Transforming XML to JSON: A Guide to Using XSLT 3.0

Learn how to effectively transform SOAP XML data into JSON format using XSLT 3.0 with practical examples and clear explanations.
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Transforming XML to JSON Using XSLT 3.0

In the world of data transformation, efficiently converting XML to JSON can be a challenge, especially when dealing with complex nested structures found in SOAP XML responses. If you've encountered this problem, particularly when using XSLT 3.0 with Saxon-JS, you're not alone. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, illustrating how to create an XSLT stylesheet to transform your XML data into JSON.

Understanding the Problem

Imagine you have a SOAP XML response that contains multiple records of data with nested structures. Your goal is to extract specific fields like ReportId and PolicyNumber, as well as related records, into JSON format.

Here's a brief overview of the XML structure we are working with:

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

Crafting the XSLT Stylesheet

Step 1: Setting Up the Stylesheet

Start by creating an XSLT stylesheet. The XSLT version should be set to 3.0 to utilize the latest features, such as maps and arrays, which are helpful for creating JSON structures.

Here’s a simplified version of how the stylesheet can be structured:

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

Step 2: Explanation of Key Components

Namespaces: We declare relevant namespaces to avoid conflicts and ensure smooth parsing of the XML.

Output Method: By specifying method="json", XSLT produces the output directly in JSON format.

Templates: Each <xsl:template> matches specific parts of the XML structure:

The envelope matches the root and sets up the mapping for lic.

Each record matches the records tag and extracts the necessary fields.

Nested records, like Case_Responses_GCC__r, are processed to create a summary of responses.

Expected Output

When applied correctly, the transformation should result in a JSON structure resembling the following:

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

Conclusion

Transforming XML to JSON using XSLT 3.0 can be straightforward with the right approach. Remember to utilize the powerful mapping and array features of XSLT 3.0 to streamline your transformation process. With the mentioned stylesheet, you can easily adapt and modify it according to your specific SOAP XML structure.

Feel free to reach out if you have further questions or need assistance with complex data transformations!