XML Guide

10.4.0
- 10.5

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Atomic Types

An atomic datatype is a basic datatype such as a Boolean, string, integer, decimal, or date. To define custom atomic datatypes, add restrictions to an atomic datatype to limit the content. Use a facet to define which values to restrict or allow.

A facet is an expression that defines minimum or maximum values, specific values, or a data pattern of valid values. For example, a pattern facet restricts an element to an expression of data values. An enumeration facet lists the legal values for an element.

The following example contains a pattern facet that restricts an element to a lowercase letter between a and z:

<xs:element name="letter">
   <xs:simpleType>
   <xs:restriction base="xs:string">
      <xs:pattern value="[a-z]"/>
   </xs:restriction>
</xs:simpleType></xs:element>

The following example contains an enumeration facet that restricts a string to a, b, or c:

<xs:element name="letter">
   <xs:simpleType>
   <xs:restriction base="xs:string">
      <xs:enumeration value="a"/>
      <xs:enumeration value=”b”/>
      <xs:enumeration value=”c”/>
   </xs:restriction>
</xs:simpleType></xs:element>

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XML Guide

XML Guide

Atomic Types

Atomic Types