XSD

XSD

XML Schema Definition.

XSD is used to define the schema for an XML document. It is a more flexible way of doing this than using a DTD file.

An XSD specifies for an XML document:

• the types of XML elements that can be used.
• the attributes for those XML elements.
• what child XML elements each XML element can have (if any).
• the order of any child elements.
• data types and attributes for XML elements (including any default values).

An XSD file will have a .xsd file extension.

Whilst XSDs formally defining the structure of an XML document, they are typically used to:

• Allow an XML document to be validated (against the XSD).
• Assist in the importing of XML data into database systems.
• Provide a means of defining data objects that can be used in data exchange between systems.

For more information see:

• http://everything.explained.at/XML_Schema_(W3C) - XML Schema explained.