What's the best XSD (XML Schema) authoring tool?

Question

Good XML tools abound, but when it comes to creating (authoring) XSD files (XML schemas), things really don't look good.

Most XML editors do the basic: it let you create stuff, with menus for the proper elements. They don't HELP you in any way, though. A few tools have more advanced features, like creating an XSD based on a sample of XMLs.

Now, giving advice on good practice, or offering libraries of sample XSDs with wizards to customize them? I haven't seen it.

So, what do you consider the BEST XML schema authoring tool?

Answer 1

XML Spy for me.

Answer 2

Xml Pad for me.

http://xmlpad.com/

Answer 3

Having used several different XML tools, I prefer Stylus Studio.

Answer 4

I like the Eclipse XSD editor (included e.g. in Eclipse for Java EE), though for me nothing beats generating the XSD from source code, if that is an option.

Answer 5

Visual Studio has an XSD utility that does an adequate job of generating an xsd from an xml sample or a class or vice versa or most combinations of xsd, class and xml.

Answer 6

Altova's XML Spy has a nice feature set and a powerful GUI.

Answer 7

Liquid XML Studio can generate schemas based on multiple samples. It represents schemas graphically and enables editing both with drag&drop and context drop-down menus on the graphical representation as well as on the XML with auto-completion. It also comes with many validating schemas for various standards.

It does assume you know what you are doing, though, and has no wizards. At least on the community (free) version.

Answer 8

The best one I've used so far is oXygen XML Editor. It's a little cheaper than XML Spy.

Answer 9

Another vote here for the Eclipse XSD and XML Editor, the code completion is so familiar to what Eclipse developers are used to this means you can create your own templates for code-assistance.

The visual editor / diagrammer is also really clear.

Answer 10

I've tried XML Spy, Liquid XML, Serna XML, and oXygen XML Editor.

oXygen XML Editor wins hands down (Liquid is a close second). It easily infers sample XSD from XML and XML from XSD. The inferred XSD is created using spliced/divided XSD code that is easier to follow and more understandable. The various views are extremely useful (Text, Grid, Author, and Design). There is even a Documentation tool, which easily transforms all your hard work in to a well-documented pdf file.