XML to JSON conversion pitfalls (attributes, arrays, namespaces)

TL;DR: Fix XML validity first, then convert XML to JSON locally (no upload).

XML is a document tree; JSON is data structures. Converting between them requires choices. This guide covers the common pitfalls so your output stays predictable.

Attributes vs elements

XML attributes don’t have a direct JSON equivalent. A practical mapping is an @attributes object. The key is consistency: keep attributes separate from child elements so consumers can rely on stable fields.

Repeated elements and arrays

In XML, repeating tags represent multiple items. In JSON, that usually becomes an array. The pitfall is “sometimes array, sometimes object” when there is only one element. Decide on a rule and stick to it if you control the format.

Text nodes and mixed content

  • Pure-text elements can map to strings.
  • If an element has both children and text, store text under a key like #text.
  • Whitespace and formatting can create confusing text nodes—trim carefully.

Namespaces: the hidden complexity

Namespaces may appear as prefixes in tag names. Some converters keep the prefix, others strip it. If you rely on specific tag names, verify whether the output includes prefixes and whether consumers expect them.

Practical checklist (fast)

If you’re stuck, use this quick checklist to narrow the problem before you try “random fixes”. Start by validating the input format (syntax first), then confirm shape expectations (array vs object, headers vs rows). Convert a small sample, inspect the output, and only then export the full result.

  • Validate: confirm the input is strict JSON/XML/CSV (no stray characters).
  • Confirm shape: arrays vs objects; headers vs row lengths; repeated tags vs arrays.
  • Test a sample: first 20–50 rows/items are enough to detect parsing issues.
  • Export: copy/download the output and re-check it in the consumer (script/spreadsheet/API).

This workflow is privacy-first by design: All processing happens locally in your browser. Files are never uploaded.

FAQ

Is there a single “correct” XML→JSON mapping? No—multiple conventions exist. Choose the one that matches your downstream needs.

Should I upload XML to convert it? Avoid uploads for sensitive feeds—convert locally.

Trust note: All processing happens locally in your browser. Files are never uploaded.

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All processing happens locally in your browser. Files are never uploaded.