dfdl:parse and dfdl:unparse

[JDziurlaj]

I would like to see the addition of steps for parsing (*->XML) and unparsing (XML->*) using Data Format Description Language (DFDL), particularly through Apache Daffodil or similar implementations, into XProc 3.0. DFDL is a framework for defining data formats, allowing the transformation of binary and textual data into various representations (usually including XML). The integration of DFDL support into XProc 3.0 would enhance its ability to handle complex data formats, making it a more versatile and robust tool for data processing pipelines.

DFDL uses XSD 1.0 schemas as the basis of its format. Inputs can be binary/text. The DFDL processor uses the schema to produce a DFDL infoset, which processors can present in various formats (XML, JSON, etc.)

An extension for Calabash exists, and could form the straw-man basis for a more formal proposal.

[ndw]

I'm going to move this to the Vnext repo. I don't think there's been any movement towards trying to put this in 3.1.

[JDziurlaj]

I wrote 85% of a specification for the dfdl:parse and dfdl:unparse steps, but I'm not sure the best way to advance the work. Should I make a PR somewhere?

[ndw]

I think we'll be focusing on getting 3.1 finished before we come back to look at V.next steps. In the meantime, I'd be happy enough to look into porting your extension to XML Calabash 3.x (or helping someone else to do it.)