MODL is a compact, JSON-like data serialisation format, designed for DNS TXT records.
JSON
{"json":{"is":["v","e","r","b","o","s","e"]}}
MODL
modl(is[c;o;m;p;a;c;t])

Minimal Object Description Language

MODL (sounds like “doddle”) is a compact data serialisation language well suited to storing objects in DNS TXT records.

Similarities with JSON

Like JSON and most other data serialisation languages, MODL is made up of:

  • values like a, 1, true, false, null
  • pairs consisting of a key and value
  • maps containing pairs
  • arrays containing values

MODL is designed for character efficient data serialisation and does not allow comments.

Subtle differences to JSON

MODL has the following subtle differences when compared to JSON:

  • MODL uses an equals (=) to split a key and value, whereas JSON uses a colon (:)
  • MODL uses a semi-colon (;) as a separator, whereas JSON uses a comma (,)
  • It is not necessary to quote keys or values – types are inferred
  • Values can be quoted using `graves` as well as "quotes"

Significant differences to JSON

MODL has the following significant differences when compared to JSON, in the pursuit of character-efficiency:

  • It is not necessary to split a key and value with = if the value is a map or an array, e.g: colours[red;blue] and colours=[red;blue] are both valid MODL
  • Pairs can be expressed outside of a map at the top level, where they are considered pairs in the same map
  • Pairs can be expressed as values in an array, where each pair is considered an individual map with a single pair

Learn More

To experiment with MODL use the MODL Playground, to get started on your own project take a look at the Developer Libraries. For detailed information read the Technical Specification.