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xom-interest - Re: [XOM-interest] Scope of namespaces

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Subject: XOM API for Processing XML with Java

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  • From: Elliotte Harold <elharo AT metalab.unc.edu>
  • To: Michael Kay <mike AT saxonica.com>
  • Cc: 'xom-interest' <xom-interest AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [XOM-interest] Scope of namespaces
  • Date: Tue, 07 Feb 2006 07:25:12 -0500

Michael Kay wrote:

Using namespace prefixes in content is a very natural thing to do: if they
make sense in names, then they make sense in content, because if objects are
identified by QNames then you want to use those QNames within your content
to refer to those objects.

And that's the critical mistake. Objects are not identified by QNames. They are identified by URI-local name pairs. QNames are simply one possible abbreviation for the URI-local name pairs, and not an especially robust one.

Namespaces in XML says, "Note that the prefix functions only as a placeholder for a namespace name. Applications should use the namespace name, not the prefix, in constructing names whose scope extends beyond the containing document."

Frankly I don't think that's string enough. I'd prefer it to say that Applications should use the namespace name, not the prefix, in constructing names whose scope extends beyond the containing *element*.

However it's pretty clear that if you're taking something out of one document and putting it in another, then you really shouldn't be depending on QNames if you can possibly help it.

--
Elliotte Rusty Harold elharo AT metalab.unc.edu
XML in a Nutshell 3rd Edition Just Published!
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