Complex type
Complex data types represent a step up from simple types because they allow you to do more interesting things such as define the content model of elements. Complex types effectively build upon simple types, so your knowledge of simple types will come in quite handy as you work with complex types. All complex types are created using
the xsd:complexType
element. This element includes an attribute named name
that is used to name a complex type. You can also declare a complex type directly within an element, in which case it doesn’t require a name.
Complex types can be broken down into four major classifications, as follows:
- Empty elements
- Element-only elements
- Mixed elements
- Sequences and choices