Plain Old XML (POX) is a term used to describe basic XML, sometimes mixed in with other, blendable specifications like XML Namespaces, Dublin Core, XInclude and XLink. People typically use the term as a contrast with complicated, multilayered XML specifications like those for Web Services or RDF. The term may have been derived from or inspired by the expression plain old telephone service (a.k.a. POTS) and, similarly Plain Old Java Object.
An interesting question is how POX relates to XML Schema. On the one hand, POX is completely compatible with XML Schema. However, many POX users eschew XML Schema to avoid the poor or inconsistent quality of XML Schema-to-Java tools.
POX is different from REST in that REST refers to a style for communication protocols, while POX only refers to an information format style.
The primary competitors to POX are syntax standards such as YAML, and JSON-derivatives that don't utilize XML, in addition to structured protocols like SOAP.
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