[Bug 5388] Definition of "Reference"

http://www.w3.org/Bugs/Public/show_bug.cgi?id=5388

           Summary: Definition of "Reference"
           Product: SML
           Version: unspecified
          Platform: PC
        OS/Version: Windows XP
            Status: NEW
          Severity: normal
          Priority: P2
         Component: Core
        AssignedTo: cmsmcq@w3.org
        ReportedBy: kirk.wilson@ca.com
         QAContact: public-sml@w3.org


Section 2.2 of SML defines the single term "Reference".  However, this term is
ambiguous in SML: it may refer to either an SML reference (the element) or a
reference scheme.  I suspect the definition of "Reference" given in 2.l2 is
actually the definition of "reference scheme".  There needs to be an explicit
definition of "reference scheme" because the notion is used in section 4 with
no explanation.  (Besides, the word "scheme" also has two radically meanings:
reference scheme and XPointer scheme, and the text should highlight this fact
for the benefit of the reader, esp. where they occur rignt next to each other
as in 4.3.1 and 4.3.1.1.)

The use of "reference" vs. "SML Reference" seems to be almost arbitrary in the
text.  Suggestions:
1.  Section 2.2 should contain two additions (something like):
SML Reference: An element providing the means to link to another element.  The
means is called a reference scheme.  An SML reference may specify multiple such
means.
2.  Reference scheme: current definition of "Reference".
Review the text and use "SML reference" in all places where this concept is
being referred to.  Use "reference" only where the context is clearly generic.

Received on Thursday, 17 January 2008 14:11:43 UTC