XSLT Rules that brake and symbols that change meaning -

these observations born out of frustration while learning xslt.

meaning of symbols changes depending on position , context

following 3 lines show usage of '/' character , in each line character symbolizes different. in first line represents root node, in second child-parent relationship , in third descendants of people element. in other words meaning of same character has been overridden 3 times , changes meaning depending on position , surrounding context.

<xsl:template match="/"> <xsl:template match="people/person"> <xsl:template match="people//name"> 

rules brake when combined

in following expression '/' means root node.

<xsl:template match="/">.

in following expression '/' means person child of people.

<xsl:template match="people/person">.

now if try combine these 2 rules reference people should child of root node write <xsl:template match="//people"> , expected result accident.

that because '//' has new meaning has nothing root node or child parent relationship. means descendants , in context refers descendant of root node , not people child.

it makes me wonder

with these problems plaguing xslt makes me wonder people created it, did try achieve, guidelines , indented users. sure these people extremely smart since xslt extremely complicated. wonder if creating monster them selves either deliberately making unnecessary complex , confusing in order erect artificial barrier against else or if couldn't care less others might want use long thing seems usable them.