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Altova XMLSpy® 2012 allows you to add sample data to your example XML instance generations so that they will contain arbitrary results, selected from pre-supplied values. Alternatively, you can choose to generate an XML instance document populated with data supplied by XMLSpy.

It is a common project requirement to generate a sample XML instance from an XML Schema definition. This can be a very important step in the QA process, helping you to visualize and assess iterations of your application infrastructure with valid test data before it goes live. XMLSpy lets you add sample data to your XML output in two different ways: by creating your own, pre-defined sample values; or by letting XMLSpy generate sample data based on the requirements of the XML Schema.

User-Defined Sample Values

Creating user-defined sample values for your XML instance files give you the ability to retain control over the data supplied in your example files. This can be very useful in data interchange scenarios when the aim is to supply best practices information to exchange partners and to clarify data requirements.

Sample data is added using the Samples tab in the Facets entry helper window of the graphical XML Schema editor. You can to choose to have this data populate your sample instance randomly, by cycling through, or by using only the first entry in the list.

Pre-defined sample values allow you to create realistic example files using data that not only agrees with the datatypes in your XML Schema, but also makes sense semantically.

Generated Sample Values

XMLSpy can also be used to create sample values that conform with your XML Schema rules when you generate your XML instances. To use this feature, simply check the appropriate box in the Generate sample XML dialog.

Explore the power and flexibility XMLSpy provides for generating sample data - Download a free 30-day trial of XMLSpy.