asp:review
xmlspy 5 Enterprise Edition
The newest release sports several new features you'll find invaluable.
By Michael Riley
With claims of more than 1 million registered users, Altova has matured its xmlspy product from an XML-aware Notepad to a full-blown XML application development environment that interoperates with other enterprise-class systems such as Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle 9i.
I reviewed version 4.1 in the premiere issue of asp.netPRO (see References), so rather than revisit the capabilities I explored in that review, I will focus primarily on the enhancements offered in this latest release.
As you would expect with a new version, xmlspy 5 Enterprise Edition is peppered with added features. Some of the more notable additions include HTML-to-XML migration, which is great for organizations looking to migrate legacy HTML content into more manageable, context-rich XML format; the ability to code-generate C++, C#, and Java classes from an XML schema automatically (no more error-prone manual mapping of schemas to managed code classes); and the ability to edit embedded schemas inside WSDL files, which is ideal for companies employing advanced Web Services development methodologies. In addition to supporting SQL Server 2000's XML Schema Extensions, xmlspy 5 also supports Oracle 9i and Software AG's Tamino XML databases.
The application packages more than 35 XML industry templates, including the DocBook, P3P, NewsML, and XMLResume formats added to this version. xmlspy 5 is still missing, however, the Open EBook Format (OEB) - an XML-based structure for the E-Book industry I helped author.
The ODBC/ADO database bridge supports XML Schema Extensions from SQL Server 2000 and Oracle 9i. As with older releases of the program, xmlspy 5 supports source control systems, including Microsoft SourceSafe and even Concurrent Versions System (CVS), via a free downloadable plug-in.
xmlspy 5 has two features in particular that I appreciated most. First, I like its ability to debug XSLTs - including conditional breakpoints and all the controls developers expect out of debuggers - using Altova's own built-in XSLT processor. Second, xmlspy 5 features an intuitive, visual WSDL editor with validation support. Developers working on complex XSL transformations will appreciate the debugger's dynamic call stack, grid-text browser, and XPath-supported watch windows combined with the ability to view and make live changes to variables during execution. As for the WSDL editor, I found this feature most helpful when analyzing foreign WSDL files from various business partners, including both auto-generated and hand-authored WSDL documents. Seeing the document's design detailed graphically in the editor window allows you to interpret and test the file quickly without drilling down through kilobytes of text files filled with brackets and quotation marks. These additions really put xmlspy 5 into a class all its own, and I began to wonder how I ever lived without them.
The version I reviewed (Release 5.3) added enhanced Oracle XML DB support for data editing. It also includes server administration features such as save, register, or delete an XML schema to Oracle XML DB; query execution using Oracle9i's DBURI; and Oracle WebDAV connectivity. Two additional features I appreciated in xmlspy 5 are support for WSDL document generation (in Word or HTML) and visual editing of XSL:FO PDF generation code. And for Java developers, Altova has exposed the application via a Java API that resembles its COM interfaces made available in earlier XML Spy releases.
Although I had higher expectations for its XSLT editor, it's clear with this release that Altova is cementing its position firmly in the application developer's camp and not on the graphic designer's palette. Given the number of interfaces xmlspy 5 exposes programmatically, a golden opportunity exists for a third party to wrap the functional-yet-sterile XSL designer into a page-layout package that keeps both programmers and page designers happy. Nevertheless, with all the focus on making an XML programmer's job more productive, developers and managers alike will find the tool well worth the investment.
Mike Riley is a chief scientist with RR Donnelley, one of North America's largest printers. He participates in the company's emerging technology strategies using a wide variety of distributed network technologies, including Delphi 6. Readers may reach him at mailto:[email protected].
References
Review of xmlspy 4.1
asp:factfile
Altova Inc.
900 Cummings Center
Suite 314 T
Beverly, MA 01915-6181
Rating:
Phone: (978) 816-1600
E-mail: mailto:[email protected]
Web Site: http://www.xmlspy.com
Price: US$1,188
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