Comment Re:Ugly format.. (Score 1) 86
I believe that it would be more difficult to have a valid XHTML document that is as flexible as a valid XML document. The nature of self-describing data is that at any point you can add tags that bring new functionality while still maintaining a valid document, whereas you have to get a new XHTML tag ratified by the W3C.
What's more, it is a logical step to use XML, as it is the little brother of the SGML system that dominated documentation for larger companies that could afford development of a SGML system. SGML and XML even have roots implanted in products such as Adobe Designer, Adobe Illustrator, and a myriad of other vector drawing programs via SVG or PDF in the case of Adobe Designer.
What's more, Apple use XML (though has defected a bit in the latest release for some of its property lists) as the cornerstone of its customization, so supported it in their little APSL gem that is TextEdit is logical. Apple's Pages and Keynote also XML as the holder of their data.
I don't know if it would be more efficient, but it would probably be invalid or not have as good a look, unless you have a little Eric Meyer in your machine making CSS that can accomplish what you can with a commericial XML product.
What's more, it is a logical step to use XML, as it is the little brother of the SGML system that dominated documentation for larger companies that could afford development of a SGML system. SGML and XML even have roots implanted in products such as Adobe Designer, Adobe Illustrator, and a myriad of other vector drawing programs via SVG or PDF in the case of Adobe Designer.
What's more, Apple use XML (though has defected a bit in the latest release for some of its property lists) as the cornerstone of its customization, so supported it in their little APSL gem that is TextEdit is logical. Apple's Pages and Keynote also XML as the holder of their data.
I don't know if it would be more efficient, but it would probably be invalid or not have as good a look, unless you have a little Eric Meyer in your machine making CSS that can accomplish what you can with a commericial XML product.
