replacing ref elements to inline elements

["De Heer, Robert S - San Mateo, CA - Contractor" <Robert.S.DeHeer@usps.gov>]

Title: replacing ref elements to inline elements

I have a question regarding programmatically replacing ref tags with the appropriate block of XML. Is there a standard/recommended way to do this? The refs make design easier, but are a headache in certain development processes.

For example, replace refs:

<xs:sequence>

    <xs:element ref="requestor"/>

    <xs:group ref="typeFacilitySpecifier"/>

</xs:sequence>

with:

<xs:element name="requestor">

    <xs:simpleType>

      <xs:restriction base="xs:token">

        <xs:enumeration value="U"/>

      </xs:restriction>

    </xs:simpleType>

</xs:element>

<xs:group name="typeFacilitySpecifier">

    <xs:sequence>

      <xs:element ref="financeNumber"/>

      <xs:element ref="reportingUnitNumber"/>

    </xs:sequence>

</xs:group>

Thanks,

Rob