XSD Editor
Use
The XSD editor enables you define
data types in XML schema, without you requiring extensive knowledge of XML. In the XSD editor you create a data type using a table that returns the structure of the data type. You can define both simple and complex data types that the editor automatically converts to XML Schema Definition (XSD). The XML Schema Definition determines which tags can be transferred with which values in the payload.
When defining data types, the selection of values that you can enter in the table is context-dependent. Therefore, you cannot enter invalid entries.
Prerequisites
You have already created a data type. To access the XSD, select the Definition tab page (see:
Data Types).Features
The XSD editor comprises a toolbar, a tabular input area, and a context menu. The uppermost line in the table (the root element) determines the type of the data type:
The XSD editor automatically knows the difference between simple and complex types by determining whether the root element has any sub-nodes. For this reason, the Category column is locked. The tabular input area contains the following columns for which differing values (or no values at all) are permitted, depending on the line type:
Columns in the XSD Editor
|
Column |
Meaning |
Mouse Clicks |
|
Structure |
Nodes inserted below the root element are represented in a hierarchy using indents in this column. The field names within a data type must not be the same. It is possible to change all field names at a later stage, except that for the root element. |
1/3 |
|
Category |
This column declares whether the root element has sub-nodes or not (see above). You cannot change values in this column. |
- |
|
Type |
Select a built-in data type or reference to an existing data type for an element or attribute. You must specify a type for attributes. |
1/2 |
|
Occurrence |
Determines how often an element occurs in the message. The values 0 to 2147483647 are permitted. You can determine whether the attribute is optional or mandatory for attributes. |
2 |
|
Details |
You can only make an entry here if you specified a built-in type for the element or the attribute. Depending on whether the type is numerical or alphanumerical, you can select facets from the selection dialog for the column to specify the value range of the type more precisely (for example, restricting the string length). |
2 |
|
Description |
Informal description of a node. |
1 |
You can call a selection dialog for cells in the Type, Occurrence, and Details columns by double-clicking. You can also call a selection list in the Type column with one click. To change a field name below the root element, select it by triple-clicking. The name of the root element itself cannot be changed, however.
Functions of the XSD Editor
|
Function |
Access from Toolbar (TB) and/or Context Menu (CM) |
Use |
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TB/CM |
Call the search help to reference other data types in the Type column. |
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TB/CM |
Open a data type on a new tab page that is referenced in the Type column. |
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TB/CM |
Insert a new element on the same hierarchy level as the line currently selected. |
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TB/CM |
Insert multiple elements on the same hierarchy level as the line currently selected. |
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TB/CM |
Delete a line. Sub-nodes are also deleted if any exist. |
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TB/CM |
Expand the hierarchy structure of the line currently selected. Unlike the functions below, nodes that reference another data type are not expanded. |
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TB/CM |
Expand all levels of the hierarchy structure for a selected line. |
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TB/CM |
Collapse all levels of the hierarchy structure for a selected line. |
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TB/CM |
Maximize the column width. |
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CM |
Call the value help for the Type, Occurrence, and Details columns. |
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Insert Subelement |
CM |
Insert a subelement beneath the element for which you called the context menu. |
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Insert Attribute |
CM |
Insert an attribute for the element for which you called the context menu. |
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CM |
Copy the selected node, including all its subnodes to the clipboard. |
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CM |
Cut the selected node, including all its subnodes to the clipboard. |
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CM |
Insert the node from the clipboard onto the same level as the node for which you called the context menu. |
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The contents of the clipboard can only be reinserted within a data type.
Activities
Use the XSD editor to do the following:
You can display the corresponding XML schema on the XSD Display tab page and export it as a file (also see:
Exporting XSD and WSDL Documents).
