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An user interface markup language is a markup language (often XML) used to define user interfaces.
BXML
BXML is the first AJAX-based user interface markup languages. It is an proprietary standard by Backbase that runs with all major webbrowsers and XHTML / DOM-based layout engines. It provides declarative language for cross-browser AJAX development.
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
The primary interface language of Mozilla Foundation products is XUL. XUL documents are rendered by the Gecko engine, which also renders XHTML documents. It cooperates with many existing standards and technologies, including CSS, JavaScript, DTD and RDF, which makes it relatively easy to learn for people with background of web programming and design.
SVG
Scalable Vector Graphics 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 DOM 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. 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 a proprietary thin client Application Delivery mechanism developed by CoKinetic Systems Corp, with client support provided by a browser plugin that will render windows-like applications over an HTTP infrastructure with minimal bandwidth needs.
OpenLaszlo
OpenLaszlo is a XML-based application markup language that currently compiles into Flash-based (SWF) applications.
Other
Other markup languages incorporated into existing frameworks are:
- MXML for Macromedia Flash,
- GTK+ in the GNOME environment, and
- one for Microsoft .NET
Some of these are compiled into binary forms.
Also, in Avionics, the ARINC 661 standard use a binary format to define user interfaces in Glass cockpits.
See also
"User interface markup language"