The article argues that XML, often criticized for verbosity, can serve as a cheap and effective domain-specific language (DSL) for configuration and data representation. It explores how XML's built-in features like namespaces, schemas, and validation make it practical for many use cases despite its reputation. The discussion highlights the trade-offs between XML and alternatives like JSON or YAML in various technical contexts.
Background
XML (eXtensible Markup Language) has been widely used for data interchange and configuration for decades, though it has faced criticism for being verbose and complex compared to newer formats like JSON and YAML. The debate around its relevance continues in developer communities.
- Source
- Hacker News (RSS)
- Published
- Mar 14, 2026 at 07:59 PM
- Score
- 6.0 / 10