Sequence <was> Access Languages ...

[Marcus Carr]

Derek Denny-Brown wrote:

> It really depends on the requirements.  For data with a long expected
> life-time, XML may actually be a better choice than comma/tab delimited file
> _because_ it is so verbose.  If the original architects choose tag names which
> are clear, then when someone approaches the data 10 years later, and the
> original authors are long gone, the chance of this new-comer understanding the
> data format increases significantly.

Or, if you would prefer, you could use shortref in SGML and parse the comma
delimited files, making your input both a database dump and a valid SGML instance
and your output valid XML. The point is, those of us coming to XML from SGML have
experienced, grappled with, partially solved or lived with a lot of issues that
those from other backgrounds may regard as being imperatives. The current
discussion is a natural result of diverse and intelligent opinions, but a natural
enemy of moderation and controlled change. I hope XML is allowed to settle in
before anyone tries to fix anything, as I doubt if anyone has clear and complete
perspective from all sides of this very large baby.


--
Regards

Marcus Carr                  email:  mrc at allette.com.au
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