XML Training : XML Schema

This course gives the student who knows the fundamentals of XML a detailed introduction to the XML Schema standard for defining document type information.

The first module introduces the new XML Schema recommendation. Students review the shortcomings of the DTD for expressing type information, and learn how to use XML Schema to create strict document models. Schema data types and structures are studied, allowing precise grammar and validation rules to be defined for document content.

A second module offers intermediate-to-advanced instruction in effective use of the new XML Schema recommendation. Students build skills in use of keys and key references to associate elements based on key fields; cover complex-type extension; use of multiple namespaces and schema; and finally a chapter in best-practices in schema design.

XML Training Learning Objectives

Develop XML Schema to express precise type information for an XML document.

Associate schema with XML instance documents.

Validate instance documents against associated schema.

Define simple types, and use value restrictions and enumerations to constrain values.

Define list types and union types.

Create complex types, including simple types and other complex types, and empty- and mixed-content types.

Define element and attribute groups for better reuse and more maintainable schema.

Associate elements of different types using keys and key references.

Create derived simple and complex types using restriction and/or extension.

Develop hierarchies of reusable complex types using type extension.

Populate multiple namespaces using schema, and import and use those namespaces in valid instance documents.

Design schema that maximize validation capabilities and type reuse.

Use XSLT as an additional stage of document validation, to catch patterns that XML Schema cannot be used to express.

XML Training Prerequisites

A basic knowledge of XML

XML Training Course duration

2 days

XML Training Course outline

Module 1. Introduction to XML Schema

Chapter 1. Getting Started with XML Schema

What is an XML schema?
Schemas vs. DTDs
Structure of a Schema
Associating Schema with Documents
Types of Types
Defining Elements
Defining Complex Types
Validation

Chapter 2. Simple Types

Simple and Atomic Types
Built-In Types
Primitives
Numeric Derived Types
String Derived Types
Simple Type Restriction
Facets
Enumerations
Patterns
Lists
Unions
Nillable Values

Chapter 3. Complex Types

Model Groups
Sequences, Conjunctions, and Disjunctions
Particles
Occurrence Constraints
Global and Local Definitions
Defining Attributes
Empty, Any, and Mixed Content
Model Group Definitions
Attribute Group Definitions
Annotations

Module 2. Advanced XML Schema

Chapter 1. Keys and Key References

Schema as Object Models
UML for XML
Composition
Association
Identity Constraints
Asserting Uniqueness
Keys and Key References
Controlling Association Cardinality

Chapter 2. Reusing Schema Types

Type Specialization
Extending Complex Types
Using Extended Types
Derivation by Restriction
Abstract Types
Substitution Groups
"Complete" Specialization (The final Attribute)

Chapter 3. Namespaces and Schema

Using Namespaces in Documents
Populating a Namespace
Qualified and Unqualified Locals
Multiple Namespaces in Schema
Importing and Including Schema
Multiple Schema per Namespace
Validating by Namespace (Wildcards)

Chapter 4. Using Schema in XML Applications

Schema Design Issues
Type Granularity
Ease of Parsing, Transformation, Presentation and Maintenance
Mapping from Object Models
Mapping from Database Schema
Foreign-Key Relationships
XSLT for Validation
Application Validation

Appendix A. Learning Resources

System Requirements

Hardware – minimal

200 MHz, 128 meg RAM, 50 meg disk space

Hardware – recommended

500 MHz, 256 meg RAM, 50 meg disk space

Operating system

Tested on Windows XP Professional. Course software should be viable on all systems which support W3C-compliant XML tools.

Software

All free downloadable tools.

Contact Information
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