Defining complexTypes That Contain Only Attributes

An XML Schema allows you to create groups of attributes. This makes it easy to create a complexType that contains only attributes. The first step is to create an attributeGroup. You can then create a complexType and add a reference to the attributeGroup to the complexType.

Diagram View

To define a complex type that contains only attributes:

1. Right-click the schema node

2. In the shortcut menu, select Add > AttributeGroup.

Alternatives: This operation is also available from the XMLSchema > Diagram > Add > AttributeGroup menu and from the Add button .

The new attributeGroup is added to the XML Schema. It is displayed in the diagram and in the text pane (if you have it open). The properties for the new attributeGroup are displayed in the Properties window.

3. Right-click the new attributeGroup.

4. In the shortcut menu that appears, select Add > Attribute.

The new attribute is added to the attributeGroup.

Figure 279. attributeGroup with New Attribute

5. Make sure the new attribute is selected. In the Properties window, click the Data Type field.

6. Enter or select the type of the attribute.

7. Repeat step 3 through step 6 for each attribute that you want to be in the group.

8. Create a complexType as described in Defining complexTypes That Contain Elements and Attributes - Diagram View.

9. Drag the attributeGroup to the complexType.

Tree View

To define a complex type that contains only attributes:

1. Click the Schema node.

2. In the left tool bar, click New Attribute Group

. In the Tree view, Stylus Studio displays a field for new attributeGroup.

3. Enter a name for the attributeGroup.

4. In the left tool bar, click New Attribute Definition

. In the Tree view, Stylus Studio displays a field for the new attribute definition.

5. Enter a name for the new attribute. Stylus Studio displays a scrollable, pop-up menu that lists the built-in simpleTypes and any previously defined simpleTypes.

6. Double-click the type of the new attribute.

7. For each additional attribute you want to add to the group, click the name of the attributeGroup in the Tree view, and repeat step 4 through step 6.

8. Click the Schema node.

9. In the left tool bar, click New complexType