What is the Difference Between XML Schema and DTD?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The main differences between XML Schema (XSD) and Document Type Definition (DTD) are as follows:

  1. Syntax: XML schemas are written in XML, while DTDs are derived from SGML syntax.
  2. Datatypes: XML schemas define datatypes for elements and attributes, but DTDs do not support datatypes.
  3. Namespaces: XML schemas allow support for namespaces, while DTDs do not.
  4. Complexity: DTDs are generally considered harder to understand and work with compared to XML schemas.
  5. Extensibility: XML schemas are extensible, while DTDs are not.
  6. Control on XML structure: XML schemas provide more control over the structure of an XML document compared to DTDs.

In summary, XML schemas offer more features and control over the structure of XML documents compared to Document Type Definitions. They are written in XML syntax, support datatypes, and are extensible, making them more suitable for complex and modern XML-based applications.

Comparative Table: XML Schema vs DTD

Here is a table comparing the differences between XML Schema and DTD:

Feature XML Schema (XSD) Document Type Definition (DTD)
Syntax XML-based SGML-based
Datatypes Supported Not supported
Namespaces Supported Not supported
Element Order Defined Not defined
Control on More control Less control
Extensibility Extensible Not extensible
Complexity Relatively simple Harder to understand

XML Schema (XSD) and Document Type Definition (DTD) are both used to define the structure of XML documents, but they have some key differences:

  • Syntax: XML Schema uses an XML-based syntax, while DTD has a unique syntax inherited from SGML.
  • Datatypes: XML Schema supports datatypes for elements and attributes, but DTD does not.
  • Namespaces: XML Schema allows support for namespaces, while DTD does not.
  • Element Order: XML Schema defines the number and order of child elements, while DTD does not.
  • Control on Structure: XML Schema provides more control over the structure of an XML document, while DTD offers less control.
  • Extensibility: XML Schema is extensible, while DTD is not.
  • Complexity: XML Schema is relatively simpler than DTD.