Nmap Development mailing list archives
Re: How do YOU use Nmap XML?
From: magnus () linuxtag org (Nils Magnus)
Date: Tue, 16 Nov 2004 17:06:10 +0100
Re, On Tue, Nov 16, 2004 at 09:40:28AM -0600, Yvan G.J. Boily wrote:
My understanding of it is such that XML elements are used to encapsulate data sets, while attributes define properties of that dataset.
Ok, that is an approach.
Since the hosts element details the number of hosts that are up, down, and the total, this indicates a set of properties of the dataset. There is no real way that this data could be extended either; a host is either up or it is down. That makes it a discrete value.
Well, technically speaking not really: It can be proven up and sometimes proven down (say as assumed by a received ICMP host unreachable packet), but it can also be suspectible of being up or down, even if this is not implemented at the moment with all that fine grain. Looking at ports would be a better example. But I see your point. However, why do we write <h1>nmap - the great scanner</h1> instead of <h1 headline="nmap - the great scanner" /> I don't want to start a general discussion about the pros and cons of XML, though.
Using a full element would increase the time (trivially) to parse the file, however, the larger impact is that it is not as readable (to a human).
I like this explanation.
XML is meant to be a format that is interchangeable, but its biggest advantage over other data formats is that it can be read (ideally) by people as well as by machines.
I can't agree that this design-goal is attained :(
This is a crucial part of interoperability as programmers (mostly human) have to be able to read XML input and output to be able to verify the implementations during the development cycle.
Ok, I see that point as well, but let's agree on "XML can be used to be double checked during processing but is not useful for humans to read (without additional means)". :) Regards, Nils Magnus Program-Chair LinuxTag 2004 Free Conference Program LinuxTag 2004: Where .com meets .org - magnus () linuxtag org --------------------------------------------------------------------- For help using this (nmap-dev) mailing list, send a blank email to nmap-dev-help () insecure org . List archive: http://seclists.org
Current thread:
- How do YOU use Nmap XML? Fyodor (Nov 15)
- Re: How do YOU use Nmap XML? Paul Johnston (Nov 16)
- Re: How do YOU use Nmap XML? Okan Demirmen (Nov 16)
- Re: How do YOU use Nmap XML? Nils Magnus (Nov 16)
- RE: How do YOU use Nmap XML? Yvan G.J. Boily (Nov 16)
- Message not available
- Re: How do YOU use Nmap XML? Nils Magnus (Nov 16)
- XML is a beautiful thing [was: How do YOU use Nmap XML?] Brett Campbell (Nov 19)
- Re: How do YOU use Nmap XML? Nils Magnus (Nov 16)
- Re: How do YOU use Nmap XML? David G. Cheney (Nov 16)
- Re: How do YOU use Nmap XML? Joshua T. Corbin (Nov 17)
- <Possible follow-ups>
- RE: How do YOU use Nmap XML? Sean Warnock (Nov 16)