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Create an XML document based on an XSD schema

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The Generate Sample XML feature generates a sample XML file based on your XML Schema (XSD) file.

You can use this option for the following scenarios:

  • To understand the use of various constructs in your schema.

  • To confirm that the schema does what it is intended to do.

The Generate Sample XML feature is only available on global elements, and requires a valid XML schema set.

This feature typically generates valid XML documents. However, if the schema contains one or more of the following, the sample might not be valid:

  • The xs:key, xs:keyref, and xs:unique identity constraints.

  • xs:pattern facets.

  • Enumerations of the xs:QName type.

  • xs:ENTITY, xs:ENTITIES, and xs:NOTATION types.

Also, note that xs:base64Binary content will be generated only if enumerations occur in the schema for that type.

To generate an XML instance document based on the XSD file

  1. Follow the steps in How to: Create and edit an XSD schema file.

  2. In the XML Schema Explorer, right-click the PurchaseOrder global element, and then select Generate Sample XML.

    When you select this option, the PurchaseOrder.xml file with the following sample XML content will be generated and opened in the XML editor:

    <?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<PurchaseOrder OrderDate="1900-01-01" xmlns="http://tempuri.org/PurchaseOrderSchema.xsd">
  <ShipTo country="US">
    <name>name1</name>
    <street>street1</street>
    <city>city1</city>
    <state>state1</state>
    <zip>1</zip>
  </ShipTo>
  <ShipTo country="US">
    <name>name2</name>
    <street>street2</street>
    <city>city2</city>
    <state>state2</state>
    <zip>-79228162514264337593543950335</zip>
  </ShipTo>
  <BillTo country="US">
    <name>name1</name>
    <street>street1</street>
    <city>city1</city>
    <state>state1</state>
    <zip>1</zip>
  </BillTo>
</PurchaseOrder>