The definitive how-to guide that will get you quickly up to speed on the practical application of XML Schema!

Replacing XML DTDs (Document Type Definitions) as the way in which XML documents are described and validated, XML Schema allows you to describe the structure of information in an XML document and is essential for ensuring the accuracy and security of information in B2B transactions and other XML applications. Since XML Schema defines a greater and more complex set of datatypes than XML DTDs-- such as numbers, dates, times, and currencies-- it is an invaluable tool for e-commerce applications. XML Schema also offers more flexibility than XML DTDs, with its ability to have users define datatypes for data (for example, an "address" can be further refined as a "postal address," "billing address," or "shipping address") and its ability to validate documents based on namespaces, which allows for the distinction between identical terms being used in different contexts.

This hands-on guide uses extensive examples and source code to provide you with all the information you'll need to understand and use XML Schema. Beginning with an example of a simple schema, the authors provide you with the opportunity to quickly become familiar with coding structure, and offer in-depth explanations for each example. The book progresses logically through basic schema concepts and applications such as datatypes and structures, and then gradually moves to more complex examples and advanced topics such as unique element and attribute values and keys.

As part of the XML Essentials series, this book features:

* Extensive examples and source code

* A casual, accessible style and tone geared toward professional developers and programmers

* An appendix of all datatypes

* An appendix of all data facets

The companion Web site provides all source code for the book as well as links to resources, experts, news groups, and newsletters.

Introduces the XML schema that may replace the document type definition (DTD) for defining data types and schema. The authors explain data facets, grouping elements and attributes, identity constraint definitions, and schema modules. The final chapter ties together many of the concepts in an example schema that stores data on a company's staff and customers. An appendix defines 19 primitive and 25 derived data types.
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“…if you are looking for a hands-on approach, which excludes material aimed at beginners, then this will suit your purposes…”(Computer Bulletin, 6 March 2003)

Replacing DTDs (Document Type Definitions) as the way in which XML documents are described and validated, XML schemas are essential for ensuring the accuracy and security of information in B2B transactions and other XML applications. This how-to guide employs extensive examples and source code to help developers and programmers get quickly up to speed on the practical application of this important technology. With in-depth explanations for each example, XML expert Mike Fitzgerald acquaints readers with coding structures, then moves to more advanced topics, including unique element and attribute values, keys, and how to use schemas with HTML. Like the other books in the series, this guide features comprehensive appendices listing all the datatypes and data facets, code indexes, and other time-saving features.

R. ALLEN WYKE is Vice President of Technology at Blue292, an environment, health, safety, and emergency management software company. His extensive programming experience includes XML, HTML/XHTML, JavaScript, C++, Java, Perl, and Visual Basic. He was the Webmaster columnist for SunWorld, and contributed a weekly article on integrating Windows and Unix to ITworld.com. He's written several books on Internet technologies such as Perl, JavaScript, and PHP.

ANDREW WATT is founder of XMML.com and an independent consultant in the United Kingdom. His extensive programming experience includes an expertise in XML and HTML/XHTML. He has served as technical editor on more than ten books covering XML and other Web technologies, and he is a contributing author to several XML and XHTML titles.

Dedication (R. Wyke &A. Watt).

Acknowledgments (R. Wyke &A. Watt).

Author Bio (R. Wyke &A. Watt).

Introduction.

Elementary XML Schema.

XSD Elements.

Adding Attributes.

Applying Datatypes.

Data Facets.

More on Data Facets.

Grouping Elements and Attributes.

Deriving Types.

Uniqueness and Keys in XSD Schema.

Bringing the Parts Together.

Appendix: Data Facets.