What XML gives you is a standard way to define the structure, schema, and so on, in a way that is unambiguous and machine-friendly.
Right. And if you do NOT create a X-Schema or DTD, and are using a non-validating parser, and then have to write code to explore the DOM generated from whatever XML it receives, you've given up 80% of the advantage. XHTML recaptulates HTML's errors of mixing presentation with contenat AND of accepting invalid syntax forgivingly.
As others have said, the major benefit to this is you don't have to write a new parser and validator every time you create a new data structure. You just use the pre-existing XML library.
AND USE THE VALIDATOR.
That being said, the hype behind XML is largely, well, hype. But that's nothing new, either. I'm still waiting for my flying car.
Yup. The real win is PORTABLE , multiplatform, choice of parser implementations that will accept a standard Schema (or DTD) definition.
Currently, XML is fostering some improvements in the area of open data formats.
A very good thing.
While XML does lend itself to this well, I personally think it is more a coincidence than anything else.
It's more than a coincidence, the availability of open-source parser/validators and viewers makes it a viable basis for standards-mongers.
XML just happened to be in the right place at the right time. We're fortunate we got XML, and not something truely awful like DER or OLE Container Documents or something.
Yeah.
I'm hoping the magic pixie dust currently associated with XML keeps the momentum behind open data formats going.
Yeah -- Bill [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] _______________________________________________ gnhlug-discuss mailing list gnhlug-discuss@mail.gnhlug.org http://mail.gnhlug.org/mailman/listinfo/gnhlug-discuss/
