RE: [xsl] James Clark on Schema

[DPawson at rnib dot org dot uk]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jim Melton [mailto:jim.melton@acm.org]
> Sent: 05 June 2002 20:50
> To: xsl-list@lists.mulberrytech.com
> Subject: RE: [xsl] James Clark on Schema

> However, let me suggest some points worth considering:
> 
> * Certain specifications, notably XML Query, must have a 
> well-defined (XML) 
> data model in order to be properly specified.
> 



> * It is unreasonable to expect a W3C specification (such as 
> XQuery) to 
> adopt as its basis a data model not under control of the W3C, 
> when there is 
> a W3C data model that is acceptable.
> 
> * Since XPath 2.0 and XQuery 1.0 are (properly, in my 
> opinion!) closely 
> linked, and since XSLT 2.0 (again, properly) depends heavily 
> on XPath 2.0, 
> it is difficult to justify using a different data model for 
> XPath 2.0 and 
> XSLT 2.0 than for XQuery 1.0.

I think this point is highly debatable. 'closely linked' is one view.
Hijacked is another. 
What percentage of xpath2 is in place for XSLT users, and what 
for xQuery users?



> 
> My conclusion is this: As bad as many observers and 
> participants think XML 
> Schema to be, it is appropriate for it to be the basis for 
> XQuery 1.0, 

I've no issue with that statement.


> XPath 2.0, and XSLT 2.0. 

Please don't group them so coursely. The needs of the two groups
have some overlap. that overlap should, rightly be shared.
the remainder should be a part of the xquery recs.


 To hope that the various Working 
> Groups will "see 
> the light" and choose to use a schema-like facility defined 
> outside the W3C 
> is highly unlikely.  An tremendous investment has already 
> been made in XML 
> Schema by many companies (including mine, of course) and I am highly 
> skeptical that they will toss that investment away lightly.

I'm hopeful that time will prove you wrong here.
The W3C has many commercial members who may well be capable 
of recognising a bad investment.



> It might be more fruitful for commenters to identify the 
> appropriate subset 
> of XML Schema to be used by XQuery 1.0, XPath 2.0, and XSLT 
> 2.0.  That is 
> something that might cause the Working Groups to pay 
> attention and alter 
> their directions.


I would prefer the query people on the WG to identify what they need,
and take it, leaving xpath and XSLT to grow on the strong base that
has been established. 
I've no desire to see two minimal, but powerful recs be swamped
in unwanted additions.

Regards DaveP.


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