Customizations to the Ed-Fi data model – and concrete specifications such as the Ed-Fi data exchange XSD – are explicitly supported for implementation-specific or other purposes using the set of conformant extensions described in this section, known as the Ed-Fi Extension Framework. The Extension Framework documentation provides detail on extension patterns that are supported throughout Ed-Fi technology.
The Ed-Fi Alliance provides a free tool called the MetaEd IDE that automates the process of extending Ed-Fi technology, including the Ed-Fi data exchange XSDs. The documentation that follows covers the patterns that are created by the MetaEd IDE.
Extension Patterns
Extensions are made in an extended core. This allows extensions to be defined once and reused across multiple interchange schemas, as well as supports automated code generation.
Options for extending the Ed-Fi Core Schema
The Ed-Fi Extension Framework defines the following set of conformant methods of customization:
- Customization by Using XML Complex Type Extension. This technique may be applied to domain or association complex types to:
- Add attributes or associations
- Replace attributes deleted by restriction
- Customization by Adding New Complex Types. This technique may be applied to add new domain or association complex types; it is often used to:
- Extend data transfer into new education domains
Extending the Schema
The MetaEd IDE documentation contains everything you need to know about extending Ed-Fi XSD. The documentation includes download and installation instructions, plus how-to articles covering the most common extension scenarios.