>Now for the request: >I can't figure how to "cast" up the "hierarchy". >In particular, I have a DOM_Node, which is of type ELEMENT_NODE. How do I >build a DOM_Element referring to the same node?? >Yes, I can use the DOM_Node methods, but would prefer to cast it and then >use the more convenient DOM_Element methods.. >Presumably I'm missing something very simple... > It works in a Javaesque sort of way, via references. So its something like: DOM_Element asElem = (DOM_Element&)domNode; So you have a target element, which is by value because the DOM node types are really just reference counted smart pointers that are always treated by value, and you cast the node to it by casting it as a reference to a DOM_Element type. I believe this is correct, though I always have to re-remember this when someone asks. ---------------------------------------- Dean Roddey Software Weenie IBM Center for Java Technology - Silicon Valley [EMAIL PROTECTED]