nonXML

NonXML is a colloquial term used to describe data formats and representations that do not rely on XML for structuring information. It encompasses a range of text-based and binary formats used for data interchange, configuration, and storage. The category is not a formal standard, but a way to differentiate alternative approaches from XML-dependent ecosystems.

Common nonXML formats include JSON, YAML, TOML, CSV, and INI for text-based data. JSON is widely adopted for web APIs and JavaScript-friendly data exchange due to its lightweight syntax. YAML and TOML are popular for human-readable configuration. CSV is used for simple tabular data, while INI provides straightforward key-value configuration. On the binary side, formats such as Protocol Buffers, MessagePack, Apache Avro, and CBOR emphasize compactness and faster parsing, often with explicit schemas to ensure data compatibility across systems.

Compared with XML, nonXML formats offer different trade-offs. JSON and YAML tend to be easier to read and write by developers, but may provide less built-in metadata and complex document structure than XML with namespaces. Binary formats can be more space-efficient and faster to parse, but require schema definitions and specialized tooling. Tooling and library availability vary by format and ecosystem, influencing choice based on performance, readability, and interoperability needs.

Use cases for nonXML formats range from lightweight web APIs (JSON) and configuration files (YAML, TOML) to high-throughput data pipelines and cross-language communication (Protocol Buffers, Avro). The choice of nonXML format depends on factors such as data complexity, schema requirements, human readability, and the target environment.