XAML — Microsoft’s XUL

Originally I just wanted to point out another installment of Akta X 0311
 by Petr Cimprich, who regularly reports on developments in W3C specifications
 and particularly in XML. But I had no idea what news I would find there.

Among other things, we learn about a new Microsoft format called XAML, intended 
 for creating user interfaces for applications and the web. XAML will also be the basis for 
 Avalon, a part of Longhorn. That would be one thing if XAML were only for the internal needs
 of Microsoft and its operating systems. In Microsoft’s vision, XAML is a single format for 
 building the user interface for absolutely everything, from applications to the web.

Forget XHTML and HTML as the future of the web. In Microsoft’s imagination, 
 that future is XAML. XAML will of course be more advanced and allow sophisticated user interfaces.
 XAML will be a proprietary Microsoft format, with all that implies. It will allow such horrors
 as writing program code alongside the elements that describe presentation
 and layout.

Yet there’s been a language similar to XAML for several years. It’s called XUL, and Mozilla uses it. 
 XUL is built on XHTML, DOM, and CSS. There’s a reason XAML is nicknamed Microsoft’s XUL. Only now
 do I understand why Microsoft abandoned the standalone browser line and plans 
 to tie Internet Explorer more closely to the operating system. The reason is of course XAML
 and the Avalon framework the new browser will use.

What can I say in closing? Look back at history. It’s full of parallels.

Related commentary

• Dave Shea IE Development: XAML
• Eric Mayer Coralled
• Simon Willison Microsoft’s XUL