JAXB marshalling/unmarshalling without any configuration?

JAXB does not require a schema, it is designed to start from Java objects. You then add annotations to customize the mapping to XML. Below are some useful examples to get started.

Your understanding is partially correct in my opinion. If you are starting from the Java ValueObject class, then there is no need for schema...you can refer to the example pointed by Blaise. But sometimes, the ValueObject class is not given to you.

Instead an xml schema definition is given. So using ANT as you say....you can generate the ValueObject class from the xml schema.

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