XML markup tools?

[动态语法]

Are there simple XML markup programs that can transfer a plain text file (e.g. a transcript of a conversation in ASCII text format) into a marked file? I have in mind such functions as prompts for the user to input document information, speech event information, speaker labels, speaker turns, etc.

[xujiajin]

XMLspy is a good XML writer but a little bit technical.

[xiaoz]

There are many XML editors and XMLSPy is one of them, and A Real Validator (http://arealvalidator.com/) is another. The problem is that such programs cannot markup speaker IDs or speech turns, or any other XML element automatically. You will need to input start and end tags yourself. My practice is to markup XML elements with special symbols and and convert them into XML using a simple Perl script.

[xujiajin]

Richard, is it possible that you can give us a quick lesson on XML markup, either by using your "simple Perl script" or other XML writers? Thanks.

I know the basic syntax of XML. And it is only functional together with a CSS or XSL style sheet. I also have problem with the definition of parameters in the css.

[动态语法]

Yes, I think if someone can provide a simple interface
for the ordinary user, markup will be used much more
frequently than it is now. Even some of us who consider
ourselves competent users tend to be discouraged by the
technicality and the repetitiveness of the work that one
has to do to perform the markup tasks, yet it is such an
important part of corpus work.

[xiaoz]

There is a section (3.3) in my recent posting "Also on markup" that provides a brief introduction to XML in comparision with SGML. What is important is that the XML syntax must be followed strictly and consistently. A single syntax error will invalidate the whole XML document. The pre-processor of Xaira Indexer tool can provide simple XML markup. I will post some more detailed tutorials after this week.

[xujiajin]

Thanks.
That paper is attached here for your convenience.
http://forum.corpus4u.org/upload/forum/2005071310404314.pdf

[xujiajin]

"I will post some more detailed tutorials after this week."

You promised us, Richard.

[dzhigner]

Programming rocks.

[xiaoz]

Some XML totorials:

http://www.w3schools.com/xml/default.asp

http://xml.ascc.net/

[patricx]

thanks, Richard! it's very useful for us.