XOM API for Processing XML with Java

[Ed Davies <edavies AT nildram.co.uk>]

Angela Amoateng wrote:
> 2) Can I create an XML document using XOM model, that will enable me to 
> have an "EqualsTo" function  for each word. For example, "apple" in 
> Japanese is "ringo" so:
>
> <word>apple = ringo <word>

Expanding on what Grzegorz said, XML is only really a syntax
for data.  It doesn't have any "understanding" of the meaning
so if you chose to use the "=" sign to delimit the words in
the two languages that would be fine but XML will just treat
the sequence of characters between the "<word>" start and end
tags (I assume you meant the second "<word>" to be an end tag,
"</word>") as just that, a sequence of characters with no
additional meaning.

On the other hand, XML is intended to convey the structure
of the data using its own syntax.  Adding your own delimiters
(e.g., your "=" symbol) is rather missing the point.  To
make slightly better use of XML in this sort of case you
might choose a form like:

 <word>
   <english>apple</english>
   <japanese>ringo</japanese>
 </word>

Alternatively, you could use:

 <word english="apple" japanese="ringo"/>

There are all sorts of reasons for choosing elements and/or
attributes.  In a case like this, you'd use elements if
there is any need to add mark up within the words.  E.g..,
you might want to mark word stems the way dictionaries do.

Well, I think that's plenty on XML generalities for a XOM
specific list.  I suggest you have a read up on XML before
deciding if it's appropriate for your project.

Ed.