Hi Folks,
What are the properties of “declarative”?
Here’s one.
Assertion #1: A key feature of declarative data is the ability of readers (both human readers and
machine readers) to recognize, at a glance, the shape/topology of the data.
Assertion #2: Regularity gives data a visible/parse-able shape and therefore regularity is a fundamental
property of declarative.
Assertion #3: Declarative is superior. Always choose declarative.
Conclusion: Choose regular data over irregular data.
Below is an example of regular XML-encoded data followed by an example of irregular XML-encoded data. The first is declarative and superior. Choose the
former over the latter.
Do you agree with my assertions, conclusion, and examples?
/Roger
Regular Data (declarative, preferred)
<People>
<Person>
<Name>John</Name>
<Residence>Massachusetts</Residence>
</Person>
<Person>
<Name>Sara</Name>
<Residence>Illinois</Residence>
</Person>
<Person>
<Name>Bill</Name>
<Residence>California</Residence>
</Person>
<Person>
<Name>Lisa</Name>
<Residence>New
Mexico</Residence>
</Person>
</People>
Irregular Data (inferior, avoid)
<People>
<Massachusetts>
<Person>
<Name>John</Name>
</Person>
</Massachusetts>
<Person>
<Name>Sara</Name>
<Residence>Illinois</Residence>
</Person>
<Resident-of-California>
<Person>
<Name>Bill</Name>
</Person>
</ Resident-of-California>
<New-Mexico>
<Person>
<Name>Lisa</Name>
</Person>
</New-Mexico>
</People>