Re: [xml-dev] Invisible XML 1.0 spec has been published

["C. M. Sperberg-McQueen" <cmsmcq@blackmesatech.com>]

John Cowan writes:

> On Fri, Jun 10, 2022 at 10:43 AM C. M. Sperberg-McQueen <
> cmsmcq@blackmesatech.com> wrote:
>
> Invisible XML (often ixml for short) is a method for treating non-XML
>> documents as if they were XML, enabling authors to write documents and
>> data in a format they prefer while providing XML for processes that are
>> more effective with XML content.
>
>
> I smell a SHORTREF.

The use cases for ixml and those for SHORTREF probably do overlap.

One crucial difference is that ixml uses context-free grammars to define
the input format, which means that the mechanism is somewhat more
general and that transfer of knowledge is relevant.  People who have
learned to write context-free grammars can apply their knowledge in
writing grammars for ixml processors.  This, if I may say so, has not as
far as I am aware ever been claimed to be true of SHORTREF.  

Another crucial difference:  ixml processors are currently somewhat
easier to come by (or to write yourself, if you are so inclined) than
processors for SHORTREF.

> It is now pitch dark.
> You are likely to be devoured by a graybeard.

I'll match your gray beard follicle for follicle.


>> Multiple implementations of ixml exist, in a variety of languages (ABC,
>>
>
> Which ABC is this?  It is not referenced at the web site.

It is the language developed in Amsterdam which provided much of the
initial model for Python.  The ABC code is not accessible as far as I
know -- that processor is made available as a web service -- but I
mentioned ABC because I get a good deal of pleasure from the knowledge
that that language is still in use.

Michael

-- 
C. M. Sperberg-McQueen
Black Mesa Technologies LLC
http://blackmesatech.com