RELAX NG

RELAX NG (REgular LAnguage for XML Next Generation) is a schema language for XML that defines the structure and constraints of XML documents. It provides a simple, non-XML syntax (Compact Syntax) and an XML-based syntax (XML Syntax) to specify patterns for elements, attributes, and content models. It is designed to be more intuitive and flexible than other XML schema languages like XML Schema (XSD).

Also known as: RelaxNG, RELAX NG Compact Syntax, RELAX NG XML Syntax, RNG, Relax Next Generation

Why learn RELAX NG?

Developers should learn RELAX NG when working with XML-based applications that require robust validation, such as in document processing, configuration files, or data interchange formats. It is particularly useful for projects where simplicity and readability are prioritized, as its compact syntax is easier to write and maintain compared to XSD. Use cases include validating XML documents in publishing systems, web services, or custom markup languages.

Learning Resources

• tutorial: RELAX NG Tutorial
• docs: OASIS RELAX NG Specification
• docs: RELAX NG on Wikipedia
• tutorial: RELAX NG Compact Syntax Guide