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Updated on 2025-03-03

Detailed explanation of XML conversion tool in Python

Explore XML conversion tool in Python: xml2dict

1. Background introduction

XML is a common format when dealing with data exchange, but its complexity and cumbersome processing are often troublesome. Imagine if there was a way to convert XML into Python dictionary, it would greatly improve our productivity. This isxml2dictThe library comes in, it can convert XML into dictionaries and vice versa, making data processing simple and intuitive.

2. What is xml2dict?

xml2dictis an open source Python library for converting XML data into Python dictionaries, and also supports converting dictionaries back to XML format. It makes processing XML data as simple as processing JSON.

3. How to install xml2dict?

Installing via the command line is very simple, with just one line of command:

pip install xml2dict

so,xml2dictThe library is installed in your Python environment.

4. Basic usage

Here are some basic library functions:

parse XML as a dictionary

from xml2dict import XML2Dict
x = XML2Dict()
xml_str = "<root><item>value</item></root>"
d = (xml_str)
print(d)  # Output: {'root': {'item': 'value'}}

This line of code parses the XML string into a Python dictionary.

Convert dictionary to XML

from xml2dict import Dict2XML
x = Dict2XML()
d = {'root': {'item': 'value'}}
xml_str = (d)
print(xml_str)  # Output XML String

This line of code converts the Python dictionary back to an XML string.

Handling XML properties

xml_str = '<root attr="value"><item>value</item></root>'
d = (xml_str)
print(d)  # Output: {'root': {'@attr': 'value', 'item': 'value'}}

@Symbols are used to represent XML attributes.

Using a custom converter

def custom_bool(v):
    return v == 'true'
d = (xml_str, custom_bool)

You can define your own functions for a specific type of conversion.

Handle namespaces

xml_str = '<root xmlns="/"><item>value</item></root>'
d = (xml_str, process_namespaces=True)
print(d)  # Output: {'root': {'item': 'value'}}

process_namespaces=TrueCan handle XML namespaces.

5. Practical application scenarios

Web Service Data Exchange

import requests
response = ('/api/')
data = XML2Dict().parse()

Get XML data from a web service and convert it to a dictionary.

Configuration file reading

with open('', 'r') as file:
    config = XML2Dict().parse(())

Read XML format configuration files.

Data report generation

data = {'root': {'item': 'value'}}
xml_str = Dict2XML().dump(data)
with open('', 'w') as file:
    (xml_str)

Write report data to an XML file.

6. Frequently Asked Questions and Solutions

Parsing error

  • question: ExpatError: not well-formed (invalid token)
  • Solution: Make sure the XML is formatted correctly, without illegal characters or erroneous formatting.

Property missing

  • question: XML attributes are not parsed correctly.
  • Solution: useprocess_namespaces=Trueparameter.

Namespace issues

  • question: The namespace is not handled correctly.
  • Solution: useprocess_namespaces=TrueAnd definenamespacesparameter.

7. Summary

xml2dictIt is a powerful tool that simplifies the processing of XML data and makes it easy and enjoyable to manipulate XML data in Python. Whether it is a conversion from XML to dictionary or a conversion from dictionary to XML,xml2dictAll can provide simple and effective solutions. Through the above introduction, you should be able to master its basic usage and flexibly use it in actual projects.

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