Argot provides a binary data description able to describe any well structured binary data. It is designed to meet the needs of ubiquitous and pervasive computing systems where bandwidth and computing power need to be conserved. With a unique dictionary and data mapping system, it can be used to build flexible heterogenous distributed systems. A perfect solution for changing environments where multiple vendors need a common language to communicate. A perfect alternative to XML where speed, data size, and data integrity are required.
Argot can be used to compliment other communication technology and data formats, like XML, Grid Computing, Message Queueing, Web Service and CORBA where transfering binary data is better suited to the environment.
Argot features include:
- A data serialization method which is totally language and system independant.
- Reflective binary data, allowing software to confirm the format of the data before attempting to read it.
- Argot Network Resolution, which allows client and server to negotiate the specific data structures before attempting to send/recieve them.
- Abstract data types which allow multiple representations for a single data type to be defined.
- Using abstract data types, data dictionaries can be extended without modifying existing definitions.
- Definitions from multiple dictionaries to be combined and intersected to provide a single dictionary source of data types.