Suggestion for a "data" object syntax

[Steven D'Aprano]

On Sat, 12 May 2018 02:26:05 +0300, Mikhail V wrote:

> it is just  not a trivial task to find an optimal solution to this

We already have an optimal solution to this.


* It works with any editor, including simple ones.

* It is safe for transmit over email, or on web forums, 
  so long as you avoid tabs and use spaces.

* It is readable by humans without them needing to distinguish
  between two different kinds of invisible space.

* It can be easily parsed by hand or by machine.

* It works with a multitude of text processing tools whether
  or not they can cope with tabs.

* It is resistant to many sorts of typos.

* It allows great flexibility in the presentation, you aren't
  forced to lay things out in one specific 2D format.

* It uses the same consistent rules for the rest of the language,
  without adding special cases and complexity.

* It is a tried-and-true solution that has been used (with minor
  modifications) for dozens, possibly hundreds, of programming
  languages, natural language lists and data formats.



-- 
Steve