Since we are witnessing the digital era, sometimes it can be difficult to keep up with the most recent information on top. Whether the talk is about your favourite websites, blogs, or news sources, it is really tricky.
Just imagine yourself manually checking each website for new posts or relying solely on social media for updates. This is where RSS (Really Simple Syndication) comes to the rescue.
RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed is an online file that consists of multiple information. What kind of information? It stores each item of content that a website has ever published. Every time a new piece of content is published on a website, information about it is automatically created in a file and shown in reverse chronological order. You may find the complete text of the content or a summary, the publishing date, the author, a link, etc on RSS feeds.
Keep reading the article to understand what is RSS feed and how they work. Here, you’ll also get the details on how to set up your own RSS feed for a seamless content consumption experience.
How RSS Works: Explained in Detail
At its core, RSS is a standardized content distribution method that allows website authors to publish notifications of new content on their sites. Content can include blog posts and news articles to weather reports and podcasts. With this, users don’t need to visit websites individually or rely on notifications. Rather, they can subscribe to RSS feeds and read new content in an RSS reader.
Website authors create a text file with the XML file extension that contains important details for each post on the site. This can be done by adding a title, description, and link of the post. This XML file is then used to generate an RSS feed that displays new content in a standardized format. When users subscribe to this feed using an RSS reader, they can effortlessly stay updated with the latest posts without visiting each site separately.
RSS is more flexible than just consuming content the way it is. Users can follow online forums and discussion groups, remain up to date on national and international news, or follow their favourite food bloggers’ most recent recipes. The advantage is having all of your information sources in one location. You can get updates anytime a website publishes fresh content.
Why Use RSS?
Unlike social media, where algorithms curate content for you, an RSS feed provides a comprehensive view of everything a website publishes. It removes the need to manually check websites for updates and bookmarking
The traditional method of bookmarking has its flaws: it requires effort, becomes complicated with multiple websites, and often results in missed information on infrequently updated sites.
How to Find and Subscribe to RSS Feeds
The first step in taking advantage of this technology is to find an RSS feed on a website. Look for the orange RSS or XML icon, which may appear on the site’s main or home page. However, not all RSS icons look the same, and some sites may use alternative indications like a “Syndicate This” link.
For WordPress-powered sites, adding “/feed/” to the end of the URL (e.g., www.example.com/feed/) can reveal the RSS feed.
Once you’ve identified an RSS feed, click on the RSS icon or link to display the XML file controlling the website’s feed. This URL is crucial for subscribing to the feed in your chosen RSS reader.
Getting Started: How to Set Up Your RSS Reader
First of all, you need an RSS reader, which functions similarly to an email inbox to fully utilize RSS feeds. This tool collects content from several XML files, arranges it, and presents it in a single program.
One popular choice is Feedly, a cloud-based RSS reader that works with Chrome and other web browsers. Apart from that, it is also compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, Chrome, and other web browsers.
Setting up Feedly is a straightforward process:
1. Copy the URL of an RSS feed.
2. Paste the URL in the Feedly Search box and select the RSS feed from the list of sources.
3. Select “Follow.”
4. Choose “New Feed.”
5. Enter a descriptive name for the feed.
6. Select “Create.”
With your RSS feed set up in Feedly, you can easily search and read the content of your favourite websites. The reader is a useful tool for organizing a lot of information because it lets you mark content as read.
The Evolution of RSS: A Brief History
The RSS standard has come a long way since its inception in March 1999 when Netscape introduced RDF Site Summary. Originally used to display website content on My.Netscape.com, RSS underwent several transformations, with the technology being renamed Rich Site Summary and later evolving into Really Simple Syndication in 2002.
The introduction of the RSS icon for the Mozilla Firefox web browser in 2004 made RSS feeds more accessible to web visitors, marking a significant milestone in the technology’s development. Today, millions of web users worldwide leverage RSS to streamline their content consumption and stay informed about the latest updates from their preferred online sources.
What Are the Different RSS Readers?
Although Feedly is a well-liked option, there are a few additional RSS readers. We have listed here a few that suit various needs and operating systems. Here are some notable examples:
1. SharpReader (Windows): [SharpReader] (http://www.sharpreader.net/)
2. jEdit (GNU/Linux, Windows): [jEdit] (http://www.jedit.org)
3. Straw (GNU/Linux):
4. Ximian Evolution (GNU/Linux): [Ximian Evolution] (http://www.ximian.com)
5. NetNewsWire (Mac): [NetNewsWire] (http://ranchero.com/software/netnewswire)
6. Sage (GNU/Linux, Windows): [Sage] (http://sage.mozdev.org/)
When you try these options, they allow users to find an RSS reader that aligns with their preferences. Additionally, all of them provide an amazing experience for staying connected with the latest content.
The Final Thought
Now, it’s time to wind up this article on “What is RSS Feeds?” To put it simply, having an RSS feed and reader is a boon in this world. When you use them, it can revolutionize how you consume content in a world where there is plenty of information available online.
It can compile and arrange news from your preferred websites. All in all, RSS makes it easier to stay informed. To set up your RSS feed and reader quickly, you just need to follow the steps mentioned above. It will definitely unlock a more efficient and improve your online experience.
