Overview
Accurate XML validation and intelligent code completion are essential for building reliable, schema-driven applications. AlterNET Code Editor enhances this process by introducing improved XSD-based validation, smarter completion logic, and a more robust parsing engine designed for large and complex XML structures. A key component of this enhancement is the XmlParserWithSchema, which integrates schema-aware parsing directly into the editor workflow.
Schema-driven validation for reliable XML editing
At the core of Alternet Code Editor’s XML support is XmlParserWithSchema, a specialized XML parser designed to provide precise, real-time validation based on XML Schema Definitions (XSD). By interpreting the associated schemas, XmlParserWithSchema understands the exact structure of the document - including permitted elements, attribute sets, data types, and content models.
As users type, the editor highlights validation errors immediately, ensuring issues are caught early rather than during build or execution. This schema-aware approach greatly reduces the risk of malformed XML and helps maintain consistency across larger codebases or shared configuration environments.
XML code completion with XSD-based intelliSense
AlterNET Code Editor elevates XML editing with schema-aware IntelliSense. Using XSD structural model, the editor offers context-sensitive code completion that suggests only valid elements and attributes permitted at the current cursor position.
This guided editing experience reduces guesswork, eliminates structural errors, and is especially valuable when working with large or unfamiliar XML formats.
Current Scope and Future Enhancements
AlterNET Code Editor currently provides schema-driven code completion for complex types, choice and sequence constructs, and enumerated attribute or element values. While these capabilities cover the core patterns developers use in most XML workflows, we recognize that the full breadth of the XSD specification is more extensive.
To address this, we are working on supporting multiple XSD schema files, enabling more accurate resolution of cross-schema references and large modular schema sets.
Summary
Alternet Code Editor delivers a powerful, schema-driven XML editing experience that enhances accuracy and productivity for .NET developers. With real-time validation, XSD-powered IntelliSense, and flexible schema integration, users can confidently edit complex XML files while reducing errors and improving maintainability across their applications.