How to validate XML against XSD in Notepad++

In this post, we will talk about how to validate XML against XSD in Notepad++. An XML (eXtensible Markup Language) file is a markup file that consists of a set of rules for encoding documents in both human-readable and machine-readable formats. It is used to store and transport the data. While XSD stands for XML Schema Definition given by World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). It is primarily used for defining the structure and content of an XML file.

XSD contains a set of validation rules to validate the correctness of an XML file. It defines the syntax and the way in which elements and attributes must be used in an XML file. An XML document is well-formed if it is validated against XSD. Programmers use XML Schema to verify and assure that items and elements in a document are correctly used and are error-free. When you perform XSD validation on an XML file, it highlights and displays the errors in the document that you need to fix. You can easily eliminate all the errors in the document using the highlighted errors and comments.

You can easily validate your XML document against XSD using the Notepad++ application. Notepad++ is a popular text and source code editor for various programming languages and can also be used as a LaTeX editor. You can use its Plugins functionality to validate an XML document using an XSD file. Here, we are going to show you the exact step-by-step procedure to perform XML validation against XML Schema. Let’s get straight to the tutorial now!

See: How to set Notepad++ as default editor for .xml files.

Here are the main steps to validate XML documents using XSD files in Notepad++:

Now, let us discuss the above steps in elaboration!

Firstly, if you don’t already have it, you need to download Notepad++ and then install it on your Windows 11/10 PC. If you don’t want to install it, you can use its portable edition as it comes in both installer and portable packages. So, use the version you prefer.

After installation, simply launch the Notepad++ application. Now, go to its Plugins menu and click on the Plugins Admin option.

In the Plugins Admin window, you will see a list of available plugins that you can enable or disable whenever you want. Also, it shows the plugins that you have installed and for which updates are available. From this list of plugins in the Available tab, scroll down to the XML Tools; it will be present at the end of the list.

Select the XML Tools plugin and you will be able to view the plugin description and uses. Enable the XML Tools checkbox and then press the Install button.

Notepad++ will have to exit and restart to install the plugin. Confirm the same on the next prompt by clicking the OK button. The installation takes few seconds only. After the XML Tools plugin’s installation, Notepad++ will be restarted quickly.

You now need to open the XML document that you want to validate against XSD. After opening the XML file, go to the Plugins menu and you will now see the XML Tools option added to it. Simply go to the XML Tools > Validate Now option and click on it. You can also press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + M key combination to open Validate Now option.

Now, select the XSD file against which you want to validate the opened XML document. Simply browse and then import the XSD file in the respective field. It shows the Namespace URI too.

Press the OK button to start validating XML against the imported XML schema file.

XML document file will now be validated against XSD and if there are any issues, it will highlight the errors with comments to correct them.

You can now correct the errors present in your XML document using the comments given by XSD validation. When you have rectified all the errors, re-run Validate Now button to validate XML content. If all is good in the XML file, it will show a message prompt saying No error detected.

If you have turned on the Enable Auto-validation from Plugins > XML Tools options, every time you make and save changes to your XML document, it will let you validate XML against XSD.

So, this is how you can use Notepad++ to validate XML documents against XSD by installing a simple plugin from its Plugins Admin.

Now read: Task SvcRestartTask, The task XML contains an unexpected node.

CSM certification: Costs, requirements, and all you need to know

The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification sets the standard for establishing Scrum theory, developing practical applications and rules, and leading teams and stakeholders through the development process.

Agile practices are being rapidly adopted in project and product management across many industries, and the ScrumMaster is an important leadership role in agile development to not only improve workflow but increase your value as your career evolves. The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification, available through the Scrum Alliance, is an entry-level certification aimed at providing professionals with an awareness of the methodologies and values of Scrum, including team performance, accountability, and iterative progress. This certification is beneficial for people in product delivery who use the Scrum framework or those responsible for optimizing Scrum, including ScrumMasters and their teams.

Becoming a CSM offers individuals various valuable benefits, including increased recognition and credibility as a leader, additional opportunities within organizations with agile practices, leverage with future opportunities, and a demonstrated knowledge of Scrum principles.

