XML and Java

I'm getting very interested in XML, especially in using Java to create and update XML files. However, the documents I'm reading about XML at IBM Developer Works are, for the most part, quite dated with dates in 2002 and earlier being typical.

How do I find out what the current practices are on XML and how to work with it in Java? I don't want to waste a lot of time trying to figure out how to use tools and techniques that have long since been replaced by far better techniques. For example, having to use DOM to read an entire XML document in order to insert a single element seems like a pretty dubious way of doing
something. It reminds me of storing data on magnetic tape and having to read through most of the tape to add information to it. This seems more like the 1960s than the first decade of the 21st century. I have to assume that someone has come up with better approaches by now.

I was also intrigued by Xindice but I'm not clear if this is a popular approach or just an idea that never really amounted to anything.

Does anyone have any insights for me? Or suggestions on where to get good information on this subject?

XML is ancient shit. This is like asking for a newer or better way to wipe your ass. cue 3 seashells jokes

ENTERPRISE QUALITY

Currynigger detected.

XML makes java the 'acceptable lisp'

Binary makes >>7 the ``acceptable trips"

>>2
There is a better way:japanese bidets

"XML combines the efficiency of text files with the readability of binary files"

XML makes java the 'acceptable lisp'

Java makes Lisp the "acceptable XML"

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