What is XLink?
- XLink is short for the XML Linking Language
- XLink is a language for creating hyperlinks in XML documents
- XLink is similar to HTML links - but it is a lot more powerful
- ANY element in an XML document can behave as an XLink
- XLink supports simple links (like HTML) and extended links (for linking multiple resources together)
- With XLink, the links can be defined outside of the linked files
- XLink is a W3C Recommendation
What is XPointer?
- XPointer is short for the XML Pointer Language
- XPointer allows the hyperlinks to point to specific parts of the XML document
- XPointer uses XPath expressions to navigate in the XML document
- XPointer is a W3C Recommendation
XLink Syntax
xmlns:xlink=“http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink”
xlink:type
xlink:href
xlink:show
href=“http://www.example.com/cdlist.xml#id('rock').child(5,item)”
xlink:href=“http://dog.com/dogbreeds.xml#xpointer(id('Rottweiler'))”
xlink:href=“http://dog.com/dogbreeds.xml#Rottweiler”
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?><dogbreeds>
<dog breed="Rottweiler" id="Rottweiler">
<picture url="http://dog.com/rottweiler.gif" /> <history> The Rottweiler's ancestors were probably Roman drover dogs... </history> <temperament> Confident, bold, alert and imposing, the Rottweiler is a popular choice for its ability to protect... </temperament> </dog><dog breed="FCRetriever" id="FCRetriever">
<picture url="http://dog.com/fcretriever.gif" /> <history> One of the earliest uses of retrieving dogs was to help fishermen retrieve fish from the water... </history> <temperament> The flat-coated retriever is a sweet, exuberant, lively dog that loves to play and retrieve... </temperament> </dog></dogbreeds>
XLink Attribute Reference
| Attribute | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| xlink:actuate | onLoad onRequest other none |
Defines when the linked resource is read and shown |
| xlink:href | URL | The URL to link to |
| xlink:show | embed new replace other none |
Where to open the link. Replace is default |
| xlink:type | simple extended locator arc resource title none |
The type of link |
* Reference to W3C Schools
