What is the significance of POX ("plain old XML")?

Question

I've seen some references recently to POX or "plain old XML". Is there a movement to simplify XML use?

Wikipedia says:

People typically use the term [POX] as a contrast with complicated, multilayered XML specifications like those for web services or RDF.

Personally I find some of the usage of XML schemas and DTDs overly complex so I would welcome simplifying XML usage. But maybe that's just me.

Answer 1

Not really. The fact is that some people (rightfully) don't want to dig into the XML/XPath/Schema/RDF/RDF-XML/OWL and whatnot, and they are happy writing

<MyStuff>
   <Foo>bar</Foo>
</MyStuff>

All the specs of XML and related world does not scale to the single developer level. Hence the POX, JSON and all the low-fat stuff you see around.

Of course, if you have a huge enterprise with thousands of people employed, things are different, but... it's the matter between a transatlantic and a punt. You would never go through the ocean with a punt, and all by yourself cannot pilot a transatlantic.

Answer 2

I for one love POX and avoid complicated schemas wherever I can.