One way to look at it is as a domain specific language and the choice as between an embedded DSL or a stand alone DSL. The advantage of an embedded DSL is that a lot of existing tooling can be leveraged and the entire host language can be leveraged. On the other hand, debugging in the new language may wind up  requiring deep knowledge of the host. JVM languages often have that drawback.<p>But at a higher level, the new language should be designed around it&#x27;s use case. If it&#x27;s always used in a JavaScript context, the JSON might make more sense. If it&#x27;s for *nix hackers then YAML might be better. If it&#x27;s for phlembotomists then perhaps something altogether new.<p>Good luck.