[ANN] YAML4R 0.14 -- Objects in plain-text

#  This ANN is structured in YAML, as I figured it might help to see how readable
#  YAML is.  Also see the quick reference at:
#
#                            http://yaml.org/refcard.txt
#
#  Similiar kind of idea.
#
--- #YAML:1.0 #TAB:NONE
title: yaml4r
version: 0.14
author: [Why the Lucky Stiff, [e-mail]]
websites: [http://www.yaml.org, http://yaml.sf.net, http://sf.net/projects/yaml4r/]
installation: |
  YAML4R depends on Racc, available in the RAA:

  http://www.ruby-lang.org/en/raa-list.rhtml?name=Racc

  Once Racc is installed, run the install.rb script in this
  distribution:

  ./install.rb

  To run the included unit tests:

  ruby tests/basic.rb

about: |
  From the specification:

  "YAML(tm) (rhymes with 'camel') is a
  straightforward machine parsable data serialization format designed for
  human readability and interaction with scripting languages such as Perl 
  and Python. YAML is optimized for data serialization, formatted
  dumping, configuration files, log files, Internet messaging and
  filtering. This specification describes the YAML information model and
  serialization format. Together with the Unicode standard for characters, it
  provides all the information necessary to understand YAML Version 1.0
  and construct computer programs to process it."

  For Ruby developers, YAML is a natural fit for object serialization and
  general data storage.  Really, it's quite fantastic.  Spreads right on
  your Rubyware like butter on bread!

  The possible uses for YAML are innumerable.  Configuration files,
  custom internet protocols, documentation, the list goes on and on.
  Also, with YAML readers popping up for other languages (see YAML.pm 
  and others), you can pass data easily to colleagues in distant lands,
  swamped in their archaic languages.

  YAML is a beacon of light, reaching out to them all. ;)

  If I can-- quickly, of course-- in the Pickaxe book-- my all-time favorite
  coding book-- Dave Thomas and Andy Hunt say:

  "When we discovered Ruby, we realized that we'd found what we'd been looking
  for.  More than any other language with which we have worked, Ruby stays
  out of your way.  You can concentrate on solving the problem at hand, instead
  of struggling with compiler and language issues.  That's how it can help you
  become a better programmer: by giving you the chance to spend your time
  creating solutions for your users, not for the compiler."

  HeiL!  So true.  Ruby's elegance, its readability, its common sense!  Such
  it is with YAML.  YAML is completely readable, in fact much of its syntax
  parallels Ruby's own data structure syntax!

  Another one from the Pickaxe:

  "Ruby is easy to learn. Everyday tasks are simple to code and once you've done
  them, they are easy to maintain and grow.  Apparently difficult things often
  turn out not to have been difficult after all.  Ruby follows the Principle
  of Least Surprise--things work the way you would expect them to, with very
  few special cases or exceptions.  And that really does make a difference
  when you're programming."

  A quick look at YAML and you can see your data structure immediately.  If
  I compare it to SOAP or XML-RPC, the difference is immense.  With XML-RPC,
  you can see the data structures, but its terribly verbose.  More time is
  spent describing the structure than anything else.  Again, the Principle
  of Least Surprise is wholly present in YAML.  Thank God!

thanks:
  - who: Minero Aoki
    why?: Racc saved me tons of time!  It's a lovely work!