This schema defines the syntax for mode definitions in SharpDevelop. The schema can be simplified quite a bit but it does the job as is. If you are using this file as a reference it is probably easiest to scroll to the botton to find the definition of the root element called SyntaxDefinition and then unwind the different type definitions and refernces. Note on coloring: Many tags define how some symbol should be colored. If a specific symbol can not be matched onto either a Span definition, Keyword, or a Digit/Number it will be rendered in the current default color. Which is the default color of the current span or the default color of the mode as a whole if no span has been entered.