What are the reasons for abandoning XML as a configuration file?

The refusal to use XML as a configuration file is often associated with several reasons:

• Complexity and verbosity: XML files are usually bulky and difficult to read and edit manually.
• Lack of readability: Compared to formats like YAML or JSON, XML is less convenient for quick human perception.
• Redundant syntax: Opening and closing tags, attributes make the configuration more cumbersome.
• Parsing performance: XML parsers can operate slower compared to more lightweight formats.
• Better alternatives: Modern formats like YAML and JSON are easier to integrate with programming languages and tools, and have more compact syntax.

Example of configuration in XML and YAML for comparison:

<!-- XML -->
<config>
  <database>
    <host>localhost</host>
    <port>3306</port>
  </database>
</config>

# YAML
config:
  database:
    host: localhost
    port: 3306

YAML is more concise and readable.