Simplifying Complex XML with XSLT 2.0

Описание: Discover how to transform complex XML files into simplified ones using `XSLT 2.0`. Learn the necessary code and steps for effective XML manipulation today!
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This video is based on the question https://stackoverflow.com/q/69505957/ asked by the user 'shashi sharma' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/17088081/ ) and on the answer https://stackoverflow.com/a/69506503/ provided by the user 'michael.hor257k' ( https://stackoverflow.com/u/3016153/ ) at 'Stack Overflow' website. Thanks to these great users and Stackexchange community for their contributions.

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Simplifying Complex XML with XSLT 2.0: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you've ever struggled with complex XML files, you're not alone. Many users find themselves bogged down by the intricacies of data representations when converting them into a simplified format for easier handling. This guide delves into a common challenge: transforming an unwieldy XML document generated by ABBYY FineReader into a streamlined version using XSLT 2.0.

The Problem at Hand

You might have encountered a situation similar to the following: you've received a complex XML file from a tool like ABBYY FineReader, filled with too much detail and structure that obscures the information you need. For instance, a typical document from this source might look like the provided complex XML structure with multiple nested elements.

Example of the Complex XML

Here’s a glimpse of that complex structure:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

What you likely desire is a far simpler XML structure that retains only the essential information.

The Desired Output

Your target is a much more straightforward XML file, which looks like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This transformation can be accomplished through an XSLT (eXtensible Stylesheet Language Transformations) stylesheet.

Solution: The Transformative Power of XSLT 2.0

Here's a concise guide on how to craft your XSLT to achieve this transformation.

Step 1: Basic Structure of XSLT

Begin with the basic template of an XSLT stylesheet, incorporating the necessary namespaces:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 2: Transforming Your XML

Here are two simplified approaches to transform your XML effectively.

Approach 1: Using xsl:for-each

This method uses multiple for-each expressions to loop through the relevant parts of your XML:

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Approach 2: The General Template Method

Alternatively, if the structure allows, you could generalize your transformations like so:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Each of these approaches leads to a simplified output that meets your needs.

Conclusion

Transforming complex XML structures into simplified versions using XSLT 2.0 can significantly streamline your workflow. By applying the correct templates and structures, you can manage and utilize your XML data much more efficiently. Don’t hesitate to use these sample XSLT templates as a starting point for your XML transformations!