equip its graduates with the tools necessary to work in the field. Unlike other programs that provide training only, this XML program also provides the certification.
This is a vendor-neutral site, which means you won’t need to purchase a particular software that may or may not be around in five years. The site also offers a 50% coupon for the fee required to take the certification test. There is a discussion board located on the site for individuals needing more direction or clarification about a specific topic. If you’re nervous about passing the exam, take a few of XML Master’s practice exams, which are full of questions similar to the ones that will be presented during the certification test.
#20. XML Fundamentals by PluralSight
PluralSight’s XML Fundamentals course is approximately five hours long and was created to cover what XML is, how it is used, and how to implement it. Topics begin with what XML is and continue to cover XML structure, namespaces in XML, and more. Previous students have given this course a three-and-a-half-star average rating.
Although there are no prerequisites listed for the course, PluralSight labels it as an intermediate course. Having prior XML knowledge is needed to understand the course topics easier, however, a beginner could use this course at a slower pace.
The price of the course is covered through a subscription to PluralSight, which allows you to view numerous videos. The cost of the subscription is $29 per month, with no contract. Also, PluralSight allows a free, ten-day trial.
#21. Introduction to XML by Library Juice Academy
The Introduction to XML course by Library Juice Academy was explicitly created for librarians who are seeking a better understanding of the XML programs used in their libraries. This course is the first of six and touches on the very basics of XML. The cost of the first course is $175.
The topics in the course include how to manipulate XML documents, understanding DTD and schemas, and how to understand XML schemas that are being used in the library. Although the course is completed online, there is only one start date per year.
It is recommended that you take the courses in order for a more precise and sequential understanding of the XML topics. Once a person has completed all six courses, they will receive a certificate in XML and RDF-Based Systems.
#22. XML Web Services Online Training by NareshIT
NareshIT offers an XML training course that takes your learning beyond the basics of this language into building SOAP web services and Restful web services using Java Tech. Isn’t that ultimately what learning XML is all about? You’ll become proficient in applying this language to build better, more versatile programs.
The training sessions in this program are held live with industry experts who have years of experience using XML to build versatile programs. The instructors provide industry-specific situations in which XML can be optimally used, which can help you gain a broader awareness of the possibilities of this language. The experts who built this course will even help you build an impressive resume to show off your new skill.
#23. Advanced XML Program Training by FireBox Training
This course offered by FireBox Training is for those who have already learned the basics of XML and are looking to expand their knowledge and explore advanced features during a two-day course. The course provides both lectures and hands-on experience in applying the concepts.
Before enrolling in this course, the instructors do specify that applicants have taken an introduction to XML course or some kind of XML training. The course is held entirely online, but the lectures and discussions are in real-time, so when FireBox Training presents a two-day course, plan on clearing your schedule for the specified time. FireBox Training is an instructor-owned company.
#24. XML Training by SkillForge
For those wanting a more involved approach to their learning, SkillForge has created a program to genuinely ingrain the knowledge taught during this two-day course. For $650, you will receive live online instruction and six months of email support from the instructor after the class is completed. You will also be able to take the class again if you feel like you need a refresher of the information at some point in the future.
The class is never canceled due to low enrollment like some other online instruction sites. If you feel that $650 is a little steep, rest assured knowing that the company offers a money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with your learning experience. If you are looking to train your entire tech team on the use of XML, SkillForge also offers in-person and online group training.
#25. Core XML Fundamentals (TT4300) by Global Knowledge
Global Knowledge is the world’s largest dedicated IT training company, with over 5,000 courses offered each year that are taught by more than 1,000 subject-matter experts across the globe. The company doesn’t just train individuals in the United States, as they also have offices and trainings that take place all over the world.
The course offered by Global Knowledge is three days in duration, with classes starting at 10 a.m. (EST) each day and running until 6 p.m. While these may be long days, take advantage of this time as you will be learning a massive amount of information. You do not have to know a specific programming language to take this course, and there are no other prerequisites.
#26. Comprehensive XML Training by Web Age Solutions Inc.
Web Age Solutions Inc. is a company founded by Tapas Banerjee in 1999 for providing IT training and consulting services, and since that time, it has only gotten better at providing premium education to its clients. This company has worked with some of the largest businesses in the US and Canada, so you can be sure that it provides clear information in an easy-to-learn manner.
This course, like the name suggests, is comprehensive, with classes scheduled for five consecutive days. There are a couple of prerequisites for taking this course, which include an understanding of web- and data-processing concepts and experience programming with Java. The site walks you through setting up your system so you can complete the lab exercises required for course completion.
#27. Using XML in DataStage: eLearning by IBM
This is another course for intermediate XML programmers, as the course expects its participants to be experienced DataStage developers. What’s great about this course is that the learning is brought to you by one of the biggest names in computer programming, IBM. The course is designed to be self-paced, so progress through the information at your own leisure.
eLearning by IBM also offers a web-based training version for learners who want a live instructor on the other end of the internet connection. The key topics taught in this course include:
- Introduction to the Hierarchical Stage
- Composing XML Schemas
- Writing Hierarchical Data to a Relational Table
- Consuming XML Data
- Transforming XML Data
#28. Introduction to XML by Batky-Howell
This is another vendor-neutral XML-training company that was started by two programmers with an entrepreneurial bent who wanted to provide well-organized training to other programmers. The course starts with the fundamentals of XML, but the instructors do expect students to have some kind of developer knowledge, such as in web development or application development.
