Matrix URIs, a URL syntax from Tim Berners-Lee that never shipped (1996)
2 days ago
- #Web Standards
- #URL Syntax
- #Matrix Parameters
- The document discusses hierarchical systems and draws an analogy with procedure parameters in programming languages, comparing slash-separated hierarchical URLs to positional parameters and matrix syntax (semicolon-separated name-value pairs) to named parameters.
- It explores the use of semicolons in URLs for matrix-like structures, where parameters like latitude, longitude, and scale can be specified, enabling navigation by varying these dimensions, similar to how parameters work in procedures.
- The text examines relative URL parsing in matrix syntax, proposing rules for how parameters should be updated or removed in relative URLs starting with ';', with examples showing interpretations for different relative URI forms (e.g., changing scale or adding rivers).
- It notes that relative matrix URLs are not generally implemented as of 1996/1997, making this a theoretical discussion, but suggests it could be a good idea if deployed without crisis, though not reliable in current browsers at that time.
- The document includes editing notes and a split-off context from another file, emphasizing that it represents a personal view with non-rigorous use of terms like 'axiom' and 'theorem', and it dates from December 19, 1996, with later revisions.