[OSLC] XML namespace prefixes in OSLC specifications

[Steve K Speicher]

Paul McMahan wrote on 08/03/2009 01:59:09 PM:

> XML namespace URIs are clearly an important part of OSLC specification
> documents.   XML namespace prefixes might also be considered to be a 
part
> of these specifications as well.  For example, the XML examples in the 
1.0
> service provider specification use namespace prefixes such as "rdf", 
"dc",
> "oslc_disc".  See
> http://open-services.net/bin/view/Main/OslcServiceProviderCatalogV1
> 
> My feeling is that the OSLC specifications should prescribe XML 
namespace
> URIs but use softer language ("SHOULD" or "RECOMMENDED" vs. "MUST") for 
any
> namespace prefixes, if they are discussed at all.   Any thoughts or
> concerns?
> 

I agree that XML namespace prefixes should not be mandatory.  The Service 
Provider Catalog specification does not make these mandatory but defines 
them for consistency in the specification document.

For example, it states:  "XML namespace abbreviations used in this 
specification: "

Which does not make those prefixes mandatory.  For some other 
specification work, we did pre-define some prefixes but this was mostly 
for non-XML formats.  For example in JSON formats and HTTP query 
parameters.

Thanks,
Steve Speicher | IBM Rational Software | (919) 254-0645
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