xml-dev - Re: Pull-based XML parsers?

[Rick JELLIFFE <ricko@geotempo.com>]

Jeff Lowery wrote:
> 
> Is anyone aware of any pull-based XML parsers other than kxml?
> http://www-ai.cs.uni-dortmund.de/SOFTWARE/KXML/JAVADOC/overview-summary.html

It is interesting that the dangers of Common XML can be seen from this:
rather than a guide for what parts of XML Simon thinks are most
"frequently used (implemented) and reliable" for document and language
creators, it is being used to decide what bits of XML a parser
implementer can pick and choose.

The Common XML document is very clear about this danger " It is not a
set of rules for creating parsers or other software."
   http://simonstl.com/articles/cxmlspec.txt

Of course, there is no harm in people making experimental and academic
XML parsers to test ideas, and starting with a common subset is a good
idea too.  And there is no harm in making a true subset XML parser that
developers can use in specific systems (XML is a subset of SGML, why
should there not be subsets of XML?)  And Simon's Common XML should be
required reading for anyone trying to understand how things fit
together.

But I urge developers to boycott any XML parsers that do not attempt to
provide full support for XML 1.0, in any general-purpose development.  
If you use them, *you* are creating interoperability problems, not the
people who use XML 1.0 in their documents.  Perhaps the kxml people
might put in a paragraph in their documentation warning against using
their system in general-purpose applications too.

Cheers
Rick