What are XML schemas in enterprise geodatabases?

XML schemas are used to validate XML documents against a defined set of constraints. They define the elements and attributes that can appear in an XML document and the order in which they can appear.

You associate an XML schema to an XML column when the table that contains the column is created or altered.

XML schemas are implemented as follows:

• They are not used on ArcSDE XML columns.
• They can be used on native XML columns in DB2 9.5 or later releases, Oracle 11g, or SQL Server.
• They are not used on native XML columns in PostgreSQL.
• One schema can be associated with a native XML column.

XML columns and schemas are not directly accessed or created through ArcGIS for Desktop. You must use database management system tools or the ArcSDE API to create an XML column and associate an XML schema with it.

For information on creating and using XML schemas on native XML columns, see your DB2, Oracle, or SQL Server documentation.