Re: [xml-dev] Enumerating a set of values using the pattern facet versus the enumeration facet ... which is better?

Hi Folks,

 

Below are two XML Schema element declarations. Both enumerate a set of values for the <type> element. The first uses the pattern facet to enumerate the set of values. The second uses the enumeration facet. Is there a reason to prefer one over the other? Or, are they identical for all practical purposes?  /Roger

 

<xs:element name="type">
    <xs:simpleType>
        <xs:restriction base="xs:string">
            <xs:pattern value="contact|acquaintance|friend|met|co\-worker|colleague|co\-resident|neighbor|child|parent|sibling|spouse|kin|muse|crush|date|sweetheart|me|agent|emergency" />
        </xs:restriction>
    </xs:simpleType>
</xs:element>

<xs:element name="type">
    <xs:simpleType>
        <xs:restriction base="xs:string">
            <xs:enumeration value="contact" />
            <xs:enumeration value="acquaintance" />
            <xs:enumeration value="friend" />
            <xs:enumeration value="met" />
            <xs:enumeration value="co-worker" />
            <xs:enumeration value="colleague" />
            <xs:enumeration value="co-resident" />
            <xs:enumeration value="neighbor" />
            <xs:enumeration value="child" />
            <xs:enumeration value="parent" />
            <xs:enumeration value="sibling" />
            <xs:enumeration value="spouse" />
            <xs:enumeration value="kin" />
            <xs:enumeration value="muse" />
            <xs:enumeration value="crush" />
            <xs:enumeration value="date" />
            <xs:enumeration value="sweetheart" />
            <xs:enumeration value="me" />
            <xs:enumeration value="agent" />
            <xs:enumeration value="emergency" />
        </xs:restriction>
    </xs:simpleType>
</xs:element>