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-----Original Message----- From: Tim.Bray@S... [mailto:Tim.Bray@S...] Sent: Saturday, August 08, 2009 10:47 AM To: Michael Kay Cc: 'Michael Ludwig'; 'XML Developers List' Subject: Re: Wikipedia on XML On Aug 8, 2009, at 2:09 AM, Michael Kay wrote: > Surely syntax is just one part of language? > > * The syntax says you are allowed to write <A>XYZ</A>. > > * The semantics (dare I use the term?) says that when you do so, you > have > uttered an element whose name is A and whose content is XYZ. How's this: The Extensible Markup Language (XML) specification defines the syntax rules for a family of markup languages loosely referred to as "XML", as well as a system for declaring the selection and ordering of the markup elements which may appear in a particular markup language which is a member of the family. [<JT>] Not sure I fully "get it" but here goes (most humbly). Second half of sentence after comma could be collapsed into first half and removed. As well, the Wikipedia entry is not titled the XML Specification but rather "XML". [<JT>] How about: The Extensible Markup Language (XML) is a set of general syntax guidelines and mechanisms used to define any number of specific markup languages. XML is described formally by a World Wide Web Consortium recommendation available at www.w3c.org/tr... The specific markup languages that comply with XML will, in turn, typically have instances of data. For example, a very simple Invoice markup language could have an instance such as: <invoice> <date>2001-12-12T12:34:10Z</date> <customerName>Fred Smith</customerName> </invoice> It is common to say this markup *is* XML, but it is more precise to say it is one of many possible markup languages that complies with XML. The example above contains an outer element tag with the name invoice with child elements whose names are date and customerName. Note, this use of element tags complies with the general rules of XML. On the other hand, using tag names like "invoice", "date" and "customerName" are part of the specific Invoice Markup Language we have created here. Furthermore, the data, such as "2001-12-12T12:34:10Z", is specific to this instance of an invoice with other instances of invoice likely, themselves having their own dates. At this point, for the lazy readers, you have relayed alot with the example placed in their minds. Is this entirely heretical? I think that's accurate but it feels kind of long and klunky. Anyone got any polish to apply? -T _______________________________________________________________________ XML-DEV is a publicly archived, unmoderated list hosted by OASIS to support XML implementation and development. To minimize spam in the archives, you must subscribe before posting. [Un]Subscribe/change address: http://www.oasis-open.org/mlmanage/ Or unsubscribe: xml-dev-unsubscribe@l... subscribe: xml-dev-subscribe@l... List archive: http://lists.xml.org/archives/xml-dev/ List Guidelines: http://www.oasis-open.org/maillists/guidelines.php
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