What is DTL? Domain Transport Language Explained
Domain Transport Language (DTL) is a next-generation, ultra-compact, cryptographically secure data serialization and transport format designed to replace JSON, XML, CSV, JWT, and SAML for modern applications in AI systems, critical infrastructure, Web3, and decentralized networks.
Table of Contents
Definition: What Exactly is DTL?
DTL is a line-based, schema-deterministic data format that combines:
- Ultra-compact serialization - Typically 40-60% smaller than JSON or SAML
- Cryptographic integrity - Built-in hashing (BLAKE3/SHA256) and signatures (Ed25519/secp256k1)
- Web3-native design - Wallet signatures, chain anchoring, verifiable hashes
- Schema enforcement - Every table declares its schema inline for deterministic parsing
- No ambiguity - Single canonical form prevents XML-style parsing tricks and security exploits
Why DTL Matters in 2025
Traditional data formats have fundamental problems:
- JSON - Fast but not cryptographically sealed or Web3-native
- JWT - Tokens but vulnerable to algorithm confusion attacks (alg=none)
- SAML - Complex XML with namespace tricks enabling bypass attacks
- XML - Vulnerable to XXE attacks, canonicalization exploits, signature wrapping
- CSV - No built-in security or type system
DTL solves these problems with a format designed from the ground up for cryptographic security, determinism, and Web3 integration.
Core Concepts: How DTL Works
1. Three-Part Structure
Every DTL file has three main components:
@dtlv1.0^dtHC^pAsterERB1^c3^s1^w1^hb3^sged
@sec^fh98ab23dd...^wa0xAB91FF22...^sg0xfe22bb44...^chZC01
TRIAGE|tid:s,patient_id:s,time:T,ctas:i|3|S1|W2|C2
T01|P001|2025-11-15T10:00Z|3
T02|P002|2025-11-15T10:10Z|2
T03|P003|2025-11-15T10:20Z|42. Security Layers
- File-level integrity - Hash of entire file (fh)
- File-level authenticity - Digital signature over hash (sg)
- Row-chain integrity - HASH_* tables chain each row
- Row-level signatures - SIG_* tables sign individual rows
- Chain anchoring - Optional on-chain proof of file hash
3. Schema Enforcement
Unlike JSON where you guess types, DTL declares schema inline:
PATIENT|id:s,age:i,admitted:T,visits:a(s)|1000|S1|W1|C2
P001|45|2025-01-15T08:30Z|visit1,visit2,visit3Schema means: String ID, integer age, timestamp admitted, array of strings for visits.
How DTL Compares to Alternatives
| Aspect | DTL | JSON | JWT | SAML |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Tiny (40-60% JSON) | Medium | Compact | Huge (XML) |
| Security | Built-in crypto | None | Basic | Complex XML |
| Web3 Ready | Yes (wallets, chains) | No | No | No |
| Schema Enforced | Always | Never | Rarely | Sometimes |
Real-World Use Cases
- Healthcare IT - Patient records with cryptographic assurance
- Fintech - Transactions and audit trails
- Digital ID - Government-grade identity via DTLAuth
- Web3 - Wallet-signed messages and on-chain data
- AI Systems - Deterministic data transport for LLM APIs
- Edge Networks - Bandwidth-constrained IoT and edge computing
- Microservices - Secure token and message passing
Next Steps
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