The <xsl:variable> element declares a global or local variable in a stylesheet and gives it a value. Because XSLT permits no side-effects, once the value of the variable has been established, it remains the same until the variable goes out of scope
Syntax
<xsl:variable name=NAME select=EXPRESSION > TEMPLATE </xsl:variable>
Required Attributes
name- Gives the variable a name.
Optional Attributes
select- Defines the value of the variable through an XPath expression. If the element contains a template, this attribute is ignored.
Type
Top-level or instruction. If it occurs as a top-level element, the variable is global in scope, and can be accessed throughout the document. If it occurs within a template, the variable is local in scope, accessible only within the template in which it appears.
Defined
XSLT, section 11.
Gecko support
Supported.