TOML
TOML, which stands for Tom's Obvious, Minimal Language, is a configuration file format designed to be easy to read and write due to its straightforward syntax. Here are some key points about TOML:
History
- TOML was first proposed in 2013 by Tom Preston-Werner, co-founder of GitHub, who sought to create a configuration file format that was simple yet expressive enough for humans to read and write.
- It was inspired by the need for a configuration file format that would be both human-friendly and machine-readable, aiming to replace formats like INI and JSON in some applications.
- The initial version was released on May 4, 2013, and has since seen several updates to refine its syntax and capabilities.
Key Features
- Simple Syntax: TOML uses a key-value pair syntax that is intuitive for users familiar with basic data formats.
- Type Support: It supports basic data types like strings, integers, floats, booleans, dates, times, and arrays.
- Comments: Comments are allowed, making configuration files easier to document.
- Table Structure: Configuration data can be organized into tables (similar to sections in INI files), and nested tables, allowing for a clear hierarchical structure.
Usage and Adoption
- TOML has been adopted in various projects due to its simplicity:
- Rust's Cargo uses TOML for its package management configuration files.
- Hugo uses TOML for front matter in markdown files.
- It's also used in some Python projects for configuration, like PEP 518.
- Its adoption is not as widespread as JSON or YAML, but it has found niche uses where readability and ease of editing are paramount.
Specification and Development
- The official specification for TOML is hosted on GitHub, where it continues to evolve through community contributions.
- There are several implementations in different programming languages available, ensuring compatibility and ease of use across various environments.
External Links
Related Topics