May a thousand meta-languages flourish

["Costello, Roger L." <costello@mitre.org>]

Hi Folks,

I have been using XML a long time. I think it's fabulous.

Recently I have been immersed in JSON. I think it's also fabulous.

Which is better: XML or JSON?

I think that's the wrong question. The right question is: why are they so fabulous?

XML and JSON are really not so different. They are both meta-languages. That is, they instruct users: "Create your languages by following this form." 

There is no reason to believe that the XML form or the JSON form is the one divine form. 

But, the concept of defining a meta-language and then deriving languages from it, well, that is a truly divine idea. 

XML and JSON should be treated as good meta-languages. That is, they provide fine examples of how to create languages: define a meta-language first and then from it create languages.

Are you part of a community that needs to create a collection of languages? Create a meta-language first and then derive your languages from it.

May a thousand meta-languages flourish.

I welcome your thoughts.

/Roger