Mike Kay wrote

> See for example http://www.google.com/search?q=define:functional+language

While the two definitions that google turned up showed that functions as
first class objects are not necessarily part of the definition they both
do suggest that function definition _is_ part of the definition of a
functional language.

... "A language that replaces programming steps with function definitions" ...
... "using a functional language, you write functions to describe " ...

XPath does not have function definition capability and I think it fails
to meet either of these definitions of a functional language.


> With Phil Wadler on the working group, we could hardly get away with using
> the term in a way that's out of line with accepted definitions.

Perhaps he only had his eye on Xquery (or XSLT) which do of course have
function definition.


David

________________________________________________________________________
This e-mail has been scanned for all viruses by Star Internet. The
service is powered by MessageLabs. For more information on a proactive
anti-virus service working around the clock, around the globe, visit:
http://www.star.net.uk
________________________________________________________________________