- From: Rasmus Schultz via GitHub <noreply@w3.org>
- Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2026 12:27:13 +0000
- To: public-design-tokens-log@w3.org
mindplay-dk has just created a new issue for https://github.com/design-tokens/community-group:
== Conflicting language in "References and JSON Pointer Integration" ==
I noticed some conflicting language in the "References and JSON Pointer Integration" part of the spec.
"tools **MAY** also support JSON Pointer notation"
https://github.com/design-tokens/community-group/blob/21dac16da36e70abf8b55d92c985dc8816f21ea1/technical-reports/format/groups.md?plain=1#L511
"Tools **MUST** support JSON Pointer references"
https://github.com/design-tokens/community-group/blob/21dac16da36e70abf8b55d92c985dc8816f21ea1/technical-reports/format/groups.md?plain=1#L534
In addition, the spec says the `{group.token}` syntax is "**maintained for backward compatibility**"
https://github.com/design-tokens/community-group/blob/21dac16da36e70abf8b55d92c985dc8816f21ea1/technical-reports/format/groups.md?plain=1#L511
Yet, the `{group.token}` syntax is defined under the title "**Current** Reference Syntax (**Recommended**)"
https://github.com/design-tokens/community-group/blob/21dac16da36e70abf8b55d92c985dc8816f21ea1/technical-reports/format/groups.md?plain=1#L513
Has the working group decided on a syntax?
Personally, I prefer the simpler syntax, which is immediately easy to parse and implement - whereas JSON pointers require a library.
JSON pointers would let you write valid expressions that reference array elements - is that useful or does it create problems?
JSON pointers would also let you reference reserved schema elements like `$type` and `$name` - is that a "by design" feature or by accident?
Does simpler syntax lack anything, or why were JSON pointers added with a "MUST" requirement?
Please view or discuss this issue at https://github.com/design-tokens/community-group/issues/383 using your GitHub account
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Received on Friday, 16 January 2026 12:27:14 UTC