Welcome to the Treehouse Community

Want to collaborate on code errors? Have bugs you need feedback on? Looking for an extra set of eyes on your latest project? Get support with fellow developers, designers, and programmers of all backgrounds and skill levels here with the Treehouse Community! While you're at it, check out some resources Treehouse students have shared here.

Looking to learn something new?

Treehouse offers a seven day free trial for new students. Get access to thousands of hours of content and join thousands of Treehouse students and alumni in the community today.

Start your free trial

JavaScript AJAX Basics (retiring) AJAX Concepts A Simple AJAX Example

Posted by Nick Burton
Nick Burton
7,387 Points

Why is XML uppercase but HTTP isn't?

Why isn't the "Http" in XMLHttpRequest() uppercase if "XML" is? They're both acronyms. This seems inconsistent or is there a reason? Thanks.

3 Answers

Jason Anders
MOD
Jason Anders
Treehouse Moderator 145,860 Points
Jason Anders
Jason Anders
Treehouse Moderator 145,860 Points

Hey guys,

It's actually because XML (Extensible Markup Language) is a Proper Noun and, therefore, needs to be capitalized. Whereas, Http (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) isn't a Proper Noun (it's more of a 'process' or action), thus doesn't need to be capitalized.

That's just my interpretation on why. :) :dizzy:

Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,236 Points
Steven Parker
Steven Parker
231,236 Points

The closest I can come to a potential explanation is that in some practices, a distinction is made between "short acronyms" and "long acronyms", where short ones are given all caps, but long ones are treated as words. I suspect the individual(s) responsible for this name may have applied that naming strategy.

Nick Burton
Nick Burton
7,387 Points
Nick Burton
Nick Burton
7,387 Points

Thanks for quick reply Steven. I was wondering what sort of logical explanation there may be. That does make sense. I was more curious than confused. :D