Hi Greg,
The transformer he references in the article is basically any XSL processor. Specifically, Apache Xalan works. I was able to run most steps in his article against his example schemas using Xalan. However, when I ran the scheme against my own (more complicated) schemas, the process failed, for reasons listed in my original e-mail. I think that this is why the authors say they are describing a concept - because to be useful in a real-world context, the XSLT scripts in their article will need enhancement. My feeling is that this approach to generating forms from schemas probably is possible, but I decided not to continue with this approach for my own application. My thinking is that generalizing the XSLT approach to handle remote complex type definitions and imports (and possibly other complexities that I have not yet stumbled upon) would be too much effort. (The schemas I have to deal with are fairly complex). However, if you have fairly simple schemas, the XSLT scripts from the article may work as-is, or with minimal enhancement. As far as getting started with XSLT and schemas, I would suggest reading the O'reilly books on the subject, and also using the W3C website. The application described in the articles is fairly advanced for a first XSLT project. However, on the flip side, when you get done, you will definitely know Schemas and XSLT! I think the most confusing aspect of the approach is that they are using an XSL transformation to convert a schema into an XSLT file. Then, they use this generated XSLT file to convert an XML file into an HTML form (in one case) or another XML file (in the other case). Confusing, but once you get your head around it, it is a pretty slick concept. Also, consider contacting the authors of the article, or posting to the xml.com forum associated with the article. Perhaps someone has already generalized the XSL scripts to handle more complex schemas. Please let me know how you end up solving your problem; I am interested in this topic as well, although I'm currently working on something else. Regards, Gordon P.S. - Here is a product called schema-forms that may do what you want. I did not really evaluate the product, so I am kind of vague as to exactly what it does. I don't know anything about the company either. Their head technical guy, KK Aw, seems pretty helpful though; he responded to a couple of my e-mails. You can get an evaluation copy from their web site. http://www.multicentric.com/wapi/mctxwapi.dll/getObject?mid=MCT&ObjID=32 -----Original Message----- From: Greg Hess To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: 9/17/03 5:34 PM Subject: RE: [OT]-- Editing XML Wow, thanks Gordon, Those two articles describe exactly what I need to do. The author states he is describing a concept, I am not sure what he means by that. Is it possible? If so why are there not any references to an example implementation/tutorial? Does the transformer he references in the diagrams exist? Unfortunately I am new to XSLT, Schema where would I start? Many, Many thanks, Greg > -----Original Message----- > From: Colburn, Gordon (ATL) [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Sent: Wednesday, September 17, 2003 3:47 PM > To: 'Greg Hess '; 'Xerces User Mail list ' > Subject: RE: [OT]-- Editing XML > > Greg, > > Here are a couple of links to articles that describe how to use XSLT to > create an HTML form and an XSLT script from an XML schema. The form can > then > be used to create and edit instance documents that conform to the schema. > I > looked at the scheme breifly, and it is pretty slick, except that the code > included with the articles handle only relatively simple schemas (as the > author states). For example, it does not seem to handle the following > schema > features: > > 1. annotations containing documentation > 2. remote (named) complex type definitions > 3. imports > > item 1 should be quite easy to fix, but getting this scheme to handle a > schema of arbitrary complexity would probably require a fair bit of > effort. > > http://www.xml.com/pub/a/2003/04/30/editing.html > http://www.xml.com/pub/a/2003/06/25/editing.html > > But, if your schemas are simple, this approach is worth a look. > > Hope that helps, > Gordon > > -----Original Message----- > From: Greg Hess > To: Xerces User Mail list > Sent: 9/17/03 3:28 PM > Subject: [OT]-- Editing XML > > Hi All, > > I am new to XML, XSLT, schema so please bear with me. > > I have been assigned to build web application that needs to alter many > 3rd party defined XML data structures. I would like to take a 3rd party > XML data structure and defined XSLT to create a HTML form for editing > the underling XML data structure. Only requiring basic input validation > maybe from a schema. When the form has been completed and submitted the > XML data structure would be recreated with the new input values. I need > to do this in a generic way so that the same application can process and > edit any defined XML data structure. > > XML --> HTML FORM --> XML > > Can I do this? > > Are there any tools out there that enable this? > > Could a 3rd party define a XML data structure and XSLT that would create > a HTML form for editing the data structure? > > Any comments/input is greatly appreciated, I have been assigned this > task and have no idea if it is possible or where to start. > > Many Thanks, > > > Greg Hess > > Software Engineer > > Wrapped Apps Corporation > > 275 Michael Cowpland Dr. > > Suite 201 > > Ottawa, Ontario > > K2M 2G2 > > Tel: (613) 591 -7552 > > Fax: (613) 591-0523 > > 1 (877) 388-6742 > > <http://www.wrappedapps.com/> > > > --------------------------------------------------------------------- > To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
