What Is PyXB?

PyXB is a pure Python package that generates Python code for classes that correspond to data structures defined by XMLSchema. In concept it is similar to JAXB for Java and CodeSynthesis XSD for C++.

The major goals of PyXB are:

• Provide a generated Python interface that is “Pythonic”, meaning similar to one that would have been hand-written:
  • Attributes and elements are Python properties, with name conflicts resolved in favor of elements
  • Elements with maxOccurs larger than 1 are stored as Python lists
  • Bindings for type extensions inherit from the binding for the base type
  • Enumeration constraints are exposed as class (constant) variables
• Support bi-directional conversion (document to Python and back)
• Allow easy customization of the generated bindings to provide functionality along with content
• Support all XMLSchema features that are in common use, including:
  • complex content models (nested all/choice/sequence)
  • cross-namespace dependencies
  • include and import directives
  • constraints on simple types
• Validate the documents against their schema

Secondary goals, some of which have been achieved in the current release, are listed in PyXB Vision.