ECMA

ECMA International, originally the European Computer Manufacturers Association, is a standards organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. Founded in 1961, it focuses on information and communication systems with the aim of promoting interoperability across hardware and software ecosystems. The organization develops and publishes technical specifications used to align practices across the technology industry.

ECMA works through technical committees that draft standards covering programming languages, data formats, and application interfaces. The standards are published as ECMA standards and are intended to be open and vendor-neutral. One of the most well-known ECMA standards is ECMAScript, the specification underpinning the JavaScript language, published as ECMA-262. Other notable ECMA standards cover areas such as the Common Language Infrastructure (ECMA-335) and various data- and interface-related specifications.

ECMA standards frequently influence international standardization through cooperation with ISO and IEC bodies. Many ECMA specifications are adopted or harmonized within the ISO/IEC framework, and ECMA maintains liaison with other standards organizations to promote interoperability and broad applicability of its specifications.

Membership in ECMA includes technology companies, developers, and research institutions. Participation is typically organized through member organizations and individual delegates who contribute to the drafting and review of standards. The organization emphasizes open, collaborative processes to produce consistent, interoperable solutions across information technology and communications sectors.

Overall, ECMA International serves as a key forum for developing and maintaining widely used standards that support portability, compatibility, and cooperation in computing and related technologies.