XML software

There is a whole range of XML Software available, both free and commercial. A basic XML editor should facilitate the creation and validation of EAD descriptions. You should chose an editor that:

• Enables you to link to the EAD dtd or schema so that you can quickly validate your descriptions
• Enables you to pick tags and attributes from a list
• Preferably selects only the tags and attributes that are valid within the context, i.e. stops you from putting in tags and attributes where they are invalid
• Gives you a simple input interface for creating your descriptions
• Facilitates the addition of special characters (e.g. ampersand, accents, symbols)
• Generates a useful error message so that you can correct invalid EAD
• Preferably enables you to view the description in a browser (we can provide a stylesheet for you to use)
• Preferably gives you a tree structure so that you can easily see the hierarchy of your description

Creating EAD descriptions does not require a sophisticated editor.

Common XML editors include XMLSPY, XMetal and Oxygen. We can provide information on these editors on request.