# XL

> XML programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q368880](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q368880)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/xl-q368880

## Summary
XL is an XML programming language created in 2001. It is classified as a language designed for communicating instructions to a machine. It is distinct from other entities sharing the "XL" name and is hosted online by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich).

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Instance of a programming language.
- **Inception:** Created in 2001.
- **Aliases:** Also known as "XML Language."
- **Primary Function:** A language for communicating instructions to a machine.
- **Website:** Hosted at `http://xl.inf.ethz.ch/index2.shtml`.
- **Archived URL:** Available via Wikiwix at `https://archive.wikiwix.com/cache/index2.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fxl.inf.ethz.ch%2Findex2.shtml`.
- **Wikipedia Presence:** Has sitelinks in three languages: German (de), Finnish (fi), and French (fr).
- **Wikidata ID:** Identified by the Freebase ID `/m/05q73p3`.
- **Entity Distinction:** Is explicitly defined as "different_from" the generic entity "XL" (likely distinguishing it from other abbreviations or technologies with the same name).

## FAQs
### Q: What is XL?
A: XL is an XML programming language developed to communicate instructions to a machine. It was established in 2001 and is sometimes referred to as "XML Language."

### Q: When was XL created?
A: XL was created in 2001.

### Q: Where can official information about XL be found?
A: The official website for XL is hosted by ETH Zurich at `http://xl.inf.ethz.ch/index2.shtml`. Information is also available on German, Finnish, and French Wikipedia pages.

## Why It Matters
XL represents a specific approach to programming language design by utilizing XML (Extensible Markup Language) as its foundation. While many programming languages utilize syntax that is custom-built, an "XML programming language" suggests a structure where code is written in a format that is both machine-readable and easily parsed by standard XML tools. This can facilitate interoperability and data exchange directly within the code structure.

Created in 2001, XL emerged during a period of high interest in XML-based technologies for web services and data structuring. Its association with ETH Zurich (implied by its domain `inf.ethz.ch`) places it within an academic context, suggesting it may serve educational, research, or experimental purposes in the field of compiler construction and language design. Although it has a smaller footprint in English-language resources (indicated by the lack of an English sitelink in the provided data), its presence in multiple European language Wikipedias indicates a recognized, albeit niche, relevance in the history of programming languages.

## Notable For
- **XML-Based Syntax:** Distinguished as a programming language specifically utilizing XML.
- **Academic Hosting:** Its official resources are hosted on the domain of ETH Zurich (`ethz.ch`), a prestigious technical university.
- **Longevity:** Has persisted as a recognized entity since its inception in 2001.
- **Linguistic Reach:** possesses encyclopedia entries in German, Finnish, and French, highlighting specific regional or academic interest.

## Body

### Overview and Classification
XL is a programming language defined by its use of XML. In the broader taxonomy of computer science, it falls under the class of "programming language," which is defined as a language for communicating instructions to a machine. The alias "XML Language" reinforces its direct relationship with the XML standard.

### History and Development
The project has a recorded inception date of **2001**. It is cataloged in Wikidata with a specific Freebase ID (`/m/05q73p3`) recorded in late 2013. The language is noted as being "different from" the generic concept of XL, ensuring it is uniquely identified as the XML-based implementation rather than other potential uses of the acronym.

### Web Presence and Resources
The digital footprint of XL is centralized around academic and encyclopedic sources.
*   **Official Site:** The primary resource is located at `http://xl.inf.ethz.ch/index2.shtml`.
*   **Archival:** A permanent archive of the site is maintained by Wikiwix.
*   **Wikipedia:** The entity has a sitelink count of 3, corresponding to articles in German, Finnish, and French. There is no mention of a dedicated English Wikipedia article in the provided source data.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013