Re: [xsl] Question about isolating records

["G. Ken Holman g.ken.holman@xxxxxxxxx" <xsl-list-service@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

At 2015-09-06 03:48 +0000, Mark Wilson pubs@xxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
> I got to work with one small change to your suggested code:
>
> <xsl:attribute name="pdf-number" 
> select="substring-before(key('pdf-key', ., doc('test-xml.xml')), 'Crawford')"/>

I think a better solution would be:

 <xsl:attribute name="pdf-number"
                select="key('pdf-key',.,doc('test-xml.xml))/PDF"/>

... because you want the value of the <PDF> child of the <Item> 
element being returned by the key() function.  I worry you approach 
XSLT, like many of my incoming students did, as dealing with XML as a 
bunch of strings to be manipulated.  I had to teach the students to 
understand XSLT treats XML as a bunch of nodes, not strings.  Whereas 
you approached the solution above by substringing the <Item> element 
string value, I suggest you simply address the PDF child of the Item 
element node and you have everything you need without using substrings.

> My major misunderstanding was of the <xsl:key/> statement, not 
> realizing that is was not a 'variable to be loaded when called' and 
> that the key() function later would parse the data in FILE2.

Good ... I was trying to get across to you that, yes, the key 
declaration is in effect for all input files.

> Also, thanks for reopening the book for me.

You are most welcome.  Other registered purchasers are welcome to ask 
for access to the latest edition (14th, dated 2011-02-11).

. . . . . . Ken

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