[JDEV] Jabber protocol's use of XML Namespaces

[Robert Temple]

It seems strange to me the way the jabber protocol uses XML namespaces.  It would have made a lot more sense to me if everything that is documented in the JPG was placed in one namespace and that anytime someone wanted to add something specific to their client/server, they could put that in their own namespace.

Its really bizarre that the jabber protocol actually has more namespaces specifications in it then it does element specifications.  IMHO, namespaces should have been used simply as a means to extend the protocol and to specify optional elements.

What is gained by having:
<iq type="set" id="x">
<query xmlns="jabber:iq:auth">...</query>
</iq>

instead of something like:
<iq type="set" id="x">
<auth>...</auth>
</iq>

Is there anyone out that who can shed light on the whys and hows of the protocol?

Thanks,
Robert Temple

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