Re: [SCXML] Incorrect XPath expressions in IR tests 153 & 155

Hi Ate,


> What I'm wondering about is why there is this required to define a <data>
> element in the first place. I assume there is (was) a good and explicit
> reason
> for it.
> The only argument I could come up with was that it is used/needed for
> data communication, ensuring a predefined 'container' <data> node.
> But if that argument is correct, *then* it doesn't make sense to NOT
> require
> this throughout all xpath data model accessors, including the variables, as
> otherwise this whole 'assurance' would break, depending on which xpath
> variable
> could/might have been 'broken' this 'contract' because of some
> intermediate <foreach> usage somewhere. Especially for xpath variables
> which *initially* were
> initialized/binded to a 'top level' <data> element.
>
> Anyway, this of course all is speculation and interpretation my side.
> As you said: the xpath data model definitely is causing a lot of problems.
>
> And just FYI (and I already informed Jim about this), I've decided earlier
> today to cancel my attempt to implement and complete the xpath data model
> for
> Apache Commons SCXML.
> Not all of a sudden or because of the current topic we're discussing, but
> because it just turns out too much trouble getting it right, for very
> little
> actual gain/usage. That is: in the case of Apache Commmons SCXML.
>

After a better review of the initial case you've mentioned here I
understand that:
Consistent setting of Var2 would result in:  Var2 => <data
id="Var2"><node>1</node></data>
However, my workaround resulted in:         Var2 => <node>1</node>

So I understand your proposal and why the extra access specifier is
required in order to reach the text node value.
I would also argue that consistent setting of Var2 (which is an upper-level
variable) would seem correct.

In any event, a pity to hear your XPath datamodel venture is coming to an
end.

Do you happen to have a list of other problem areas with the XPath
datamodel and tests, that could guide others who might want to pick up the
task?

Kind regards,
Zjnue