XML Schema Complete Reference, The

1.5. Unifying Terminology

Five Recommendations define concepts and create terminology for XML Schema—seven, when you add the ISO standards defining SGML-related equivalent concepts. Unfortunately, this complexity has created divergent terminology for parallel concepts and overloaded terminology for distinct concepts. This introductory chapter cuts through the melee and establishes consistent terminology. Ultimately, despite the strong desire to reuse common terminology, the book presents some new terms in the following four circumstances:

• When an existing term has multiple connotations. For example, abstract might mean an abstract schema as opposed to a concrete XML schema document. The term abstract might also mean a non-instantiable class ...