SGML
SGML (Standard Generalized Markup Language) is a metalanguage for defining markup languages, such as HTML and XML, using a system of tags to describe document structure and content. It provides a standardized way to create and manage structured documents, enabling interoperability across different systems and applications. SGML is defined by the ISO 8879 standard and serves as the foundation for many modern markup languages.
Developers should learn SGML when working with legacy systems, document management, or archival projects that rely on structured text formats, as it underpins technologies like HTML and XML. It is particularly useful in fields like publishing, technical documentation, and data interchange where precise document structure is critical. Understanding SGML helps in grasping the principles of markup languages and their evolution.