IBM Sample Exam

[Sarmad Sindhi]

Follwing is a IBM certification sample eaxm question
Consider the following parameter entity definitions:
<!entity % paras "P | Table | %lists;" >
<!entity % lists "OL | UL | DL | %specialLists;" >
<!entity % specialLists "MsgList | CodeList | %lists;" >
Given the above parameter entity definitions, which one of the following statements is true?
A.The parameter entity definitions are correct
B.One or more of the parameter entity definitions uses an invalid name
C.A parameter entity indirectly contains a reference to itself
D.Parameter entity replacement text violates well-formedness constraints
The correct answer is C, and I don't know why , I would be very thankfull if some one can please explain.
Sarmad
[This message has been edited by Sarmad Sindhi (edited September 06, 2001).]

[Ashik Uzzaman]

Hi Sarmad, i m new to XML and if my explanation is wrong plz someone correct me....

<!entity % lists "OL | UL | DL | %specialLists;">
<!entity % specialLists "MsgList | CodeList | %lists;" >

If u observe carefully the 2nd and 3rd line, u'll find that there r circular references (this term is possibly not used in XML or better say recursive calls used in C/C++/Java) from the last entity reference specialists to lists which in turn points to specialists again.Entity references typically points to anither element so here it's not resolvable as the <b>lists</b> will always seek the definition for <b>speciallists</b> and the later will seek the definition of the former .... (should we call it circular reference?).
Anyaway, i have XML@Whiz and not heard of IBM Sample exam. Where can i get it please?
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Muhammad Ashikuzzaman (Fahim)
Sun Certified Programmer for the Java� 2 Platform
--When you learn something, learn it by heart!
[This message has been edited by Ashik uzzaman (edited September 06, 2001).]

[Kelly Aus]

Dear Sarmad,
Ashik's explanation is perfect. You can't heve circular references in parameter entities in DTD's. And hey guys IBM sample test paper is available at
http://www4.ibm.com/software/ad/certify/sam140.html it's a MUST, so don't miss it, also I am very impressed with XMLWhiz version 2 you can get it at
http://www.whizlabs.com/products/xmlwhiz/xmlwhiz.html
Hope it helps
Love
Kelly

[Sarmad Sindhi]

Thanks guys.
Sarmad