What is XAML? A technique? A language? Both? XML# or XML++?

[Gerald Bauer]

Hello,

Adam Kinney (of Team Xamlon) has kicked off a discussion titled
"What is XAML?"

Adam writes:

I've seen some talk about this recently and I've had it made it
clear to me by Chris Sells (Microsoft) and Chris Anderson (Microsoft).
This definition is actually straight from ChrisAn's mouth:

XAML is a declarative markup language that defines an object model

It's not Avalon. It doesn't have doesn't have controls, shapes,
animation or transforms. The XAML is parsed and turned into an object
tree in memory and from there its up to the engine to instantiate
objects and whatever else is requested by the instructions.

Source: http://www.adamkinney.com/message.aspx?ID=322

Don Demsak comments:

Yep, it is just a declarative way to join .Net objects together. No
more, no less.

Think Domain Specific Language done in XML.


What's your take? Is XAML just a technique to wire up .NET objects?
Is XAML a language like lets say HTML or SVG? Is XAML both - a
technique and a language? Is XAML as sort of XML# or XML++? Is XAML
for .NET only? Let us know what you think?

- Gerald

-----------------------
Gerald Bauer
Rich Client Conference (RichCon) 2005 - http://richcon.com
XUL News Wire - http://xulnews.com
XUL Alliance - http://xulalliance.org





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[Gerald Bauer]

Hello,

For a different perspective on "What is XAML?" allow me to quote
from the "About XAML" page from the XAML pioneer Mobiform. Here we go:

XAML (pronounced `ZAML') is an XML based vector markup
specification produced by Microsoft. XAML is one of the primary
pillars in the next version of Windows (Windows 2006). If you are
familiar with W3C standards, XAML is like HTML, XForms and SVG in one
specification.

XAML has all of the capabilities of HTML, Flash and PDF combined in
a single XML based markup language. XAML uses .NET as its code behind
technology. In addition XAML will deliver the 3D internet experience
to web users with the XAML 3D capabilities.

Source: http://www.mobiform.com/2005/XAML/aboutXAML.htm

Any comments?

- Gerald

-----------------------
Gerald Bauer
Rich Client Conference (RichCon) 2005 -
http://richcon.com
XUL News Wire - http://xulnews.com
XUL Alliance - http://xulalliance.org





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