[xsl] xdiff. XML file comparison using xslt

[Dave Pawson <davep@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

2010-04-10T12:39:24Z
DaveP ideas on what an xdiff should do.

HL requirement, to compare two XML files as being 'equal', using XSLT.

KISS
 compare doc1, doc2
1. traverse the tree of doc1 in its entirity
2. for each element node:
     have access to doc2, same xpath access
     # children is the same
       order of children is the same
     # attributes is the same (irrespective of order)
3. for each attribute node
     have access to doc2, same xpath access
     check normalized space value is the same for doc2
4  for each text node
      have access to doc2, same xpath access
      check normalized space value is the same for doc2
5. for each comment - ignore
6. for each PI
      have access to doc2, same xpath access
      check name is the same
      check normalized space value is the same for doc2

At first error, report both node contents, xpath [line number]
       halt processing.

For any node, inability to access the matching node in doc2
is deemed a failure. 


'How' to be based on this.

Thoughts?



regards 

-- 
Dave Pawson
XSLT XSL-FO  docbook FAQ.
http://www.dpawson.co.uk


-- 

regards 

-- 
Dave Pawson
XSLT XSL-FO FAQ.
http://www.dpawson.co.uk