There are no prerequisites to enroll in CSM training but training is required to become certified. To earn a CSM credential, applicants must understand the Scrum framework and its principles and practices. The Scrum Alliance offers numerous resources on Scrum fundamentals, including the Scrum Alliance expert blog, member articles, videos, presentations, and reports.

Applicants must attend a CSM course, spread across two days in person or four online, taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer. The course provides a full overview of how to organize and support a Scrum team, and covers learning objectives including scope, Lean, agile, coaching, and service to the development team, product owner, and organization.

After completing the course, you have two opportunities within 90 days at no cost to pass the exam through the Scrum Alliance portal and become a Certified ScrumMaster. After up to two attempts within 90 days, however, there’s a $25 charge for each additional attempt. Once you pass the CSM exam, you must submit a license agreement for the Scrum Alliance to accept, as well as complete your Scrum Alliance membership profile.

The initial certification fee for each student who successfully completes a Certified ScrumMaster course is paid by the Certified Scrum Trainers. The training course fees, which range from $350 to $1,000, also cover the following:

The CSM exam consists of 50 multiple-choice and true/false questions in 60 minutes. You’ll need to correctly answer a minimum of 37 questions for a passing grade of 74%. The exam covers key Scrum elements, including general Scrum knowledge, Scrum roles, Scrum meetings, and Scrum artifacts. Applicants can only attempt the test twice without additional charge within the 90-day timeline of having completed the required two-day course. Otherwise, an additional $25 is required for each subsequent attempt.

There are real benefits to getting CSM certified, not just for your organization but also on a personal level. The certification gives you a credential of demonstrable leadership value that goes beyond traditional project managers. Benefits also include improving team management, collaboration, and performance to ensure project work progresses seamlessly and efficiently. It also ensures Scrum is being applied correctly and consistently, and that everyone is aligned in their understanding of the framework. Plus, CSM certification provides a career-boosting benefit and opens up opportunities for professional growth.

It’s also about being part of a community. After completing all the steps and becoming a CSM, you’ll receive a two-year membership to the Scrum Alliance and can join local user groups and online social networks, as well as get access to discounts on gatherings, and more.

Your CSM must be renewed every two years. Doing so requires a total of anywhere from 10 to 40 hours of Scrum Education Units (SEUs) and a renewal fee, which varies depending on the certification and SEUs required. Staying up to date requires staying current through SEUs. For every hour you spend on continuing education, you receive one SEU, and SEUs fall into four subcategories: events, learning, volunteering, and other independent means.

Eligible activities include the time you spend reading articles, volunteering, attending events, and taking courses. Examples of SEU options include watching a community webinar, giving back to the agile community through volunteer work, participating in a local user group, attending a global or regional Scrum gathering, and writing a blog post or reading a book about Scrum/agile. As an additional benefit, taking the CSM earns PMI-certified professionals Professional Development Units (PDUs).

Applicants must attend a 16-hour CSM course taught by a Certified Scrum Trainer (CST) prior to taking the CSM exam, either spread across two days in person or up to four online. CSTs are the only trainers approved by the Scrum Alliance to prepare you for the exam, and courses provided by CSTs are listed on the Scrum Alliance course search page. And even though live online options are available in addition to in-person training across the globe, self-paced online training is not available at this time.

CSM training should cover Scrum principles, the Scrum framework, definitions, how to run a Scrum project, how to work with teams, how Scrum fits into your organization, and the various roles involved with Scrum. By the end of your training you should be able to understand:

Once your training is complete, you can expect your instructor to assist with creating an account for you to access a CSM exam test site.

To prepare for the CSM exam, there are many online practice tests with questions that might look similar to these on your exam including:

Becoming a CSM can also provide a big boost to your annual salary. The range for ScrumMasters varies depending on title and location, but Glassdoor calculates an average of $128,000 and some roles can command as high as $165,000. Some such as Agile coach, Scrum trainer, Senior ScrumMaster, Agile Scrum coach, and Lead ScrumMaster are typical titles that can be expected, depending where you are on your career track.

Having achieved ScrumMaster certification opens up doors to more senior positions, and regardless of the role you choose, all indications point to a secure and stable future full of opportunities.