How to Avoid Adding Outer XML Elements During JAXB Marshalling with @ XmlAnyElement

Learn how to skip the addition of outer XML elements in JAXB marshalling while retaining inner elements using @ XmlAnyElement.
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JAXB Marshalling: Skipping Outer XML Elements with @ XmlAnyElement

When dealing with XML transformations, developers often rely on Java Architecture for XML Binding (JAXB) for marshalling and unmarshalling processes. One common issue arises when, during marshalling, additional unwanted outer XML elements are added to the output. In this guide, we’ll explore how to tackle the problem of skipping these outer XML elements while retaining the necessary inner elements.

The Problem: Unwanted Outer Elements

Imagine you have a JSON structure that you need to convert into XML. In your specific case, you're using JAXB to marshal the Java object that is constructed from JSON data. However, during this conversion, an outer element is automatically added, leading to unexpected results.

For instance, here is your input JSON:

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The desired output XML looks like this:

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However, your current output contains an unwanted outer tag:

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The Challenge

Your task is to eliminate the userextension tag while preserving the inner google:g123 element. This is crucial for ensuring the XML output retains its intended structure and remains valid.

The Solution: Using @ XmlAnyElement and pcertain Modifications

To achieve the desired output without the additional unwanted outer tag, the following steps and code adjustments are necessary:

Step 1: Update the Extension Class

You need to modify your Extension class, which is responsible for mapping the JSON data. The key change here is to introduce a new field for XML elements, while the existing userExtensions field will remain applicable for JSON deserialization but will not be part of the XML output.

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Step 2: Implement a Method to Populate XML Fields

Next, you need a method that maps the contents of userExtensions to xmlExtensions. This method should process entries and create the corresponding JAXBElement objects needed for the XML structure.

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Step 3: Configure JAXB Marshaller

Finally, ensure that your main method effectively constructs the JAXB context and prepares the marshaller:

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Conclusion

By following these steps and using @ XmlElement(lax = true), you can effectively manage the output during JAXB marshalling, avoiding unnecessary outer elements while keeping the required inner XML structure intact. This guide should serve as a helpful reference for developers facing similar challenges in JAXB marshalling.

If you found this post helpful or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment. Happy coding!