Welcome to the Resources Site of the XPL eGroups

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Now a step back to 2000.

Our task is to create an eXtensible Programming Language framework, in which XML documents will be source code, processed by XSLT and by our own tree operations.

Our vision is of a complete programming environment in which exchange and transformation of XML documents is the whole deal.

• XML will define control and data flow.
• XML will be the message-passing format.
• XML will be the universal data container, from temporary data structures to portable file and database architectures.

XPL programs will be

• machine independent
• operating-system independent
• initially dependent on the simplest facilities common to the major scripting languages.

Users will access XPL through one scripting language or another, depending on their need for client-side, server-side or peer-to-peer operation - and later, through efficient platform-specific runtime systems.

The user interface to XPL will be anything you like - as long as it can generate an XML document, and link to it via URL, or pass it to standard input.

XPL will be designed by three methods - let the best one win!

• Top-down. We take as context the whole range of XML developments. We ask what the Web requires, as XML pervades it. We take our design constraints from the World Wide Web Consortium standards. And so we work out what we must implement.
• Bottom-up. We begin with the fundamental specifications for an operational XML model - especially the HyTime specification of "groves", and the new XInfoset specification. We implement a basic processing system for property sets, and work up from there.
• Middle way. We implement a useful XML dialect - the proposed XPLScript language. With experience, we extend the foundations downward, and the capabilties upward.

You are in on the ground floor, working with us. Discussions have only recently begun on many far-reaching design issues.

We need:

• Users of HTML extensions and XML facilities - including PHP, ASP, XSLT and SAX.
• Participants and lurkers in the XML development community.
• Programmers - in any language extant.
• Writers - both of technical documentation and overall commentary.
• Newbies to frequently ask the FAQs.
• Mailing-list visitors to keep the group bubbling.

This - along with the other groups under the VBXML banner - is The Edge. Nothing is certain, everything is up for decision. At XPL, you can explore the latest Web developments, or make original contributions to a radically new programming movement.

About Topxml

Topxml is a collection of top XML resources: TopXML, Snippet Central and TrainIT. There is only one thing we do well and that is XML.   Thank you for using Topxml. Please read on to find out more.

Topxml is a vertical technology portal where our visitors can achieve personal growth, where members can earn recognition for contributions to the community and where rapid learning can take place.

When did it all start?

Originally, in February 1999 Mark Wilson started the VBXML email discussion list at ONELIST (who then merged with eGroups.com and the new eGroups/ONELIST merger was bought by Yahoo and became YahooGroups). The number of questions on the Microsoft NNTP newsgroups was a good indication that a developer resource was needed.  At the same time, Mark registered the TopXML URL.

Over time TopXML spawned many more resources. For example: TrainIT as a central place to purchase training and XML resources; and the Topxml Search engine for hand-picked quality searches; and Snippet Central which is an attempt to gather the best and most useful information from around the XML world.

Over time, with the energy of thousands of members, TopXML has organized itself into a wonderful resource for developers around the world. Generally speaking, members make use of free website space and then promote their books or their consulting using the Topxml resources.

Where is Topxml going?

Growth, recognition and learning - these are our mantras. We are striving to build a dynamic resource where visitors and members can find knowledge and resources to grow and learn more quickly.

Our recent achievements include:

We are fortunate enough to host some of the best XML and XSL email discussions on the Net.

• Footerboard components (for peer review)
• Snippet Central (code and frequently asked lists)
• TrainIT Marketplace/Store
• Topxml Developer Search Engine
• Daily Technology News Updates
• Technology Website Directory
• Reciprocal relationships with major conferences and with major websites
• Well over 150 articles
• Almost 100 downloads

Our upcoming projects will significantly enhance our learning value for our visitors and members. These projects include:

• Online coding demonstration videos
• An offline searchable CD version of all the resources on the website (downloads, articles etc.)
• Custom products to fill niches in your development cycle

Every few months, as we complete the projects we will be updating this list. Keep coming back to stay up to date. And of course, if you have a suggestion then feel free to email Topxml Admin.

Why Topxml?

Donating free content and peer review of that content - these are the basic foundations of the Internet.  It's how it all got started and it's why it continues to grow. Throughout all of this is the fundamental quality assurance of having the freedom of speech to comment on someone else's work. It's central to ensuring a healthy, strong and growing community!

Think Apache, Linux, Slashdot and SourceForge - these are the places where legends are being made.  These are places where leaders are contributing their knowledge to the world and where visitors are free to use their work and review it.

Topxml strives to provide the same environment for growth, recognition and learning by providing a place for leaders to donate their project source code or use the excellent Snippet Central for code snippets and of course provide plenty of articles for continued learning.  And to ensure constant peer review and healthy debate, we are using Footerboards.

What is Topxml all about?

TopXML is already the best Windows XML developer resource on the internet, and each month it extends it's lead further. This is because it is a community website.  It follows the concepts and ideals of enabling a community to take ownership of it's own direction and to enable the community to solve problems for each other.  Topxml has over 100 free source code downloads and 15,000 pages of information on XML - almost all of which has been provided by the members who frequent this website.

Gestalt is a word used frequently when describing why so many people co-operate to help each other. Why indeed would competing authors co-operate together?  Gestalt can be defined as "the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts".  With well over 6,000 email members (as of June 2001) and 140 000 unique visitors to Topxml each month (growing at approximately 20% per month, depending on the month), Topxml is one of the top XML developers resources on the Net.

FYI: The community-based growth concepts referred to above are well laid out in books such as Net.Gain (John Hagel III and Arthur G. Armstrong)

Branding and Promotional Opportunities

Like all websites, Topxml needs content.  If you have a consultancy or software development website, Topxml is probably the ideal target market for you. Consider writing content for our readers, and Topxml will brand the content in order to drive visitors to your website and your products.

