XML attribute entity (DTDs only)

The Attribute Entity symbol is used to represent a parameter entity that is a list of attributes. (Parameter entities may be used with attributes and with elements.)

Within DTDs, parameter entities allow reusable text throughout the DTD code, making programming easier. The parameter entity is a simple text substitution macro in which the shorthand % represents the definition, eliminating the need to re-type the same definition every time that it is used in a diagram. Any definition used more than once in a document is a candidate to become a parameter entity.

Within BizTalk, the Element Entity is expanded in every place where it is referenced. Definition replacement must be done manually when a BizTalk file is created.

The Attribute Entity symbol may only decompose the same name and schema once per diagram. You may draw parent or child Attribute Entities. Siblings of the same name and schema are not allowed.

The definition defined as text may come from a list, or may be any alphanumeric characters typed in by the user.

Comments in the Definition tab are generated to the place in the DTD where the attribute entity is declared or defined: see Location of generated comments and processing instructions.

Processing Instructions are passed to an application. They typically contain a declaration of the target application and whatever instructions the application needs to process the XML schema.

Text in the Processing Instructions field will be generated into the schema file but will be formatted as follows:

Processing Instructions in the Definition tab are generated to the place in the DTD where the attribute entity is declared or defined: see Location of generated comments and processing instructions.

Text in the Description field does not get generated to a DTD, but is generated to a BizTalk schema. You may enter a description of the modeling element, or its use in the schema. The description can be included in a report. By default, it is included in HTML reports.

Specifies one and only one schema that will be used throughout the diagram, and/or the XML Schema definition that elements and attributes are keyed to. Note that all elements and element attributes created on the diagram will default to this schema name. Attribute and element symbols may be keyed to one and only one schema. If the schema is renamed, all elements and attributes that use it will be rekeyed to the new name. “Names” may be the same as long as they are keyed to different schemas.

The attribute and element instances will use the diagram’s schema by default, however, this is not required. Element and attribute symbols using schema outside of the diagram’s will display with dotted borders.