XPath
Definition
XPath selectively chooses elements and values in hierarchical XML documents.
A W3C expression language for selecting and computing nodes and values in XML trees.
Simply explained
Like a set of directions, XPath leads to a specific location in the data tree, for example to the invoice number of a document.
Why it matters in practice
The term contributes to secure, maintainable, and high-performance web applications as well as resilient technical decisions.
Example from business
An import service extracts invoice numbers from versioned XML documents.
Limits and pitfalls
- Uncontrolled expressions can be costly; namespaces, version, and context nodes must be unambiguous.
Origin & history
XPath 1.0 was standardized in 1999 and forms a basis for XSLT and XQuery.
Use in mid-sized companies
- Possible application: An import service extracts invoice numbers from versioned XML documents.
Frequently asked questions
What does XPath mean?
A W3C expression language for selecting and computing nodes and values in XML trees. What should you watch out for? Uncontrolled expressions can be costly; namespaces, version, and context nodes must be unambiguous.
Sources
- XPath 3.1 · W3C, XPath 3.1
Source checked on 10.10.2026. Editorial application examples are hypothetical; no proof of real customer results.
Editorially reviewed on: