Additional Resources

XML Schemas are a complicated technology, and can by no means be covered completely in one chapter. You should have a good handle on the basics of XML Schemas, and when it would be appropriate to use them. You should also be able to author some pretty advanced schemas. However, if you need more information about XML Schemas, here are some additional resources you can consult:

• XML Schemas Part 0: Primer (http://www.w3.org/TR/xmlschema-0/) This first part (numbered 0) of the XML Schema Recommendation is actually a tutorial addressing many issues of XML Schema authoring, and can be a very valuable resource for learning about the intricacies of schema authoring.

• XML Schemas Part 1: Structures (http://www.w3.org/TR/xmlschema-1/) The XML Schemas Recommendation: Strucutures, deals with the physical structures for authoring XML Schemas. Physical structures include element declarations, attribute declarations, and so on, and this is the Recommendation that should be consulted for any Schema issues that are not specific to datatypes.

• XML Schemas Part 2: Datatypes (http://www.w3.org/TR/xmlschema-2/) The second part of the Schema Recommendation deals with datatypes. This Recommendation defines how datatypes are used, and defines the primitive and built-in derived datatypes as well.

• Relax NG (http://www.oasis-open.org/committees/relax-ng/spec-20011203.html) The RELAX NG standard was developed and maintained by OASIS, and it can be found here at the OASIS site. If you are interested in learning more about XML Schema alternatives, this is an excellent resource to consult.

• Schematron (http://www.ascc.net/xml/schematron) Rick Jelliffe maintains this site as a resource center related to Schematron, another XML Schema alternative. The site includes the Schematron specification, as well as some tutorial information.

• Special Edition: Using XML Schemas (ISBN 0-7897-2607-6) This title also from Que by David Gulbransen covers XML Schema in greater detail, from structures to datatypes, and includes examples and information on best practices.