Computer Quote by Charles Simonyi
“XML is not a language in the sense of a programming language any more than sketches on a napkin are a language.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Charles Simonyi on software development, 2005
XML is a markup format, not a programming language; it structures data like sketches, not executable code.
In simple terms: XML structures data, not code.
Key Takeaway
Use XML for data, not logic.
Themes
technology
communication
software engineering
Mood
analytical
neutral
Type
technical
explanatory
When to use this quote
- data exchange
- configuration files
- API design
Key Concepts
markup languages
data representation
semantic structure
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you choose JSON over XML?
- What are the limits of markup for computation?
A Different Perspective
XML can become cumbersome for complex logic.
