1. A method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: after an XML processor, which is configured to send validated XML data to an application, starts performing a validation operation on an XML-based input stream, and before said XML processor completes performing said validation operation on said XML-based input stream, performing the steps of: after starting to validate a particular XML element in said XML-based input stream, and before completion of validating said particular XML element in said XML-based input stream, performing the computer-implemented step of said XML processor receiving one or more requests for particular information relating to said validation operation, wherein said one or more requests include at least one of: (a) a request for whether said particular XML element is defined in corresponding information that dictates the structure of said XML data in said XML-based input stream; (b) a request for the name of said particular XML element; (c) a request for the data type of said particular XML element; (d) a request for whether said particular XML element conforms to the corresponding information that dictates the structure of said XML data in said XML-based input stream; (e) a request for the current validation mode of said validation operation; (f) a request for the current state of said validation operation; or (g) a request for one or more annotations that are associated with said particular XML element; said XML processor generating one or more messages that include said particular information; and said XML processor responding to said one or more requests for said particular information by providing said one or more messages.