Re: Proposal for precisely flagging optional specifications [CSS21]

>> ...
>> The issue in hand can be applied to writing test cases for 12.5  
>> LISTS since the specification itself is entirely optional [1],  
>> based on the fact that vendors are free to choose whether list- 
>> items generate marker boxes. For example, a document is created to  
>> test how a first-child floated box interacts with the marker box  
>> (which is positioned inside the principal box). Since the marker  
>> box is rendered as the first inline box in the principal box in  
>> this instance, this test translates into the interaction between  
>> inline and floated boxes which is documented as REQUIRED in a  
>> separate specification. However, the generation of a marker box is  
>> optional, and in order to pass this test, marker box generation  
>> must be supported.
>>
>> [1] "An element with 'display: list-item' generates a principal box  
>> for the element's content and an optional marker box as a visual  
>> indication that the element is a list item" [http://www.w3.org/TR/CSS21/generate.html#lists 
>> ]
>
> Ah. This is poor wording on the part of CSS2.1. The marker box is not
> optional, it is required to exist when list-style is not none, and is
> required to not exist when list-style is none.
>
> Proposed change:
>  .. and, depending on the values of 'list-style-type' and 'list- 
> style-image',
>  possibly also a marker box ...

Where would your proposed change sit within the wording of the current  
specification? To me, your proposal doesn't sound specific enough, and  
could be open to interpretation. How about this simple change:-

"An element with 'display: list-item' always generates a principal box  
for the element's content, and a marker box (only when the value of  
the 'list-style' property is not set to 'none') which acts as a visual  
indication that the element is a list item."


*ASIDE*

You've clarified that there isn't an issue regarding the public-css- 
testsuite by replying to this email :)

Received on Wednesday, 2 December 2009 19:23:28 UTC