[Bug 4976] Is "multiple targets" a reference error?

http://www.w3.org/Bugs/Public/show_bug.cgi?id=4976

           Summary: Is "multiple targets" a reference error?
           Product: SML
           Version: FPWD
          Platform: PC
        OS/Version: Windows XP
            Status: NEW
          Severity: normal
          Priority: P2
         Component: Core
        AssignedTo: cmsmcq@w3.org
        ReportedBy: sandygao@ca.ibm.com
         QAContact: public-sml@w3.org


In section 3.1.2.1 "At Most One Target"

"If a single reference element has multiple representations, every
representation MUST target the same element.  Validators MAY check this
condition."

We need to clarify what this means.

1. It seems to be a contradiction to have "MUST" then "MAY". If we meant
"MUST", then validators must check and report an error if the rule is violated;
if we meant "MAY", then "MUST" should become "SHOULD".

2. If we meant "SHOULD" and "MAY", are we not concerned with potential
interoperability problems? (SML models are labeled valid by some processors and
invalid by others.)

3. What does "every representation MUST target the same element" mean? If 2
schemes (S1 and S2) are used. Is it allowed for neither S1 nor S2 to resolve?
Is it OK for S1 to resolve and S2 not to resolve?

4. Processors may not support all schemes used by a reference element, so we
need to qualify the above rule by saying "every *recognized* representation
MUST target the same element".

Received on Wednesday, 22 August 2007 03:11:40 UTC