Simple data types

  • Simple data types in XML feeds should omit optional data without a value and adhere to specific formatting guidelines.

  • xs:string data should be trimmed and converted to Title Case when displayed to end users.

  • Dates (xs:dateTime and xs:partialDate) must follow the ISO-8601 standard, prioritizing the most specific date available.

  • Boolean values (xs:boolean) are represented as true or false (case-sensitive).

  • Language codes (xs:language) should be two-character, lowercase values adhering to the ISO 639 standard.

The following are general requirements for the content and formatting of simple data types in the XML spec.

xs:string

Keep the following best practices in mind when you use the xs:string data type:

  • Always trim the string to remove leading and trailing white space.
  • If the string is presented to end users, such as with party names, office titles, or proper names, convert the data to Title Case when possible to aid readability.

xs:date

When you use the xs:date data type, enter it in ISO-8601 format.

xs:dateTime

When you use the xs:dateTime data type, enter it in ISO-8601 format.

PartialDate

PartialDate is a union that lets you set dates in ISO-8601 format at different levels of specificity:

  • Specific date as YYYY-MM-DD
  • Period of one month as YYYY-MM
  • Period of one year as YYYY

xs:boolean

When you use the xs:boolean data type, enter it with a value of either true or false (case-sensitive).

xs:language

When you use the xs:language data type, enter it as a two-character, lower-case value that corresponds to the ISO 639 standard.