DOCBOOK: RFE 472229: Allow HTML Tables in DocBook

[Norman Walsh <ndw at nwalsh dot com>]

See http://sourceforge.net/tracker/index.php?func=detail&aid=472229&group_id=21935&atid=384107

There is general support in the TC for allowing HTML tables in
DocBook. It is by far the most common table model, it has the broadest
support among tools, and CALS tables are a common source of confusion
for new users.

In broad strokes, the proposal would allow HTML tables in DocBook
where CALS tables are currently allowed. The content model of TD and
TH elements in this model would be the same as the content model of
entry.

Unfortunately, HTML tables and CALS tables share some common element
names, so they cannot easily coexist.

There appear to be two solutions:

1. Use namespaces.

2. Force the user to make a top-level choice by having, effectively,
   two DTDs. This would mean a document could contain *either* HTML tables
   *or* CALS tables, but not both.

In an informal poll, the TC was leaning towards option 2.

Broader input from users and especially tool vendors is solicited.

                                        Be seeing you,
                                          norm

-- 
Norman Walsh <ndw@nwalsh.com>      | Extinction, n. The raw material
http://www.oasis-open.org/docbook/ | out of which theology created the
Chair, DocBook Technical Committee | future state.--Ambrose Bierce