ODD-dev

This page has been set up to record underlying problems with the TEI ODD language and look at methods for improving them.

Problem: Module inter-dependency

• Desc: In some cases elements in one TEI module (A) require that another TEI module (B) is loaded because the content models of an element in A directly requires something that is defined in B (e.g. a class or element) but no method exists indicate this module inter-dependency. This sort of dependency can, of course, happen inside a single module as well with a content model explicitly referring to a particular element which is then removed. Some concept of dependency of references needs to be implemented.
• Suggested solutions: none so far
• Points for discussion:
  • None so far

Problem: Subclasses

• Desc: The ability to add subclass membership to an element to, for example, grant it some extra attributes in a particular location. e.g. "I want the head inside figure to be the real tei:head element but have it be a member of att.mySpecialAttributes to give it some extra attributes, but only when it is inside figure. This may also relate to Per-element attribute-based customisation in specific circumstances mentioned below.
• Suggested solutions: none so far
• Points for discussion:
  • None so far

Problem: Per-element attribute-based customisation

• Desc: The ability to customise the desc, valList, and other aspects of an attribute inherited from a class on a per-element basis. For example giving different suggested values for @type on an element, or a more specific description of an attribute when used on a certain element.
• Suggested solutions: none so far
• Points for discussion:
  • None so far

Problem: attribute/content interdependency

• Desc: Attributes and content interdependency means that you can have either attribute or content but not both.
• Suggested solutions: none so far
• Points for discussion:
  • None so far

Problem: Chaining of ODDs

• Desc: ODD should be able to be based not on the full TEI but on another ODD customisation of ODD.
• Suggested solutions: none so far
• Points for discussion:
  • None so far

Problem: Referencing ODD from Document Instance

• Desc: The best place to reference an ODD in a document instance that creates the schema that the document instance is meant to validate against. Equally, whether an ODD can be embedded (or XIncluded) into a document instance. This would create a truly portable TEI document which held the document itself, and the means to create the schema and schema documentation all in a single document. This is potentially useful as an archival format.
• Suggested solutions: none so far
• Points for discussion:
  • None so far