XML by Example

This debate is similar to the debate between inheritance and aggregation in

object-oriented modeling. There are some clear arguments for and against

each approach. And yet, when you have a blank sheet of paper in front of

you, the solution is sometimes obvious, sometimes not.

I don’t believe one approach is intrinsically better than the other. I try to

keep an open mind and to adapt to the needs of the application at hand.

For some applications, attributes just seem to work better, for others, ele-

ments are the clear winner. I always keep in mind that conversion is an

option provided the structure is good enough.

Your experience will guide you as well. ...