Technical Summary
Canonical XML specifies a standard serialization of XML that, when
applied to a subdocument, includes the subdocument's ancestor context
including all of the namespace declarations and attributes in the
"xml:" namespace. However, some applications require a method which,
to the extent practical, excludes ancestor context from a
canonicalized subdocument. For example, one might require a digital
signature over an XML payload (subdocument) in an XML message that
will not break when that subdocument is removed from its original
message or inserted into a different context. This requirement is
satisfied by Exclusive XML Canonicalization.
Working Group Summary
This document is the W3C (World Wide Web Consortium) Exclusive
Canonicalization Recommendation. This document has been reviewed by
W3C Members and other interested parties, including the IETF XMLDSIG
Working Group. Canonicalization is an important step in the process
of digitally signing an XML document.
Protocol Quality
This document was reviewed by Russell Housley for the IESG.