Step-by-Step Guide for Working with WSDL and XSD

Learn how to generate XSD from WSDL, create WSDL from XSD, and more. Dive into step-by-step instructions for using tools like SoapUI for these conversions.
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Step-by-Step Guide for Working with WSDL and XSD

When working with web services, understanding how to handle WSDL (Web Services Description Language) and XSD (XML Schema Definition) files is critical. This guide covers essential tasks such as generating XSD from WSDL, creating WSDL from XSD, and using tools like SoapUI for these tasks. Let’s take a closer look.

How to Generate XSD from WSDL

Generating XSD from a WSDL file involves extracting the types defined within the WSDL. This process tends to be straightforward in most integrated development environments (IDEs) and through various web service tools.

Steps to Generate XSD from WSDL:

Open the WSDL File: Use any text editor or IDE.

Locate the <types> Element: This section contains the XSD definitions.

Extract and Save as XSD: Copy the content of the <types> element and save it into a new file with a .xsd extension.

Use an Automation Tool: Tools like SoapUI can simplify this process (more on this later).

How to Create WSDL from XSD

Creating a WSDL file from an XSD involves defining the web service operations and binding them to the types described in the XSD.

Steps to Create WSDL from XSD:

Create a new WSDL File: Start with the WSDL structure including definitions, types, messages, portType, binding, and service tags.

Import XSD Schema: Use the <import> or <schema> XML element to include your XSD within the types section of your WSDL.

Define Messages: Specify the data elements/messages used by the web service operations.

Define PortTypes: Specify the abstract operations and messages.

Define Binding: Specify the concrete communication protocols and message formats.

Define Services: Provide the endpoint for the web service.

How to Generate XSD from WSDL Using SoapUI

SoapUI is an open-source tool that easily handles various web service tasks including generating XSD from WSDL.

Steps to Generate XSD from WSDL Using SoapUI:

Open SoapUI: Download and install if you haven’t already.

Create a New Project: Go to File -> New SOAP Project.

Load WSDL File: Enter your WSDL file URL or path.

Locate the <types> Section: In the SoapUI interface, navigate to the defined types.

Export to XSD: SoapUI provides an option to export types in XSD format.

How to Convert XSD to WSDL

While performing the exact opposite, converting XSD to WSDL is predominantly a manual task, similar to creating WSDL from XSD.

Steps to Convert XSD to WSDL:

Analyze the XSD: Understand the complex types and elements defined.

Create a WSDL Structure: Start with basic WSDL elements.

Include XSD within <types> Section: Use <schema> to define types.

Complete WSDL: Define messages, portTypes, bindings, and services by using the types from the XSD.

Conclusion

Mastering these tasks ensures you efficiently handle web services and data exchanges. Whether you are generating XSD from WSDL, creating WSDL from XSD, or utilizing tools like SoapUI, understanding the fundamentals and following logical steps will streamline your workflow. Feel free to refer back to this guide as you work on your web services projects.