Re: Alternatives to XML Schemas

[Ronald Bourret <rpbourret@rpbourret.com>]

Eddie Robertsson wrote:
> 
> So, are you saying that validation is just a very narrow use case of XML Schema?
> I was under the impression that this was the major use case for them. I
> understand that you can do other things but I wouldn't say that validation is a
> very narrow use case. However, I'd love to hear more information about what
> other use cases you have in mind.

I think validation will eventually represent a minority of XML Schema
implementations. The main function of XML Schemas in my mind is that
they provide metadata and metadata allows you to drive all sorts of
applications. A simple example is an editor that reads an XML Schema and
formats the UI accordingly. A more complex example is an application
that reads an XML Schema and generates classes or database schema from
it.

One thing to remember about validation is that many applications won't
use it. If your document has a trusted source -- such as another
application that is under your control -- there is no need to validate.
You can assume that the document is constructed correctly and save the
time that would otherwise have been spent validating it. In other words,
validation is necessary only when you don't trust the source -- that is,
the document comes from a human or from a source you have no control
over.

-- 
Ronald Bourret
Programming, Writing, and Training
XML, Databases, and Schemas
http://www.rpbourret.com