RSS (Really Simple Syndication) and Atom are XML-based formats for web feeds that let users subscribe to content updates (like blog posts, news, podcasts) from websites without visiting them, centralizing information in a feed reader. While both serve the same purpose, Atom is newer, more standardized (an IETF standard), and extensible, whereas RSS has various versions, less strict syntax, and was developed earlier by Netscape. Both use a feed reader/aggregator (like Feedly) to collect and display updates.

RSS (Really Simple Syndication)

Origin: Developed by Netscape in the late 1990s, with multiple versions (RSS 0.9x, 1.0, 2.0).

Structure: XML-based, with simpler, less strict syntax.

Use: Older, widely adopted format for distributing content updates.

Atom (Atom Syndication Format)

Origin: Developed as a more robust, standardized alternative, becoming an IETF standard in 2005.

Structure: Strict XML syntax, single core format, highly extensible for custom elements and attributes.

Use: Modern standard for content syndication and the basis for the Atom Publishing Protocol (APP) for creating/editing web resources.

Key Similarities & Differences

Function: Both automatically deliver new content to subscribers.

Technology: Both are XML-based.

Standardization: Atom is a formal IETF standard; RSS has no single formal standard.

Flexibility: Atom is more extensible and flexible for custom uses.

How to Use

Find a Feed: Look for an orange RSS icon or an “Atom” / “.xml” / “/feed” link on a website.

Get a Reader: Use a feed reader app (Feedly, Inoreader) or browser extension.

Subscribe: Add the feed’s URL to your reader.

Read: See new articles from subscribed sites automatically.