Re: [xml-dev] The impact of data format selection on applicationdevelopm

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

Fantastic information Norman. Thank you!

Based on what Norman said, I propose this definition of "simple data format":

1. It is a high-context data format. That is, the data format uses features for which there already exists a lot of shared understanding among consumers of the data format. Consequently, less needs to be said in understanding the data format because more can be taken for granted via the shared context. For example, most consumers of digital data understand the concept of lines, so the use of the "lines" concept in a data format pushes it towards being a high-context data format.

2. It has minimal context to be spelled out and there is little up-front investment of time to understand the data format.

Do you agree? What would you add/delete to this definition of "simple data format"?

/Roger