How XML Files can be Converted into JSON Files with the Help of Online Tools

XML and JSON are the most popular formats for packaging and sending data in software systems. XML stands for Extensible Markup Language and JSON stands for JavaScript Object Notation.

Both XML and JSON are written in such a way that computers and humans can understand them without having to do any translation.  Now different people have different requirements and that’s where the differences between XML and JSON start becoming apparent.

The problem arises when independent systems that utilize different methods of data storage have to interface with each other. To prevent a communication gap, a conversion between the different storage types needs to be available.

That’s why XML to JSON conversion is very important. It enables the independent parts of a large system to communicate with each other without problems.

How to Convert XML to JSON by Utilizing an Online Tool?

The conversion process is important, but how does one even go about it? If you are a programmer you have to write up code that is compatible with the system and handles converting XML to JSON and vice versa.

But that is quite cumbersome as the code needs to be different for every system. A much easier method is to simply write a script that sends the data to an XML to JSON converter, gets the conversion, and passes it on to the next system.

But conversion cannot happen willy-nilly. There are some rules that need to be observed so that there are no issues when XML to JSON conversions happen.

Rules:

• No delimiter characters should be present in the XML element and attribute
• XML comments will not be converted as they are not represented in JSON.
• The conversion is always to JSON strings.
• The XML processing instructions are also not present in JSON.

Now that the rules are known, we can start with how to utilize an online tool for XML to JSON conversion.

1. Search for a Tool

The first step is to find an online XML to JSON converter. You can do this by simply going online and typing the keyword “XML to JSON” in the search bar of your preferred search engine.

The results on the first page are pretty excellent and you can choose any XML to JSON converter from there.

But if you want some advice, then this is what you should look for in an XML to JSON converting tool.

• There should be multiple file input options such as uploading, importing, and copy-pasting.
• The tool should have some semblance of code beautification, and the text should be color coded appropriately.
• The conversion should not require more than a single button press.
• The reverse conversion of JSON to XML should also be possible.

These are some features that good XML converters have. Do not worry that if a tool has all of the above features and possibly more than it would be a paid tool, most converters are completely free to use and do not have restrictions of any kind.

2. Input Your XML to the Tool

Once you have found a suitable tool, you need to input your XML file into it. Depending on the tool there are several ways this can be done. The most straightforward method is to simply write your entire XML file again into the input field or simply copy-paste it.

Most tools also allow the user to upload an XML file directly from their PC or portable device. This is a much better and more accessible option. It also reduces the chances of mistyping and ruining the formatting.

A rare option that only a few tools seem to have, is the URL option. Users can provide a link to an online XML file and the tool will automatically retrieve it for conversion. The contents of the file are also shown in the input field, so you can make sure that the correct file was retrieved.

Once you are done inputting the file (in the manner you chose), you simply have to press a button that may say something along the lines of “Convert XML to JSON” or simply “XML to JSON”.

3. Download/Copy the JSON File

Naturally, the final step is to get your JSON file. When the confirmation button has been pressed, depending on your internet speed and XML file size, the tool may take a few moments to process the XML and convert it to JSON.

Once the JSON file has been generated then it’s time to save it. If you are using a good tool, then you will be presented with a few choices here as well.

You can simply copy the JSON, delete it, or download and save it on your device. However, some tools are also able to save your data online. Some of them save it against your account, so you might have to create one to use that feature. Others save it against the Ip address so you don’t need to create an account.

Anyhow, after you are done, you have a usable JSON file and you can put it into your system that requires it.

Conclusion

The XML to JSON conversion is an important task to make sure that different systems in enterprise software are able to communicate with each other properly. Since giant systems are developed in small sections with different teams working on each section, differences in storage and communication format can arise.

Some of them may prefer JSON due to its fast run-time speed and others may prefer XML due to its flexibility. But XML to JSON conversion and vice versa is needed whenever such systems have to share data with each other.

Online tools make this task very easy and it only requires a bit of scripting which even non-technical people can do reliably well.