What is the best interface for developers to create XML files with XML Schema intellisense?

Question

I've created in my application the ability for developers to create WPF forms by writing an XML file.

I would like to now write a XML Schema file (.xsd) to validate this XML file so that developers can validate their Form XML before it is put into the system, and so they can get intellisense based on the XML Schema while they develop it.

I did something like this back in 2001 and we used an early version of XML Spy which had an interface that gave the developer intellisense based on the XML Schema as he build his XML file.

What is the best tool to do this today?

• In Visual Studio can I e.g. open an XML file, attach an XSD, and get intellisense based on the Schema?
• Or is XML Spy still the dominant tool to do this?
• Are there any open source tools that do this?

Answer 1

Certainly, you can do this with Visual Studio, and a lot cheaper than XMLSpy. But it really depends on what you need.

Do you understand XML Schema? Then you probably don't need more than Visual Studio gives you.

Do you need more help with XML Schema? Do you need a graphical interface for creating the schema? Then you need XMLSpy or Stylus Studio, or some other XSD editor that has a GUI.

Answer 2

I still use XML Spy 4.0 to edit XML files, because I have an old license and am too cheap to fork out for a recent release.

I haven't ever looked for a replacement, but did find a list of editors at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_XML_editors

There are 2 GNU GPL editors listed, one of which has a proprietary version, which leaves you with XML Copy Editor as a possible candidate.

I haven't looked at Visual Studio 2008 for XML editing however.

Answer 3

Some links, based on John's answer:

Visual Studio Express's XML editor's features

XSD-based intellisense in XML editor