GitHub user soml-lang has introduced SOML, a new configuration format designed to offer the readability of YAML with the strictness of JSON. Positioned as a solution to the ambiguities of existing formats, SOML removes the need for quotes on keys and braces at the top level while maintaining precise type definitions based on syntax. Unlike JSON, which requires extensive punctuation, or YAML, which can misinterpret data types, SOML ensures that what is written is exactly what is read.
The format supports dates, instants, and durations as first-class values, eliminating the need to guess units for settings like timeouts. It also allows comments almost anywhere and permits paths and regular expressions without escaping. A key design goal is a single canonical form, meaning all compliant implementations parse files identically, which aids in hashing and signing.
The project is currently in a draft specification stage, with the creator actively seeking feedback to refine the format before wider adoption.
Source: Hacker News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing