User interface markup language

An user interface markup language is a markup language (often XML) used to define user interfaces.

=UIML=

UIML is the earliest pioneer in user interface markup languages. It is an open standard where implementation is not restricted to a single vendor. However, it doesn t attract much attention.

=XUL=

All software by the Mozilla Foundation is built upon XUL. That s the purpose of the language s creation. XUL documents are rendered by the Gecko (layout engine) engine, which also renders XHTML documents. It cooperates with many existing standards and technologies, including Cascading Style Sheets, JavaScript, Document Type Definition and Resource Description Framework, which makes it relatively easy to learn for people with background of web programming and design.

=SVG=

SVG is a markup language for graphics proposed by the W3C that can support rich, graphical user interface for web and mobile applications. Strictly speaking, SVG is not a user interface language, it is a standard that includes support for vector/raster graphics, animation, interaction with the Document Object Model and CSS, embedded media, events and scriptability. When these features are used in combination, rich user interfaces are possible.

=XAML=

XAML is not just an XML-based user interface markup language, but an application markup language, as the program logic and styles are also embedded in the XAML document. Functionally, it can be seen as a combination of XUL, SVG, CSS, and JavaScript into a single XML schema. Some people are critical of this design, as many standards (such as those already listed) exist for doing these things, but XAML reinvents the wheel in many places, which will require significant retraining for developers wishing to use the platform. However, it is expected to be developed with a visual tool where developers do not even need to understand the underlying markups.

=I3ML=

I3ML is also out there as a thin client Application Delivery mechanism, coming with a browser plugin that will render windows-like applications over an HTTP infrastructure with minimal bandwidth needs. I3ML is used in various Banks and IT shops to deliver applications. It is also a private company s language (cokinetic.com).

= Other =

Other markup languages, however, are compiled into binary forms. They are incorporated into existing frameworks, e.g. Macromedia Flash, GTK and Microsoft .NET.

=See also=

*Layout engine *List of user interface markup languages *Comparison of user interface markup languages