If you would like to send some of this volume to your website, consider writing an article (with source code) which is related to XML (for example training articles, B2B/eCommerce, using a new parser or whatever) for VBXML. The article will be branded in order to send visitors to your website to learn more about your products. Email Topxml Admin if you would like to discuss this further.

 

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More Background on XPlatypus.com

XPlatypus.com, a website created by Michael Lauzon in the late 1990s, served as a resource hub for developers, particularly those involved in the XPL (eXtensible Programming Language) community. XPL, an open-source language designed for machine and operating system independence, played a key role in the open-source software movement of its time. XPlatypus.com was not just a repository for resources but also a platform for collaborative development and innovation, embodying the spirit of open-source technology.

Historical Background of XPL and Open-Source Movements

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the open-source software movement was gaining momentum, spearheaded by figures like Richard Stallman. The GNU project, which aimed to create a free software operating system, highlighted the importance of open-source development by allowing programmers to freely access, modify, and share source code. This freedom enabled a level of collaboration that was pivotal in the evolution of many software projects, including XPL.

XPL was developed as a versatile programming language, designed to handle a variety of tasks by integrating XML as a core element. The language's ability to use XML for controlling data flow, message-passing formats, and as a universal data container made it an innovative tool for developers. It was built to be machine-independent, enabling developers to write code that could function across different systems, which was a revolutionary concept during the rise of the internet and digital data exchange.

XPlatypus.com’s Role in the Developer Community

XPlatypus.com was more than a typical developer website—it became a community-driven platform where developers could contribute, share, and refine open-source projects, particularly those related to XPL. The website hosted discussions, code-sharing sessions, and programming challenges that allowed both seasoned programmers and novices to learn from one another. It encouraged a collaborative approach where developers could openly critique each other's work and contribute new solutions to emerging problems.

One of the unique aspects of XPlatypus.com was its inclusive nature. Newcomers were encouraged to participate, ask questions, and engage in technical discussions. This sense of inclusivity fostered a welcoming environment, where novices could gain experience from veteran developers, while experts had the opportunity to share their knowledge and refine their skills through peer collaboration.

The site's mascot, the platypus, symbolized its eclectic and diverse approach to problem-solving and innovation. The platypus, known for its unique and varied biological features, represented the website's commitment to integrating multiple technologies and programming paradigms into a cohesive platform. This mascot became a well-known feature within the XPL community and was used to embody the spirit of flexibility and adaptability.

Press and Media Coverage

Although XPlatypus.com was not widely covered in mainstream media, it gained recognition within niche programming communities. Many early adopters of XPL and similar open-source tools would frequent the website to share insights, collaborate on projects, and participate in technical discussions. While the site itself may not have reached the scale of platforms like GitHub or SourceForge, it nonetheless became a valuable resource for developers interested in exploring open-source XML-driven languages.

The lack of mainstream press coverage was largely due to the site's focus on a niche audience of developers. However, within these circles, XPlatypus.com was regarded as a forward-thinking platform that provided a range of valuable resources, including sample code, technical tutorials, and in-depth discussions on XPL and other emerging technologies.

Audience and Known For

XPlatypus.com primarily attracted developers who were focused on XML, open-source projects, and web-based programming technologies. The audience ranged from professional developers working on enterprise-level projects to hobbyist coders experimenting with new programming concepts. XPlatypus.com was particularly known for its strong focus on community participation and collaborative learning. The platform's forums and discussion boards were regularly filled with questions, tutorials, and debates, which helped foster an engaged community of developers.

Another key aspect for which XPlatypus.com became known was its support for open-source ideals. As the open-source movement grew, the site became a beacon for developers who wanted to contribute to freely available projects. Whether through providing free XML-based programming tools or encouraging developers to participate in peer review, XPlatypus.com played a significant role in the propagation of open-source principles within the XPL community.

The Cultural and Social Significance of XPlatypus.com

XPlatypus.com contributed significantly to the culture of open-source software development during the early 2000s. By promoting the ideals of knowledge sharing, collaboration, and peer review, it aligned with other prominent figures and movements in the open-source space. As projects like GNU and Apache were building traction, XPlatypus.com contributed its own specialized niche in the growing ecosystem of open-source development.

The cultural impact of XPlatypus.com was most evident in the way it fostered a strong sense of community among its users. Developers were encouraged to share their knowledge freely, critique each other’s work constructively, and work together to solve programming challenges. This environment not only facilitated technical innovation but also created a space where developers could grow personally and professionally.

Reviews and Developer Feedback

While XPlatypus.com was not typically reviewed in traditional media outlets, feedback from the developer community was largely positive. Many users appreciated the wealth of resources available on the site, particularly its extensive libraries of sample code and programming tutorials. The website’s forums were another highly praised feature, as they allowed developers to troubleshoot issues in real-time and collaborate on solving complex problems.

Users of the site often pointed out its value in helping them learn new programming techniques and stay updated on the latest trends in XML and XPL development. For many, XPlatypus.com served as both an educational resource and a networking platform, where they could connect with other developers who shared their passion for open-source projects.

 

XPlatypus.com remains a symbol of the early days of open-source development. Although it may not have gained the level of mainstream attention as larger platforms, it provided an essential space for collaboration and innovation in the XPL and XML programming communities. Through its focus on open-source ideals, community participation, and technical expertise, XPlatypus.com helped shape the future of collaborative software development. Its legacy continues to influence developers who embrace the principles of open-source collaboration and community-driven progress in the world of programming.