Introduction to XML Schema Languages

(2-hr introductory seminar)

There has been a lot of buzz in the XML community about DTDs and schemas, and what sort of schema is best for what use. XML DTDs and schemas are used to specify what tagging is allowed in a set of XML documents.

There are several schema languages, each of which reflects not only a different conception of the functional requirements for constraint languages, but also various operational contexts in which XML may be put to use.

This seminar introduces the major XML schema languages, shows samples of each, and considers their relative merits from the point of view of XML developers and users in the publishing environment.

Topics will include:

• The purpose(s) of validation and of schemas
• Constraint languages for XML:
  • XML DTD, specified with XML in 1998
  • W3C XML Schema (XSD), released in 2001
  • RELAX NG, from OASIS in 2001 and since standardized as ISO/IEC 19757-2:2003
  • Schematron, standardized as ISO/IEC 19757-3:2006 (rule-based validation)
• Factors in selecting the appropriate schema language(s)

Prerequisites: This seminar is designed for people who are or will be involved in XML publishing.