Today's software faces escalating technical and business difficulties, yet it continues to be coded in static, inflexible structures that are not prepared for automation and agility. xApproach is an XML-based approach to software engineering that leverages XML-based language representations and pipeline transformations to provide a consistent and flexible solution for number of issues, including complexity, comprehension, and automation aspects. A core framework (FXLF) in combination with the editor (FXLE) supports role-based activities while removing the burden of programming in XML. Usage scenarios evaluated include customization, separation of concerns, domain-oriented languages, and technology mapping, with results showing a range of benefits, applicability, and prospects. KEY WORDS Software Engineering, Automation, Modeling, Programming Languages, Domain-Specific Languages, XML