xml-dev - Real needs XML Schema must address (was re: W3C XML Schema Questionaire)

["Michael Champion" <Mike.Champion@softwareag-usa.com>]

----- Original Message -----

Rick Jelliffe wrote:

> One can evaluate XML Schemas on general terms as a universal schema
> language. But it is more important at this stage, IMHO, to evaluate it
> in terms of its sufficiency for meeting the pressing needs of the day as
> the bottom line.

Absolutely.  Let's enumerate and discuss them.

I think everyone agrees that an XML Schema spec must:

- Allow schemas to be defined in XML syntax
- Support the functionality of DTDs, more or less
- Improve the data typing beyond what DTDs support
- Allow namespace-aware validation

(dissent?)

Additional requirements that the Schema WG set for itself include:


"mechanisms to enable inheritance for element, attribute, and datatype
definitions;
mechanism for URI reference to standard semantic understanding of a
construct;
mechanism for embedded documentation;
mechanism for application-specific constraints and descriptions;
mechanisms for addressing the evolution of schemata;
mechanisms to enable integration of structural schemas with primitive data
types."

They're all "nice to have, someday" features, but are they pressing needs
for anyone's bottom line?



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