What does SGML stand for?

SGML stands for Standardized Generalized Markup Language. It is a standard that defines a way to describe the structure of documents. SGML provides a framework for using markup to identify elements within a document and specify how those elements relate to each other. This capability makes SGML versatile for various applications, including document management and publishing, as it allows for complex documents to be created and maintained in a structured format.

The terminology of SGML emphasizes its standardization and general applicability to different types of documents, rather than being limited to a specific use case or type of content. This flexibility is one of the reasons it remains influential in the development of future markup languages, including HTML and XML, which build upon the foundational concepts introduced by SGML.