Please make LyX native language well formed and valid XML

[Steve Litt]

On Thu, 21 Jan 2021 00:48:43 +0200
Dr Eberhard W Lisse <nospam at lisse.NA> wrote:

> While,
> 
> I like XML out of principle, but besides that I find the tone of the
> request a bit over the top, especially for such a huge undertaking, it
> is rare to require LyX documents to be both manually and
> programmatically editable.

You're right, the tone was over the top. That being said:

1) The initial reason for complexifying the LyX native format back
   around 2012 was to make it XML. I was opposed to the complexity at
   the time. Now they have the complexity, but because it's not real
   XML, you can't even parse it.

2) For a decade, LyX has all but ignored exporting **semantic**
   HTML that can be used to create an realistically sized ePub with a
   reasonable appearance and the ability of the author to change that
   ePub with styles.

I'd say I've been pretty patient.

> Messing with the LyX file is admittedly difficult, why do it in the
> first place?

* Personalizing books I sell.

* VimOutliner to LyX converter.

* Renumbering of entities using Python scripts.

Another thing: The first 9 years I worked with LyX, altering a LyX file
programmatically was the simplest thing in the world.

SteveT

Steve Litt 
Autumn 2020 featured book: Thriving in Tough Times
http://www.troubleshooters.com/thrive