An approach to graphically describe XML schema

As a universal markup language, XML has been widely used in the field of Integrated Logistics Support for weapon equipment. XML Schema has become the primary choice for constraining and validating XML. Due to the textual nature of XML Schema and the complexity of XML syntax, it is difficult to understand XML Schema architecture for general developers. This paper puts forward an approach to transform XML Schema into UML class diagram and gives transformation rules. The transformational UML class diagram can describe not only XML Schema data structure but also XML Schema document structure. Practice shows that developers can quickly understand XML Schema structure with the help of transformational UML class diagram. As a result, the development efficiency of integrated support systems can be improved and weapon equipment automation and digital level can be improved indirectly. The approach is universal and can be applied to any other XML applications.