XML, users & developers (was Re: [DotGNU]SEE configuration poll)

[S11001001]

Barry Fitzgerald wrote:
> How would you see XML as limiting users? (considering a distinction
> between users and developers)

Well, the main problem is that every piece of necessary functionality 
needed must be added to the Prefs system. The advantage of a programming 
language over a data format is that most of the functionality is already 
there.

Also, let me share my theory of users and developers, derived from 
Stroustrup: "users" are just those who use their computer for specific 
purposes. Once you get more general and more general, you end up with 
programming. Where is the line? There is no line; developers are 
advanced users.

@quotation
The reason is that expanding specification techniques outside areas with 
sound theoretical frameworks implies that the complexity of a 
general-purpose programming language would be needed in the 
specification language.
@end quotation

or,

@quotation
Power Users believe the ads for 4GLs and Application Generator
packages, and think that in two weeks they'll be able to fire all
their Real Programmers. (Ha ha ha... remember "The Last One"?)
@end quotation
<http://www.gnu.org/fun/jokes/power.users.html>

So development--particularly scripting--is simply advanced use.

But I accept the results--XML it is. Now the complicated part is to 
define the format; of course it will change as development proceeds. 
More on that later, though.

--
Stephen Compall
DotGNU `Contributor' -- http://dotgnu.org

Free software is a matter of the users' freedom to run, copy,
distribute, study, change and improve the software. More precisely, it
refers to four kinds of freedom, for the users of the software:

    * The freedom to run the program, for any purpose (freedom 0).
    * The freedom to study how the program works, and adapt it to your
    needs (freedom 1). Access to the source code is a precondition
    for this.
    * The freedom to redistribute copies so you can help your neighbor
    (freedom 2).
    * The freedom to improve the program, and release your
    improvements to the public, so that the whole community
    benefits. (freedom 3). Access to the source code is a
    precondition for this.
        -- RMS, "The Free Software Definition"