The XML modules allow FME to read and write XML (Extensible Markup Language) documents.
This chapter assumes familiarity with XML.
XML Product and System Requirements
|
Format |
Product |
Operating System |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Reader/Writer |
FME Desktop License |
FME Server |
FME Cloud |
Windows 64-bit |
Linux |
Mac |
|
Reader |
Available in FME Professional Edition and higher |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Writer |
Available in FME Professional Edition and higher |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Overview
XML is a recommendation of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), and is a meta-language for defining markup languages. This means that it allows specific markup languages to be created for specific data. More information on XML can be found in the W3C website, www.w3.org.
Reader Overview
The XML Reader works by mapping XML elements into FME features. These mappings can be defined by Feature Paths or by an XML application called xfMap. By allowing the user to configure these mapping strategies, the XML Reader is not tied to any particular XML format. Because of this, the XML Reader can read many disparate XML applications, ranging from GIS data to XML messages or metadata. In most cases, Feature Paths is the preferred way to read XML because the user experience is more intuitive and easier to configure.
Reading XML using Feature Paths or xfMaps is described in more detail in xfMap
Writer Overview
The XML Writer allows FME to write XML documents.
FME features are written as rows, which are represented as XML elements in the output document belonging to a particular table, and defined through an XML DEF line (feature type).
The XML writer can be used to assemble XML documents. Very large datasets may be assembled by appending XML fragments to the root element. See Using the XML Writer In Append Mode.
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