Re: which is faster?

without a sample input we can't run the thing so you'll have to be more
explicit in your description.

> This line of code is messing the whole thing up. 

generates error message?
generates wrong output?
Causes your machine to reboot?

> otherwise when I try to load data from 
> it, and it doesn't exist, the whole stylesheet ceeses to work.

using document() on a document that doesn't exist is a recoverable error
in XSLT (unfortunately). The system can either generate an error (and
stop) or return an empty node set in which case your xsl:if will test
false and work as you expect. So you'll need to check your system#s
documentation to see what it does in this case.

Some systems (eg saxon) it's a user configurable option what the system
does on recoverable errors.

There is no portable way in XSLT to test for the existence of a file.

David


________________________________________________________________________
This e-mail has been scanned for all viruses by Star. The
service is powered by MessageLabs. For more information on a proactive
anti-virus service working around the clock, around the globe, visit:
http://www.star.net.uk
________________________________________________________________________