PNML

PNML stands for Petri Net Markup Language. It is an XML-based file format for representing Petri nets. Petri nets are a mathematical modeling language for the design and analysis of distributed systems. They consist of places, transitions, and arcs that connect them. PNML provides a standardized way to exchange Petri net models between different tools and software.

The structure of a PNML file defines the components of a Petri net, including their names, IDs, and properties. It can represent various types of Petri nets, such as basic Petri nets, colored Petri nets, and timed Petri nets, by allowing for extensions and attributes. This flexibility makes PNML suitable for a wide range of modeling and analysis tasks.

The primary purpose of PNML is interoperability. Before its development, different Petri net tools used proprietary file formats, making it difficult to share models and use tools from different vendors together. PNML aims to solve this problem by providing a common language that any compliant tool can understand. This facilitates collaboration among researchers and developers, as well as the use of specialized tools for simulation, verification, and analysis on models created in different environments. The development of PNML has been an ongoing effort, with various versions and extensions proposed over time to accommodate the growing complexity of Petri net modeling.