CURIES and XML Host languages

Hello,

I have a problem with a MUST requirement. I realize the document is in  
CR, but I only just noticed it when thinking about adding CURIE  
support to OWL/XML:
	http://www.w3.org/2007/OWL/wiki/XML_Serialization

In particular:

http://www.w3.org/TR/2009/CR-curie-20090116/#s_syntax

"""When CURIES are used in an XML-based host language, and that host  
language supports XML Namespaces, prefix values MUST be able to be  
defined using the 'xmlns:' syntax specified in [XMLNAMES]. Such host  
languages MAY also provide additional prefix mapping definition  
mechanisms."""

This is unnecessarily restrictive. I want to add a prefix declaration  
mechanism and I want to keep namespace declarations out of the  
picture. I see no reason for this not to be possible, other than  
consistency with other XML formats. But I don't *want* that  
consistency. I want OWL/XML processors not to have to deal with two  
dereferencing mechanisms for CURIEs and I want OWL/XML to use  
namespaces *solely* for element and attribute names (to avoid  
confusing syntax and content).

The likely alternative is not to have CURIEs at all. Which seems silly.

Also, it's just a bit otiose. What XML language *doesn't* ,in some  
sense, support XML Namespaces? What if I have a non-namespaced format  
which has an open content model? If I put some SVG in there do I  
suddenly have to support namespace prefix lookups?

One great advantage of CURIEs is, finally, a possibility of  
*divorcing* XML Namespaces and abbreviating URIs. Yet the spec  
*requires* confusing them. Please change this.

I'm fine with a SHOULD, though I think that's wrong.

I would think my organization would oppose going to PR without this  
change.

I apologize for not noting this point sooner.

Cheers,
Bijan.

Received on Monday, 9 March 2009 00:06:34 UTC