What XML Tools Do You Use?

Omega1045 asks: "What XML tools do you use? XML Spy? EditPad? A pen, notepad, scanner, and a good OCR program? XML is now becoming more than just hype. XML, SOAP Web Services, and Enterprise Integration (EI) are really taking off from the number and type of contract opportunities I am seeing and receiving. Until recently, I was doing most of my XML by hand. Other than the nostalgia for those early HTML days, it is really eating into my time. I have started trying XML Spy, but to buy it will be a big hit in the wallet (which I am willing to do if it is the best thing out there). What does Slashdot recommend?"

Comments

Um, it's still hype.

[pmz]

XML is now becoming more than just hype.

With most of the standards less then three years old (most are one to two years old), XML still seems to too volatile to base a long-term project on it. It would be like the early days of J2EE, where it takes only six months before the code base becomes "legacy".

Also, XML introduces a lot of complexity into a project, where it is often better just to use HTTP properties instead of complex SOAP exchanges, for example.

So, is XML really more than just a bandwagon, even today?