RSS

RSS is an abbreviation for "Really Simple Syndication" or "Rich Site Summary." RSS is a type of web feed that allows users and applications to access updates to online content in a standardized, computer-readable format. For example these feeds can allow a user to keep track of many different websites in a single news aggregator.

An RSS document, which is called a "feed," "web feed," or "channel," includes full or summarized text, and metadata, like publishing date and author's name. RSS feeds also often provide a link to the full content.

The basic idea is that content providers publish a feed, and users subscribe to it, enabling them to receive updates automatically without having to manually check the website for new content. This is particularly useful for websites that are updated frequently, such as news sites, blogs, and other publishing platforms.

Key points about RSS:

• Subscription: Users subscribe to feeds using a feed reader or aggregator, which checks subscribed feeds regularly for new content, downloading any updates that it finds.
• Aggregation: RSS allows multiple feeds to be aggregated, so that you can read updates from all your subscribed feeds in one place.
• Automation: The process is largely automated for both publishers, who can set their websites to automatically generate RSS feeds of new content, and for users, who can receive updates from many sites without having to visit each one individually.
• Standardization: RSS feeds are published in a standard XML format that ensures compatibility across different feed readers and systems.
• Versions: There are several versions of RSS, with RSS 2.0 being the most common one.
• Content Syndication: RSS allows for easy syndication of content, meaning a website's content can be easily shared and published on other websites, which can help increase reach and visibility.

RSS feeds have been instrumental in the way users interact with content on the internet, although their popularity has been somewhat overshadowed by the rise of social media platforms and other content discovery methods. However, they remain a valuable tool for many users who appreciate the simplicity and control over the content they subscribe to.

For further detailed information on RSS click here.

Trigger:

New items in feed: Triggers on new RSS feed items.