You’re going to receive three days of XML training with Batky-Howell when you sign up for this course. The course will cover ten topics, so take a look for yourself and see if this course is the right one for you! The topics include:
- Course Introduction
- Getting Started with XML
- Writing Well-Formed XML
- Namespaces
- Validating XML with XML Schemas
#29. XML Transformation and Web Services Training by Skill Forge
This course is offered by the same company that teaches the course in our No. 24 spot, but in this course, you will be learning two specific technologies as they relate to XML, transformation, and web services. The cost of the course is definitely on the higher end, at $1,350, though the company backs up the quality of its training with a money-back guarantee.
SkillForge attempts to teach its information in an operating-system- and platform-neutral way, as XML has no preference for specific operating systems or platforms. The only prerequisite to taking this course is a basic understanding of markup languages, XML specifically.
#30. XML for Java Developers (TT4360) by Global Knowledge
We have already talked about what a big deal Global Knowledge is in the business world while reviewing our No. 25 spot, so it hardly needs reiterating here. Unlike the fundamentals course by this company, this course is designed specifically for Java developers wanting to obtain a deeper understanding of XML.
The course is not for beginners, as the instructors expect students to have real Java-programming knowledge and a thorough working knowledge of XML. In fact, the company lists explicitly six months of Java programming as the minimum requirement for enrollment. If you do meet that requirement, then another course will likely be better suited for you. After completion of this course, Global Knowledge recommends going further and completing its Advanced XML and XSLT course.
How long will it take to learn XML?
This is a difficult question to answer and will largely depend on the individual learner. Many of the courses taught will take you a few days to get through the material, but as we know, learning is more than just getting through the material. The entire point of learning XML is to implement the language in real-life scenarios, which may take a little longer to grasp, as there is often a learning delay between theory and practically implementing a skill in an actual situation.
How quickly you learn XML also depends on the time you have available to dedicate to learning this knowledge. Some may want to spread the information out over many months, chipping away at the info whenever they have a spare moment. Others may find it more beneficial to sit down over a weekend and take a deep dive into the information. There is not a right or wrong way to approach learning this information.
Many of the courses listed are broken up into modules, and it may be best to focus on one module every few days, or one per week, depending on your schedule.
Do I need certification?
Whether or not you need to be certified in XML depends on what you want to do with the information you learn in your course. If you are using XML for your personal projects, or the XML course is not required for your current or future job, then certification may not be necessary. Certifications are in place to show employers and other interested parties that their employees or future employees have been properly trained in a specific skill.
If you work for an employer who is requiring you to take XML training or who may be paying for your course, then they will likely require that you become certified in this skill. How else are they to know that you are qualified to work on important projects in their companies? Certification may also be necessary if you are planning on applying to a new job, especially one that requires XML certification.
Do all XML trainings provide certification?
Not all XML training provides certification upon completion. While some might, you should double-check with the course instructor to ensure there is certification upon completion if this is necessary for you.
Generally, there are two varieties of XML certification: XML Master Basic Certification and XML Master Professional Certification. The first exam you must take for certification in XML is the XML Master Basic Certification, which consists of a 50-question test on which you must score at least 70%. You will be allowed 90 minutes to work through all 50 questions. The XML Master Professional Certification is for those who have already obtained the XML Master Basic Certification and are looking to display their expert knowledge as either an application developer or a database administrator.
The XML Master Professional Application Developer Certification Exam consists of 45 questions, and testers must score a 70% within the 90-minute testing period in order to pass. Those looking to pursue the XML Master Professional Database Administrator Certification can expect to sit for a 90-minute test consisting of 30 questions and must score at least an 80% to receive the certification.
What are the topics tested in each of the certification exams?
On the XML Master Basic Certification exam, you can expect to be tested on:
- Creating XML Documents
- DTD
- XML Schema
- XSLT, XPath
- Namespace
On the XML Master Professional Application Developer Certification exam, you can expect to cover:
- DOM / SAX
- DOM / SAX Programming
- XSLT
- XML Schema
- XML Processing System Design Technology
- Utilizing XML
Lastly, the XML Master Professional Database Administrator Certification exam will test in areas like:
- XQuery, XPath
- Manipulating XML Data
- Creating XML Schema and Other XML Database Objects
If you’re interested in pursuing online education, then you should check out The 20 Best Online Master’s in Cyber Security Degree Programs and The 20 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Cyber Security Degree Programs!
List of Courses:
- Learn API Technical Writing: JSON and XML for Writers by Udemy
- XML by LinkedIn Learning
- XML Tutorial by W3Schools.com
- Free Learn XML Tutorial by Webucator
- Introduction to XML by ed2go
- Introduction to XML Course by Online-Learning.com
- XML Training by EDUCBA
- XML Training by Certstaffix
- Introduction to XML Publishing Training Class Overview by American Graphics Institute
- XML Online Course by Youth 4 Work
- XML Schema 1.1 by Altova
- XML and XML Schema Definition in Easy Steps by Udemy
- Core XML Fundamentals by Train Up
- XML: The Essentials by Indiana University
- Learn XML Crash Course: Discover Essential XML Fundamentals by Udemy
- XML Fundamentals by Oracle University
- XML Training by Software Skills Training
- XML Introduction by Train Up
- XML Certification by XML Master
- XML Fundamentals by PluralSight
- Introduction to XML by Library Juice Academy
- XML Web Services Online Training by NareshIT
- Advanced XML Program Training by FireBox Training
- XML Training by SkillForge
- Core XML Fundamentals (TT4300) by Global Knowledge
- Comprehensive XML Training by Web Age Solutions Inc.
- Using XML in DataStage: eLearning by IBM
- Introduction to XML by Batky-Howell
- XML Transformation and Web Services Training by SkillForge
- XML for Java Developers (TT4360) by Global Knowledge