Figure 1-3: The XML software development process. The important point here is that you must develop proficiency with XML devel- opment tools. These important tools, all covered in this book, include XML Schema modeling tools to define XML content; XML editing and validation tools to author XML documents; XSL/XSLT development and debugging tools for transforming XML; XML-to-database mapping tools for database integration applications; and SOAP development and debugging tools for building Web services. The Spy Who Loved XML Once there was a spy on a very important assignment. The mission: To build advanced XML and Web services applications. In order to help ensure a success- fully completed mission, Spy Headquarters, which typically equips field agents with state-of-the-art gadgets like cars with ejection seats and wrist watches with laser beams, has provided the spy with an XML integrated development environment, codename: XMLSPY. An XML IDE is a collection of tools that provides support for the development of critical XML technologies: XML Schemas and DTDs, XSL/XSLT, SOAP, and Web ser- vices, as well as XML editing and validation. XMLSPY 5 is an XML IDE. Its not meant to replace an existing classic software programming IDE, Web-development tool, or database programming/administration tool. Instead, XMLSPY 5 comple- ments and enhances an external developer tool by providing comprehensive support for the XML development component of any potential application. XMLSPY 5 also provides tools and features to help cross the boundary from a pure XML technology to a particular language binding, server runtime environment, or database. Figure 1-4 illustrates how an XML IDE complements existing software development tools. XML Schema Design Remote Process PDF XML Editing HTML WML XSL/XSLT SOAP DRBMS or XML DB Chapter 1: The XMLSPY Game 9