Data types allow your schema to specify not only that an element or attribute should appear at a particular location in the document structure, but what kind of information is contained in that element or attribute - text, numbers, currency, times, dates, and more. Data typing isn't necessary for all kinds of schemas, though it can be useful in a wide variety of situations. In other situations, like exchanges between databases and representations of internal software object structures, data types provide crucial information that can tell a program what to expect. For schema designers, using XML Authority's tools to assign data types is fairly simple. In the Element Types Window, check the 'Data' checkbox for the element and select a type from the Insert Qlicker that appears in the Content Model column.
Attributes are even simpler, as their content models are simpler.
The Type Qlicker in the Attribute Types Window gives you quick access to data types for attribute type declarations. Choosing which data type to use for a particular element or attribute type is typically fairly clear, though you may need to negotiate with the developers implementing applications using the schema. If you use XML Authority's import tools to collect information on external data sources, data typing information may have been collected for you already. Worldwide Offices Use of this site indicates that you accept the Terms of Use .