Extensible Markup Language (XML) is a widely used format for representing hierarchical data, such as configuration files and web service responses. Parsing XML files in Python is a common task, often necessary for automating processes like data retrieval from web APIs. The text discusses various libraries available for XML parsing in Python, including ElementTree, lxml, minidom, SAX, and untangle, each with unique features and suitability for different parsing needs. ElementTree, a built-in module, is user-friendly but lacks robust schema validation, while lxml offers advanced features and schema validation but requires separate installation. Minidom is a simple, lightweight parser included in Python's standard library, suitable for basic tasks, whereas SAX is an event-driven parser, efficient for large XML files due to its memory conservation. Untangle simplifies XML parsing by converting XML documents into Python objects, but like lxml, it requires separate installation. The text emphasizes the importance of selecting the appropriate library based on the complexity and size of the XML data and highlights Bright Data's proxy solutions for reliable data retrieval without restrictions.