# PIML: Parenthesis Intended Markup Language


**PIML** is a data serialization format designed for humans first, machines second. It bridges the gap between the strictness of JSON and the ambiguity of YAML, offering a syntax that is readable, writable, and structurally obvious.

> "Data should be beautiful. Structure should be self-evident."

## Why PIML?

In a world of configuration hell, PIML offers a sanctuary of clarity.

* **No Quotes:** Keys and simple strings don't need them.

* **No Trailing Commas:** End of line means end of value.

* **Explicit Structure:** Parentheses `(key)` clearly denote fields, preventing the "whitespace anxiety" of YAML.

## Syntax Showcase

Compare the elegance of PIML against traditional formats:

### PIML

```piml

(server)

(host) localhost

(port) 8080

(ssl) true

(endpoints)

> /api/v1

> /health

```

### JSON

```json

{

"server": {

"host": "localhost",

"port": 8080,

"ssl": true,

"endpoints": [

"/api/v1",

"/health"

]

}

}

```

## Ecosystem & Tools

PIML is supported by a growing ecosystem of tools:

* **[go-piml](/projects/go-piml):** A high-performance Go parser and serializer.

* **[piml.js](/projects/piml.js):** Full support for JavaScript/TypeScript environments.

* **[VS Code Extension](/projects/piml-highlighter):** Syntax highlighting and snippets for visual clarity.

* **[PIML Lab](/apps/piml-lab):** A live playground to test and convert your data.

## Specification Highlights

* **Null Safety:** `nil` handles nulls, empty lists, and empty objects gracefully.

* **Lists:** Denoted by `>` for clear, vertical scanning.

* **Comments:** Native `#` support for documenting your configuration.

* **Multi-line Strings:** Indentation-based text blocks without escape character madness.

## Get Started

Adopt PIML for your next configuration file or data exchange format.

[Read the Full Spec](https://github.com/fezcode/piml)