How to use generate-id() inside an xsl:function withou

Play the video

Subject: How to use generate-id() inside an xsl:function without a node available?
From: Abel Braaksma <abel.online@xxxxxxxxx>
Date: Tue, 27 Feb 2007 21:04:51 +0100

Hi List,

This seems an obvious question to ask, but I couldn't find anything on the net (but more often than not, it is a matter of wrong keywords, I am sure). The issue is this: I have a function that generates some nodes based on some strings and these nodes must receive a unique ID/IDREF value. Normally, one would use generate-id(), but inside a function (or inside anything that does not have a context node), generate-id() will fail.

My question: how can I create unique identifiers without a node in sight?

Example function (which will err):

<xsl:function name="my:dupSVGText">
  <xsl:variable name="new-id" select="generate-id()" />
  <svg:text id="{$new-id}">some text</svg:text>
  <svg:use xlink:href="#{$new-id}" y="10" />
</xsl:function>

My original function is a bit larger (ahum, counted > 100 lines today, time for refactoring...) and creates some SVG objects that reference one another, which is why I must make sure the ID for referencing the xlink:href attributes are unique within the document. Don't let the SVG and XLink upset or distract you, I just mention it to explain my use-case.

And no, there's no way that there will be a node in sight (it is really disconnected from the source document). Yes, I can use different techniques than xsl:function if needed (of course). Oh, and before I forget: I can do so with extension functions or assignable variables (saxon), but I'd rather not to.

Any ideas? It seems easy enough, but I couldn't find any (quick) resolutions.

TIA,

Cheers,
-- Abel

Current Thread
How to use generate-id() inside an xsl:function without a node available? Abel Braaksma - 27 Feb 2007 20:09:47 -0000 <= Andrew Welch - 27 Feb 2007 20:21:14 -0000 Abel Braaksma - 27 Feb 2007 20:34:39 -0000 David Carlisle - 27 Feb 2007 20:44:22 -0000 Florent Georges - 27 Feb 2007 20:22:37 -0000

<- Previous	Index	Next ->
RE: xsl:attribute introducing, cknell	Thread	Re: How to use generate-id() , Andrew Welch
Re: xsl:attribute introducing, Florent Georges	Date	Re: How to use generate-id() , Andrew Welch
	Month

PURCHASE STYLUS STUDIO ONLINE TODAY!

Purchasing Stylus Studio from our online shop is Easy, Secure and Value Priced!

Cast Your Vote

We need your help – Vote for DataDirect XML Products!

Best SOA or XML site

Winners and finalists announced at SOA World Conference in November.

Download The World's Best XML IDE!

Accelerate XML development with our award-winning XML IDE - Download a free trial today!

Subscribe in XML format

RSS 2.0
Atom 0.3


	Stylus Studio® Developer Network \| Contact Us \| Email this page