# piml.js

**Spec version**: v1.1.0

`piml.js` is the definitive JavaScript implementation of the PIML (Parenthesis Intended Markup Language) specification. Designed for the modern web, it provides a lightweight, zero-dependency solution for parsing and stringifying PIML data.

PIML was born from a desire to bridge the gap between the strictness of JSON and the verbosity of XML. By utilizing a unique parenthesis-based key structure and indentation-sensitive nesting, PIML offers a "human-first" data format that is as easy to write as it is to read.

## Design Philosophy

- **Human-Centric**: Writing configuration should feel like writing a document, not a math equation.

- **Structural Clarity**: Parentheses clearly define the start of a key-value pair, while indentation handles the hierarchy.

- **Zero Ambiguity**: Unlike YAML, PIML avoids complex edge cases in its indentation logic, making it predictable for both humans and machines.

## Extended Format Example

```piml

(site_name) PIML Ecosystem

(port) 8080

(is_production) false

(database)

(adapter) postgresql

(host) 127.0.0.1

(pool_size) 25

(admins)

> (User)

(id) 1

(name) Alice

(roles)

> superuser

> developer

> (User)

(id) 2

(name) Bob

(roles)

> analyst

(content_blocks)

(hero)

This is a multi-line block of text

that maintains its formatting perfectly.

Indentation is respected within blocks.

(metadata)

(tags)

> javascript

> parser

> markup

```

## Why piml.js?

In a world of bloated configuration libraries, `piml.js` stands out for its simplicity. It is perfect for local configuration, static site metadata, or any scenario where readability is paramount.