Ep #12: From SGML (1986) to LLMs (2026): Jon Udell on The Tools That Make Digital Knowledge Work

About this episode

Jon Udell discusses the evolution of knowledge management tools from SGML to modern AI applications.

In this episode of Rule Breakers, we’re joined by author and software developer Jon Udell, a longtime explorer of the tools that shape how we write, publish, and work with knowledge. From the early days of SGML and semi-structured content to the modern web and today’s AI-powered knowledge management workflows, Jon shares a sweeping perspective over the last forty years of knowledge management innovations.

People in this episode

Guest: Jon Udell

Topics covered

• SGML
• LLMs
• knowledge management
• digital tools
• AI

Keywords

• software development
• publishing
• semi-structured content
• digital knowledge

Mentioned in this episode

Products: SGML, AI-powered knowledge management tools

Books & works: The Tools That Make Digital Knowledge Work, Rule Breakers

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