Convert DTD to IL

Understanding DTD and IL file formats

DTD (Document Type Definition) is a file format used to define the structure and legal elements and attributes of an XML document. It is commonly used in XML-based workflows to ensure that documents adhere to a specific structure.

IL files, in the context of programming and data exchange, often refer to Intermediate Language files, particularly in the .NET framework, where they contain compiled code in a language that can be executed by the Common Language Runtime (CLR). However, "IL" can also refer to other domain-specific formats, so it's important to clarify the target use case.

Why convert DTD to IL?

Converting a DTD file to an IL file is not a standard or direct conversion, as these formats serve very different purposes. Typically, such a conversion would be part of a workflow where XML schema definitions (from DTD) are used to generate code or data structures in an intermediate language for further processing or compilation.

How to convert DTD to IL

There is no direct, one-click converter for DTD to IL, but you can follow these steps:

1. Use a tool like XML Schema Definition Tool (xsd.exe) to convert your DTD to an XML Schema (XSD).
2. Generate code from the XSD using xsd.exe or similar tools, which can output C# or VB.NET code.
3. Compile the generated code using a .NET compiler (such as csc.exe), which will produce an assembly (DLL or EXE).
4. Use ILDasm (Intermediate Language Disassembler) to export the IL code from the compiled assembly.

This process effectively translates the structure defined in your DTD into .NET Intermediate Language, via code generation and compilation.

Recommended software for DTD to IL conversion

• Microsoft xsd.exe – Converts DTD to XSD and generates .NET classes.
• Microsoft Visual Studio – For compiling generated code.
• ILDasm – For extracting IL code from .NET assemblies.

To use these tools, follow the menu path: File → Open → Project/Solution in Visual Studio, then build your project and use Tools → ILDasm to view or export the IL code.

Summary

While there is no direct DTD to IL file converter, you can achieve this conversion through a series of steps involving schema conversion, code generation, compilation, and IL extraction using Microsoft tools.