Re: XSchema: root element

John Cowan (cowan@locke.ccil.org)
Tue, 30 Jun 1998 12:33:38 -0400 (EDT)


Ron Bourret scripsit:

> The DTD syntax is:
>
> <!ATTLIST ElementDecl ... Root (True | False) "False">

As I posted earlier today, I favor this idea, but I dislike this
syntax. Because of the #*$# interoperability restriction, we
should avoid using "True" and "False" for any attribute values.
Also, boolean attributes in general often indicate a poorly
thought out design (See _Writing Solid Code_). Just what is "true"
or "false" anyway? That it must be a root? No. That it can be a root?
No (anything can be a root). That it should be a root? No. "False"
ends up meaning "It shouldn't be a root", but "true" has no specific meaning.

I propose: Root (Useful | NotUseful) "NotUseful".

-- 
John Cowan					cowan@ccil.org
		e'osai ko sarji la lojban.