SWML

SWML is an acronym used for several web-related modeling languages. The most common reference is Simple Web Modeling Language, a lightweight, domain-specific language designed to describe the architecture of web applications. A related variant, Semantic Web Modeling Language, targets ontology and data interoperability. The SWML family aims to provide a readable, machine-parseable format that can be mapped to implementation artifacts.

Core concepts in SWML include components, pages or views, data models, routes, and user interactions. A SWML document defines each element, its properties, relationships, and constraints, enabling designers and developers to agree on structure before coding. It supports validation against a schema and can be transformed into code stubs, documentation, or diagrams, supporting both design reviews and early prototyping.

Syntax and tooling are typically lightweight and human-readable, with structures reminiscent of JSON or YAML in some implementations. Tools commonly available for SWML include validators, editors with syntax highlighting, and code generators that output boilerplate front-end or back-end code. In some ecosystems, SWML is used as part of model-driven development pipelines or as a bridging representation between design and implementation.

History and reception: SWML emerged in the early 2010s within web architecture communities seeking lighter approaches than comprehensive modeling languages. Adoption has been varied; some teams use SWML for design documentation and rapid prototyping, while others rely on alternative specifications or general-purpose modeling tools. Critics note limited interoperability and fragmented tooling across platforms.

See also: UML, OpenAPI, JSON Schema, model-driven development, ontology languages.