Re: alternating tags in a list?

[Paul Prescod <paul@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Didier PH Martin wrote:
> 
> the problem is with the <action> part. Theorists see no problems but
> pragmatist see problems of flexibility. 

I think that there are two misunderstandings in this part of your post:

It isn't theorists versus pragmatists. I'm helping a company with terabyte
databases implement a million-hits-per-day XSL delivery system. If that
puts me in the "theorists" camp then who is in the pragmatists one? 

The real distinction seems to between those who value convenience over
scalability (reliability, performance, etc.) Flexibility is not at issue:
the need for scripting languages on both client and server is absolutely
understood by all. I spend most of my life working in a scripting
language. The question is whether the scripting language should be a
separate layer or the same layer. You seem to agree that it should be a
separate layer, so I guess that makes you a "theorist."

> So then, why not have the <action> part defined as a script then? 

That's what DSSSL does.

> You are right, the visitor pattern could be done in each of these languages.
> However, if that is done for you, it means less work isn't it ;-) And I
> don't see the relationship between Microsoft dependencies and a schema like
> suggested ?? 

My point is that I am not familiar with any cross-platform technology that
allows arbitrary scripting languages to be plugged into any application.
Typically, you must either use Windows' Active Scripting stuff, or you
must plug in each scripting language to your framework individually.
Plugging each language in is probably the same amount of work as
implementing the framework in each language.

Anyhow, implementing an XSL-like pattern->action pattern is quite logical
and should take the pressure off of XSL to be the be-all and end-all
replacement for ASP, DOM and everything else.

 Paul Prescod  - ISOGEN Consulting Engineer speaking for only himself
 http://itrc.uwaterloo.ca/~papresco

"Sports utility vehicles are gated communities on wheels" - Anon


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