What Is It?

WMLScript is a dialect of the client-side scripting language that is similar to JavaScript, as it is based upon the ECMAScript (European Computer Manufacturers Assocation Script) that is JavaScript’s standard. However, JavaScript can be embedded in HTML pages, whereas WMLScript always is placed in a separate file from WML (Wireless Markup Language). WMLScripts are not embedded in WML pages. WMLScript is used to reference script URLs, or WML pages that can be displayed in a WAP microbrowser. It is part of the WAP (Wireless Application Protocol).

Since WAP is fairly new, the protocol has not been standardized. Unwired Planet, Motorola, Nokia, and Ericsson initiated the standardization process. Building on Openwave’s HDML and Ericsson’s and Nokia’s properitary markup languages for mobile content, the WAP Forum created the WML 1.1 standard in 1999. WML 2.0 was specified in 2001, but this protocol has not been accepted widely. The newest WML version in active use is 1.3.

WML documents are XML documents that validate against the WML DTD (Document Type Definition), and that can be validated through The W3C Markup Validation service (http://validator.w3.org/).

Who Is it For?

WMLScript is a language geared specifically for Web site developers so they can make Web site content available to WAP users through WML. Developers who adopt WMLScript should have a basic understanding of HTML, JavaScript, and WML.

Features

WMLScript is used to validate user input, to locally generate message and dialog boxes and to view error messages and confirmations. WML Script also is used to gain access to user agent applications. WMLScript is compiled into byte code on the server before it is sent to the WAP browser. This script is part of the WAP specification.

Compatibility

WMLScript is a scripting language used solely to interpret WML decks to WAP users. The Wireless Application Protocol Architecture Specification is under scrutiny and may change often before the protocol is formally standardized. According to OpenOfficeAlliance.org, “To enable operators and manufacturers to meet the challenges in advanced services, differentiation, and fast/flexible service creation, WAP defines a set of protocols in transport, session and application layers. For additional information on the WAP architecture, refer to “Wireless Application Protocol Architecture Specification” [WAPArch].”

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