> what is the reason why
> variables are not allowed inside a match? 

To prevent circularity. Consider:

<xsl:variable name="preferred">
   <xsl:call-templates select="get-preferred"/>
</xsl:variable>

<xsl:template name="get-preferred">
   <xsl:apply-templates select="//item" mode="get"/>
</xsl:template>

<xsl:template match="item[$preferred]" mode="get">
   <xsl:value-of select="."/>
</xsl:template>

Mike Kay


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