XML Menu Builder

XML Menu Builder, developed by XmlMenu.com, is a remarkable tool in the Development Tools category, specifically falling under the IDE subcategory. The latest version, 1.2, showcases a user-friendly approach to web menu creation using XML (Extensible Markup Language) for content and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) for presentation.

Unlike traditional DHTML menus, XML Menu Builder departs from requiring unordered list elements on every website page. Instead, it generates standardized XML data stored externally, making it easier to modify and validate. Menu presentation information is also kept in external CSS files, allowing full separation of content from presentation. This setup is ideal for web development purists, emphasizing full-standardization and full separation of content from presentation.

The XML Menu Builder is a wizard that simplifies the process for users with no web design experience, enabling the creation of versatile, powerful, and sophisticated web menus. Power users can still enjoy the benefits of modifying the AJAX-driven XML/CSS with their preferred editor.

This program, available for download, supports all modern browsers natively without requiring any plugins like Flash or server-side software as it is entirely client-based. XML Menu also enhances search engine optimization through the standardized XML Sitemap protocol, an essential feature for web developers.

The 1.2 version file names are xmb.exe, and _28311B5F48585E0BE25086.exe. Previous versions include 2.0, and 1.2. For those looking for a free and standards-compliant web menu builder, XML Menu Builder comes across as a robust and sophisticated choice.

Pros:

• User-friendly wizard for beginners
• Full-standardization and separation of content and presentation
• No plugins or server-side software required
• Enhanced search engine support

Cons:

• Limited to those familiar with XML and CSS for advanced features

You may want to check out more software, such as CoffeeCup Menu Builder, Sothink Flash Menu or A4MenuBuilder, which might be similar to XML Menu Builder.