At the start of web.xml are three parameters that I have been copying without understanding. I realize the xmlns is a "namespace" and xmlns, xmlns:xsi and xsi:schemaLocation are the schema for web.xml, but does that mean that every web container in the world is making repeated references to Sun's web site whenever it starts up? Talk about a single point of failure!
Do robust production systems keep local copies of these files?
What is the format of these files? What are my choices? Why are there variations of the xmi:schemaLocation parameter that seem to make no difference?
What is the alternate beginning of web.xml that begins with <!DOCTYPE web-app PUBLIC "-//Sun ...
Can anyone point me to an online reference that explains this stuff?