I don't agree, because unlike an array with a fixed number of occurrences, it is a processing error if the value of the expression does not match any of the dfdl:choiceBranchKey property values for any of the branches. Which currently causes backtracking because there is a PoU.

I consider direct dispatch as more like the use of dfdl:initiatedContent when resolving a choice.

This is not a behaviour that can be changed in DFDL 1.0, it would affect too many existing schemas. For example, IBM's DFDL schemas for SWIFT make heavy use of direct dispatch.

Regards

Steve Hanson

IBM Hybrid Integration, Hursley, UK
Architect, IBM DFDL
Co-Chair, OGF DFDL Working Group
smh@uk.ibm.com
tel:+44-1962-815848
mob:+44-7717-378890
Note: I work Tuesday to Friday

From: Mike Beckerle <mbeckerle.dfdl@gmail.com>
To: DFDL-WG <dfdl-wg@ogf.org>
Date: 13/07/2020 14:50
Subject: [EXTERNAL] [DFDL-WG] clarification needed: choice with direct dispatch is/is-not a PoU
Sent by: "dfdl-wg" <dfdl-wg-bounces@ogf.org>

Just like an array with a computed number of occurrences, I believe a choice with direct dispatch should have no PoU.

But the spec has this phrase "An xs:choice is always a point of uncertainty. It is resolved sequentially, or by direct dispatch."

Which suggests there is a role for asserts/discriminators in resolving a choice by direct dispatch even though there shouldn't be.

I think we should clarify this to "An xs:choice either is a point of uncertainty, or uses direct dispatch."

Mike Beckerle | OGF DFDL Workgroup Co-Chair | Owl Cyber Defense | www.owlcyberdefense.com
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