The rather tricky question of where XSLT 2.0 has got to, comes up every now and again.
Well, given the incredible benefits that XSLT 2.0 brings over 1.0, the more recent version seems to have severely underperformed, in terms of takeup.
In my experience there has indeed been very good 2.0 adoption with XSLT-based custom solutions in the enterprise. This however is more than countered by the painfully slow adoption in the more popular and visible parts of the IT/Web industry, in areas such as javascript libraries, MSXML, Web Browsers, .NET Framework, Java/JEE, non-XML IDEs such as Eclipse, Netbeans, Visual Studio... the list goes on.
What caused this?
My own theory is that the failure of Microsoft to embrace XSLT 2.0 had a severe impact on adoption, both by its partners, but also by its competitors.
What's going to fix this?
Well, perhaps we just need a 'killer' application, one that would really pale XSLT 1.0, fine language as it is, into insignificance. The chances are it already exists on some dusty website with a small but enthusiastic following and a lowly page ranking, all that's needed is for one key industry player with enough imagination to find it and go for it...so come on!
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
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2 comments:
As I understand it, XSLT, which InfoPath and SharePoint already depend on quite a bit, will become even more important to SharePoint list views in SharePoint 2010. Considering the enhancements to date functions alone one would think Microsoft would upgrade the XML stack to use XSLT 2.0 to make these technologies more powerful.
Hi DJ
I certainly hope you're right on this, even though I'm perfectly happy with Saxon.NET, Microsoft adoption would bring a massive boost. After a Microsoft blog mentioned there was a team working on XSLT 2.0 some time ago, things have gone quiet. Visual Studio 2010 is out in Beta 1 now, and there's still no sign.
I think LINQ for XML diverted attention/resources on this effort, but LINQ for XSD development appears to be stalled so it makes you wonder what's happening.
As you mention, apps like InfoPath and SharePoint could really benefit, so you never know.
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