Using the XML and DTD

Objective

After completing this lesson, you will be able to Use XML and document type definition (DTD) to configure Performance and Goals modules.

Extensible Markup Language (XML)

XML is the language used to configure templates in the SAP SuccessFactors system. For our configuration, we will work with XML files which need to be edited in an XML editor. A Document Type Definition (DTD) defines the content and structure permissible in an XML document. The document contains the elements and attributes that can be used in the XML document.

Most forms and templates that are used to configure the SAP SuccessFactors system are created using XML documents. You will need to have an understanding of XML to configure Instances to your customer’s requirements.

XML, or eXtensible Markup Language, is designed to structure, store, and transport data. While HTML is designed to format data, XML is designed to carry data. XML is a very flexible language, allowing authors to define their own tags and document structure.

XML itself doesn’t do anything — it’s simply information wrapped up in tags. Software, such as SAP SuccessFactors, is designed to send, receive, and display the data.

Note

SAP SuccessFactors does not teach XML. While we do not expect that you are an XML expert, you do need to have a basic knowledge of XML and how it works. There are many excellent resources available on the internet to help you learn XML.

Training DTDs

In this course, we will be working with two DTDs.

  • Goal plan templates are governed by the objective-template_4_0.dtd
  • Performance and 360 Reviews form templates are governed by the sf-form.dtd

DTDs are available via the following:

  • The latest version of the DTDs are available in the SAP Software Download Center (see note below).
  • Alternatively, and for the purpose of the training, you can find the DTDs needed to validate Goal Plan, Performance or 360 Reviews templates in the Course Files that appears at the beginning of this course.

Watch this video to learn about how to validate the XML against the DTD.

Note

Check this helpful resource to locate the DTD files: 3113004 - Implementation files available on the SAP Software Download Center - Employee Centralhttps://userapps.support.sap.com/sap/support/knowledge/en/3113004.

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