Global variables in XQuery

[Martin Probst]

Hi,

> In paricular, I am not able to modify the value of a global
> variable inside a user-defined function. Here is an example:

It is not possible to modify the value of a previously defined  
variable in XQuery, ever.

Somehow it was decided, that it's legal to define another variable  
with the same name as the original. This is what you do, the variable  
within your function is totally distinct from the global variable, it  
just happens to have the same name. Additionally, you always declare  
a new variable in the function body within the loop, which also has  
the same name. With each iteration of the loop, the variable goes out  
of scope again.

(maybe this list should get a FAQ? Or maybe someone should write this  
in bold letters into the preamble of the spec?).

Martin