Is there a GUI that I can use to create XML documents based on my schema?

Question

Hi all,

I want to create a simple graphical user interface to allow non-technical users to create an XML file without having to manually edit the XML source. Ideally I'd like a drag and drop interface, but failing that, anything really. The contents of the XML file are similar to an encoded flow chart of a binary tree, so maybe something like Visio, with a save as xml option? Here's a quick sample of the XML output that is required:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<steps>
  <step id="1" type="prompt">
    <prompt>
      Welcome.
    </prompt>
    <next>1.1</next>
  </step>
  <step id="1.1" type="question">
    <prompt>
      Do you have what you need?
    </prompt>
    <yes>1.2</yes>
    <no>1.1.1</no>
  </step>
...
</steps>

Are there any existing tools out there that you can recommend for this purpose? Ideally open-source or with a free personal license, but I'm interested in hearing about all options.

Thanks,

David

Answer 1

A google for "XML Editors" yields a long list, this was at the top. (Altova XML editor) I'm sure if you googled "Open Source XML Editors" you'd find some too.

Allow me to mention that XCode has one built in. ;)

Answer 2

Xopus is a browser based XML editor designed for non-technical users. You can feed it your XML file and an XSD. Create an XSL to render the XML like a tree and you're good to go.

If you take a look at the Rich Text Demo and scroll down to the OrgChart, you can see how you can edit tree like content in Xopus.

Disclaimer: I work at Xopus.