This table evaluates the esXML format with respect to the XML Binary Characterization Properties identified by the XML Binary Characterization Working Group.
| Property | esXML | esXML - no Storage Layer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MUST support | |||
| Directly Readable and Writable | Yes | Yes | Multiple modes, all directly readable / writable. |
| Transport Independence | Yes | Yes | Storage Layer adds built-in framing for extra capability. |
| Compactness | Yes | Yes | Multiple strategies and methods for compact encoding and compression. |
| Human Language Neutral | Yes | Yes | Supports standard character set encodings. |
| Platform Neutrality | Yes | Yes | Structure is neutral, optional native type instances are "reader makes right" with defined set. |
| Integratable into XML Stack | Yes | Yes | Can be accessed using SAX, DOM, or esDOM at least. |
| Royalty Free | Yes | Yes | Format is free, open source example implementations. |
| Fragmentable | Yes | Yes | Instances can be fragments; Storage Layer supports full low level deltas. |
| Streamable | Yes | Yes | Depth first, tables up front, high and low level deltas, and especially Continuations. |
| Roundtrip Support | Yes | Yes | Supports tunable levels of fidelity. Represents all content in XML. |
| Generality | Yes | Yes | 20 or near 20, more finalization and testing pending. |
| Schema Extensions and Deviations | Yes | Yes | Self describing mode is always available. |
| Format Version Identifier | Yes | Yes | Standard. |
| Content Type Management | Yes | Yes | Standard method suggested. |
| Self Contained | Yes | Yes | Self-contained, self-describing mode with optional self-contained subtrees. |
| MUST NOT Prevent | |||
| Processing Efficiency | Does Not Prevent | Does Not Prevent | Supports incremental access / creation, random access, avoids copies and conversions. |
| Small Footprint | Does Not Prevent | Does Not Prevent | Believed to be true, tested soon. |
| Widespread Adoption | Does Not Prevent | Does Not Prevent | Believed to become true. |
| Space Efficiency | Does Not Prevent | Does Not Prevent | True by design inspection, test data soon. |
| Implementation Cost | Does Not Prevent | Does Not Prevent | Verified by implementation |
| Forward Compatibility | Does Not Prevent | Does Not Prevent | No obstacles. |