3 ms·

Most languages have JSON5 libraries just as they have TOML libs. TOML is decent but if you need nested data it gets super awkward. > What if you have an issue

Most languages have JSON5 libraries just as they have TOML libs. TOML is decent but if you need nested data it gets super awkward. > What if you have an issue in prod and need to fix something quick? You might only be able to open it up in a stripped-down vi, or if the machine is locked down you might only be able to materialize a plain text view. What if not everyone uses the same tool? This imposes a further constraint. Yet more concessions pointing to how horrible JSON is for humans. JSON5 is pretty easy to edit correctly with any text editor. Not much harder than TOML. > Can you imagine projects where [lack of programmability] might be an issue? These aren't the only codebases in the world. And just because VSCode appears to be doing fine doesn't mean they don't second guess that decision. They might just be locked in at this point. Does TOML allow programmability that JSON5 doesn't?

pmoleri 8y ago
This is the first time I read about TOM. After checking out the syntax, I don't like the way you declare nested data, because if you need to move one block of data to a different parent you need to replace all the path of each table. If done wrong, this can lead to very difficult to find errors. OTOH, it can be easier to send partial information, just append this block to your config and you are done.
h1d 8y ago
How do you tell if a file is json or json5? Feels better to forget about json for config and go with the obvious TOML that has single file extension with single standard.
- DonHopkins 8y ago
  While J4X would simply let you specify the version number in the DTD, if course! ;) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=19656646 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=19656646
- int_19h 8y ago
  If you're trying to parse it, you don't need to tell. Just parse as JSON5, it's a strict superset. And if you're editing a file, you can usually tell by the fact that there are comments in it. :)
  - h1d 8y ago
    Official json5 site does mention using .json5 extension to be obvious but I bet people will just use .json which will be confusing if the file is passed to another party and they get parse error until they realize it's json5. I think the only downside to json5 is that they inherited the name json instead of coming up with a different name.

pmoleri 8y ago

This is the first time I read about TOM. After checking out the syntax, I don't like the way you declare nested data, because if you need to move one block of data to a different parent you need to replace all the path of each table. If done wrong, this can lead to very difficult to find errors. OTOH, it can be easier to send partial information, just append this block to your config and you are done.

h1d 8y ago

How do you tell if a file is json or json5? Feels better to forget about json for config and go with the obvious TOML that has single file extension with single standard.

DonHopkins 8y ago
While J4X would simply let you specify the version number in the DTD, if course! ;) https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=19656646 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=19656646
int_19h 8y ago
If you're trying to parse it, you don't need to tell. Just parse as JSON5, it's a strict superset. And if you're editing a file, you can usually tell by the fact that there are comments in it. :)
- h1d 8y ago
  Official json5 site does mention using .json5 extension to be obvious but I bet people will just use .json which will be confusing if the file is passed to another party and they get parse error until they realize it's json5. I think the only downside to json5 is that they inherited the name json instead of coming up with a different name.