Introduction to XLink and XPointer

XLink defines a set of standard methods for creating hyperlinks within XML documents

XPointer allows hyperlinks to point to more specific parts (fragments) within XML documents

The basic knowledge you should possess

Before proceeding with the study, you should have a basic understanding of the following knowledge points:

  • HTML / XHTML
  • XML / XML Namespace
  • XPath

If you would like to learn these projects first, please study them before Home page Access these tutorials.

What is XLink?

  • XLink is an abbreviation for XML Linking Language (XML Linking Language)
  • XLink is a language used to create hyperlinks within XML documents
  • XLink is similar to HTML links - but more powerful
  • Any element in an XML document can be an XLink
  • XLink supports simple links as well as extended links that can link multiple resources together
  • Through XLink, links can be defined outside the linked file
  • XLink is a W3C recommended standard

What is XPointer?

  • XPointer is an abbreviation for XML Pointer Language (XML Pointer Language)
  • XPointer allows hyperlinks to point to more specific parts (fragments) within XML documents
  • XPointer uses XPath expressions to locate within XML documents
  • XPointer is a W3C recommended standard

XLink and XPointer are W3C standards

XLink was established as a W3C recommended standard on June 27, 2001.

XPointer became a W3C recommended standard on March 25, 2003.

You can read more about XML standards in ourW3C TutorialRead more about XML standards in the

Browser Support for XLink and XPointer

Browsers only support XLink and XPointer to a minimum extent.

Browsers such as Mozilla 0.98+, Netscape 6.02+, and Internet Explorer 6.0 support XLink to some extent. Older versions of browsers do not support XLink at all.