SS XML EDITOR

LICENSE AGREEMENT
This program is a freeware.  Copying of this program is welcomed and encouraged as long as it is for educational and other non-commercial use.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM
XML Editor is a useful tool written in Java for creating and editing XML files.  The program features graphical user's interface, which displays XML file's structure in form of a tree.  Using "point-and-click" method the user can add, remove or edit XML tags, tags' attributes, tags text and comments.

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
1) JDK 1.1-Compatible Java Virtual Machine
2) MS XML parser classes (downloadable from www.microsoft.com/xml).

PROGRAM INSTALLATION
1) Make sure that MS XML Parser classes are installed somewhere along your CLASSPATH directory.
2) Copy all XML Editor class files into any directory.

RUNNING THE PROGRAM
1) After you installed the XML Editor on your machine, open the command prompt window and change directory appropriately.
2) At the prompt type JVIEW XMLEDIT or JAVA XMLEDIT.  If you like to start the editor with a file already opened, type JVIEW XMLEDIT MYFILE.XML, where myfile.xml is the file you like to open.

USING THE PROGRAM
1) Adding a new XML tag, comment or text.
Right-click on the tag to which you want to add a new tag.  From the pop-up menu choose "Add Tag", "Add Text" or "Add Comment".  After releasing the mouse you should see a new item in the tree.
2) Removing an existing tree item
Right-click on the item, which you want to remove.  After releasing the mouse, the program will remove the desired item.  NOTE:  XML Editor removes all children of the removed item as well.
3) Changing tag names.
Select the tag whose name you want to change.  In the "Value" edit box on the right side of the editor's window type the new name.  Click on "Update" button.
4) Changing text and comments.
Click on the text or comment whose value you want to change.  Change the text in "Value" edit box on the right site of the program.  Click on "Update" button.
5) Adding tags' attributes.
Select the tag in the tree.  On the right side of the browser type the attribute's name and value.  Click on the "New" button.  You should see the new attribute and its value in the attributes' list.
6) Removing tags' attributes.
Select the tag in the tree.  Choose the attribute to be removed from the attributes' list on the right side of the window.  Click on "Delete" button.
7) Changing existing attributes' names and values.
Select the attribute from the attributes' list in the right side of the editor's window.  Type new name and/or values.  Click on "Update" button.

ADDITIONAL NOTES AND BUGS LIST
1) The program was tested only on Windows NT 4.0.  If you believe 'write once, run anywhere', it should work on other platforms.
2) At this time there is no support for DTD files.  If the XML includes DTD tag, program will not be able to parse the file.
3) Despite author's intentions, the XML Editor does not perform as well when run on Sun's VM as it does on MS VM.  There are issues with refreshing the tree area and resizing the scrolling area of the tree section.
4) Program doesn't support drag-and-drop features.  You cannot move a tree item to a different location, after the tag was added to the tree.
5) From time to time, after starting the program, when clicking on "File" item in the program's menu, the program spontaneously selects a menu item.

CONTACTING THE AUTHOR
Please send your comments (both positive and negative) and the bug reports to stolar@cs.washington.edu, or if you prefer mail, send it to
Chris Stolarek
16240 NE 12TH CT #B18
BELLEVUE, WA 98008
USA
