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Re: Entity structure for XML (Clause 6)


> To: w3c-sgml-wg@w3.org
> From: Martin Bryan <mtbryan@sgml.u-net.com>
> Subject: Entity structure for XML (Clause 6)
> Date: 	Tue, 10 Sep 1996 18:48:23 +0100
> 
> . . .
> 
> b) Should we predefine a set of NDATA notations that will be acceptable to
> all browsers? What mechanism would there be for extending the list of
> notations to take account of new developments in general support for a new
> notation (e.g how will we allow for MPEG-4 in 2000)?

I think predefinition of the set of NDATA notations is unacceptable.
SGML Open has started an effort to codify a method for notation interchange.
While this has only just started, and we're not sure where it will go, I
think some sort of "notation catalog" concept (not too logically dissimilar
from some sort of mailcap idea) might work.

New notations and new tools to handle them will be invented every day, and
we need to be able to handle this.

> 
> . . .
> 6.2.3
> On the question of SGML declaration transmission I feel that the current
> text is in conflict with current practice. Most systems have an implied SGML
> declaration, which is normally an extension of the one defined in 8879 that
> is supposed to be used whenever you do not specifically receive one. WG8
> have agreed in principle that it should be possible to identify a relevant
> SGML declaration using a public (or system) identifier in the same way that
> you can with a DocType declaration. This is the best long term solution. If
> XML is to have a fixed SGML declaration then we have no problem. If, to suit
> regional character set requirements, there is more than one option, there
> should be a set of predefined SGML declarations that can be referenced via a
> public identifier (perhaps through a PI or comment declaration) in front of
> the DocType declaration.

I'm not sure what think about sgml decls, but I want to point out that 
the SGML Open catalog allows for sgml decls to be associated with DTDs.
That is, the DTDDECL entry type of a catalog maps a DTD's FPI into the
sgml decl that should be used.

paul