Best Newbie XML program?

[Paradisio]

I'm new and wanting to code some basic stuff for now. Mostly some new base classes/prestiege classes. If anyone knows of a simple xml I can use to start off with I would appreciate it, thanks.

[DarkStar]

I just use free Notepad2 (https://www.flos-freeware.ch/notepad2.html) right now, but it's actually your average Notepad with syntax coloring and a few more features. :) Depends on how comfortable you feel with XML. If you can type it yourself, a simple program like Notepad2 is all you really need to start working.

Other freeware would be old Microsoft XML Notepad (https://www.snapfiles.com/get/xmlnotepad.html). This one is different, you don't type your XML in a text box, instead you build it off objects (add nodes with context menu, etc.).

There are of course others, some very advanced (and commercial), like Altova XMLSpy - but this one is used in enterprise applications by professional programming teams - you don't need, I know I don't. Not for Fantasy Grounds.

There are literally tons of XML editors, I think it's mostly a matter of personal likes and dislikes. I can only recommend you checking out a few and see what suits you the best. Maybe someone will post a better proposal here.

[kalmarjan]

If you want to get something that will act somewhat like Altova, (without all the bells and whistles for checking documents), the one I use is Microsoft Visual C# Express Edition.

It is free of charge, (Until Nov 06), and supports smart typing. So if you have already used an xml tag like <stringcontrol> then after typing <stri it will pop up with a box to complete the tag, and you just press enter to do so.

That alone is worth the price of admission.

Sandeman

[DarkStar]

It is free of charge, (Until Nov 06)
Not anymore, it's better, it will be free forever! :) Microsoft changed their mind a while back, you can find an official announcement on that.

I haven't used VS for pure XML so far, I find it too heavy just for that. ;P But yeah, it's another possible choice.

[Cantstanzya]

I use Textpad. It is much better than notepad and is free trial that will just pop up a splash screen until you buy it, and only then it is about $30.00.

[Griogre]

There is also a free version of Altova's XMLSpy that never expires. They bury it on the site and try to get you to use their limited time trials, instead of it but it *is* here.
https://www.altova.com/support_freexmlspyhome.asp

I also sometimes use Visual Studio because I already happen to have it installed and am use to using it and have it set up the way I like.

[Bryan_Smith]

There is also a free version of Altova's XMLSpy that never expires. They bury it on the site and try to get you to use their limited time trials, instead of it but it *is* here.
https://www.altova.com/support_freexmlspyhome.asp


Which version of the XML Spy are you supposed to download for that? They seem to give the key out at whim, but I can't find a link for the actual 'home' version of the software.

Correction, found the link after a bit more wandering. Try here after you get the Key. https://www.altova.com/download_spy_home.html

[Griogre]

I acutally found it easier to download the free version and install it. When you run it for the first time you can ask for a key. I found this easier than trying to wander all over their web site to find the right key request. Probably should have mentioned that above, sorry. :p

[Thore_Ironrock]

Over here at Digital Adventures we use mostly TEXTPAD, but also a JAVA converter called MAJIX that we use to convert RTF files to XML with embedded <p> and <b> tags.

;)

[mr_h]

I've been meaning to ask you how DA did that, Thore :)
*goes out hunting for said programs*

[Meatball]

Actually, I found a pretty good, freeware/open source XML editor over on sourceforge called XML Copy Editor (https://xml-copy-editor.sourceforge.net/).

Looks like they have it for a few platforms.