Two "easy test" answers in explaining compatibility to a "newbie"
- hopefully not too simplistic or optimistic, and not necessarily
complete:
1. If a new XML has a broad enough foundation set, then much of
what exists should be translatable (but maybe ugly).
2. If the new XML is indeed extensible, then, for a module
(whatever that is), it should be possible to specify a syntax (i.e. a parser
that produces infosets) and a semantics (i.e. a standard or process that
recognizes and can handle the resulting infosets).
Clearly compatibility is a driving requirement, and these and other
considerations are fundamental and necessary. Compatibility should dictate
that all that is possible with at least two commercial browsers is
supported in some manner. Simplicity is an immediate goal
for developers. Browsers are stuck with the past, but goals of
extensibility and long term simplicity are useful for browsers.
In a message dated 12/4/2010 9:27:34 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,
davep@dpawson.co.uk writes:
On Sat, 4 Dec 2010 09:09:49 -0500
Elliotte Rusty Harold
<elharo@ibiblio.org> wrote:
> > I think the XML 2.0 spec
should have a 'Compatibility' section in
> > it that says if you want
your XML 2.0 document to be valid XML 1.0,
> > then take note of the
following ... . One of the things it would
> > mention is
comments.
>
> That's certainly worth considering. Perhaps there
should be two
> levels? a basic level with no XML declaration that is
XML 1.0
Easy test, how easy would that be to explain to a
newbie?
Surely if you want XML 1.0, use it. The new work should remain
new
and kept that way?
Certainly worth an explanatory section saying
what is/isn't backwards
compatible.
--
regards
--
Dave Pawson
XSLT XSL-FO
FAQ.
http://www.dpawson.co.uk
_______________________________________________________________________
XML-DEV
is a publicly archived, unmoderated list hosted by OASIS
to support XML
implementation and development. To minimize
spam in the archives, you must
subscribe before posting.
[Un]Subscribe/change address:
http://www.oasis-open.org/mlmanage/
Or unsubscribe:
xml-dev-unsubscribe@lists.xml.org
subscribe:
xml-dev-subscribe@lists.xml.org
List archive:
http://lists.xml.org/archives/xml-dev/
List Guidelines:
http://www.oasis-open.org/maillists/guidelines.php
