RFC 1874 (rfc1874) - Page 1 of 6
SGML Media Types
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
Network Working Group E. Levinson
Request for Comments: 1874 Accurate Information Systems, Inc.
Category: Experimental December 1995
SGML Media Types
Status of this Memo
This memo defines an Experimental Protocol for the Internet
community. This memo does not specify an Internet standard of any
kind. Discussion and suggestions for improvement are requested.
Distribution of this memo is unlimited.
Abstract
This document proposes new media sub-types of Text/SGML and
Application/SGML. These media types can be used in the exchange of
SGML documents and their entities. Specific details for the exchange
or encapsulation of groups of related SGML entities using MIME are
currently being considered by the mimesgml Working Group internet@ebt.com>.
1. Introduction
A need exists for the transfer the elements of documents constructed
using the Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) [ISO-8879].
While the specific details of such transfers are being considered
general agreement exists on the need to register basic media types
for the SGML entities not covered by existing types.
The Standard Generalized Markup Language (SGML) is used to encode
document structure and a rigorous description of it is left to [ISO-
8879]. The terms used in the present document attempt to be
consistent with SGML terminology and usage.
2. The SGML Media-Types
There are two media-types for SGML parsable entities, Text/SGML and
Application/SGML. Both have the same optional parameters. Text/SGML
provides a fallback to Text/Plain for those without SGML capability.
Senders should base the choice between text and application media-
types on the entity's content. Text is suggested for entities that
would be meaningful to a human being without SGML processing.
Application/SGML is recommended for all others.
Levinson Experimental
