Summary

XML is not difficult to create; it is only text after all. Still, creating XML and schemas can be made easier through the use of one of these tools. They reduce the overall amount of typing, make visualizing the XML or schema easier, and reduce the chance for errors or invalid files. Each have their own strengths and target scenarios.

Visual Studio supports the creation of XML and schema files, but it is at its heart a programming environment. Therefore, it is not as strong a tool as some of the dedicated XML tools. However, if you are already using Visual Studio, its XML features may be enough for your needs.

Altova XMLSpy is only one of a family of tools from Altova. It provides solid XML editing features, XSLT/XQuery debugging and more in a single package. In addition, XMLSpy can integrate into common programmer environments such as Visual Studio or Eclipse. This means that you gain the benefit of XMLSpy's functionality within the environment you are familiar with. XMLSpy can support any XML developer, but is best suited for environments that do not need Schematron or Relax NG support.

While Stylus Studio is a powerful Swiss army knife of XML editors, it shines when it comes to its import functionality. Many common data formats, such as CSV, EDI or databases can easily be imported into Stylus Studio and converted into XML. Once in, Stylus Studio continues to provide support in terms of XSLT/XQuery debugging, schema mapping and even code generation. Stylus Studio can support any XML developer, but is best suited for organizations that must deal with a lot of EDI or other file processing.

Oxygen XML editor's main strength is breadth. While most of the other editors described here support DTDs or W3C Schemas, Oxygen includes support for Schematron and Relax NG. While the other editors run on Windows, Oxygen provides OS X and Linux versions. Performance and memory usage may be an issue, however. Oxygen is best suited for organizations that need to support multiple platforms.