Are TABS replaceble by spaces in an xml file?

stf92 · 06-12-2011, 07:40 AM

Kernel 2.6.21.5, slack 12.0

Hi:
I have a file beginning with <?xml version=1.0?>. May I replace tabs by spaces in it? Thanks.

Richard Cranium · 06-12-2011, 08:45 AM

That depends on the XML content.

If the schema controlling the file indicates that you have mixed content, then it depends upon how the content is interpreted.

It's about the same as asking if you can replace tabs by spaces in a given random text file.

If it's an XML file that doesn't have mixed content, then you probably can replace tabs with spaces. I can't think of a sane reason for the whitespace between the elements in those types of files to be important.

stf92 · 06-12-2011, 08:57 AM

Well, the file is ~/.mozilla/firefox/u88mwxdz.default/mimeTypes.rdf. It sets associations between such things as MIME types and handlers of files of these types.

It is read by Firefox each time it starts. Do you think there can be mixed content in it? (I skimmed through your link).

Thanks for your kind reply.

Richard Cranium · 06-12-2011, 09:10 AM

It doesn't.

See http://www.w3.org/TR/1998/WD-rdf-schema-19980409/

stf92 · 06-12-2011, 09:28 AM

Drafts are a great thing, aren't they. But knowing where to look for is another story, I guess. I've got your very valuable negative answer and, as a premium, the draft. Thanks a lot, Richard Cranium.

NoStressHQ · 06-12-2011, 10:28 AM

As said, XML in itself, it doesn't matter, but depending on what the XML is used for, it MAY matter... Say if the XML holds some Haskell (ie) source snippet then you shouldn't, like for any content that rely on tab for whatever... As usual: do a backup and try...

stf92 · 06-12-2011, 11:50 AM

Alluded.