# Atom: what it is and how it works · Zorraquino
> Atom is an XML format for web content syndication that lets other programs automatically receive a site’s new posts.
URL: https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/atom.html

# Atom

Atom is an XML format for web content syndication that lets other programs automatically receive a site’s new posts

What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.

[The whole glossary](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary)

## What it is and how it works

It emerged in 2003 as an alternative to RSS and was standardised by the IETF in 2005 (RFC 4287). It was designed to remove ambiguities in RSS, for instance by stating clearly whether content is plain text or HTML and by requiring identifiers and dates for every entry.

In practice RSS remained the better-known name and the two formats coexist: feed readers, aggregators and podcast platforms generally accept both. For publishers the choice is rarely decisive; what matters is a well-formed, up-to-date feed.

Also known as

Atom feed, Atom Syndication Format

Topics

[Technology and data](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/category/tecnologia-y-datos)

## Related concepts

- [RSS](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/rss.html)
- [Content syndication](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/syndication.html)
- [Feeds](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/digital-marketing/feeds.html)