query about /definitions/interface/operation/input etc.

We say currently that a message reference component has a property
called direction (incoming or outgoing). The value of this property
comes from whether the message reference is via <input> or via <output>.

Given that the operation has a pattern, it seems to me that 
the direction is now redundantly specified. That is, the patttern
will say that there are messages A, B & C and indicate which are
going "in" and which are going "out". Based on the discussion Amy's
leading on the name of the message reference attribute, we're likely
to have something like:
    <operation pattern="p1">
      <input messageName="A" element=e1 headers=../>
      ..
etc. where the @messageName refers to the name given in the pattern
spec for pattern p1. Thus, we now have two places where the direction
of the "A" message is specified: by the pattern spec for pattern p1
and by the user by using "<input messageName='A'..>" etc. instead of 
"<output messageName='B'..>".

Is my understanding correct? At this point I'm just trying to make
sure I got this right .. not certain that I will try to propose a
change as I certainly understand the practical appeal of saying
"<input>" etc. instead of something more cryptic that picks up the 
direction from the pattern.

Sanjiva.

Received on Wednesday, 10 September 2003 13:58:43 UTC