How to Parse Large XML Files? Best Techniques
If you are searching for how to parse XML file, then it means you want to read, extract, and convert XML file data into an easy-to-read format. If it sounds right, then you are on the right page. This blog is going to explain the exact meaning of parsing, how to parse large XML files, alternate solutions, best practices, etc.
Parsing an XML file is more than just opening an XML file. It means unlocking structured data that is hidden in complex tags, making it readable, searchable, and usable. An XML file is not a simple file extension that can be opened and read in any application. So, parsing is necessary to analyze data.
Don’t worry, here we have explained the ways to parse XML file using a text editor, a web browser, using MS Excel, with limitations, and a smarter alternative for large and multiple XML files that are not in opening condition.
By the end of this blog, you will have a clear roadmap to parse large XML files without having errors and wasting time.
What Does “Parse XML File” Mean?
Before knowing the methods to handle large XML files, let’s understand the exact meaning of Parsing:
- Open and read XML file data in human readable format.
- Wants to extract specific tags, attributes, or values.
- Or may be user wants to convert into other formats.
- Handle nested and complex XML structure.
- Unable to open XML file due to large size.
How to Handle Large XML Files? All Methods
Here we have both manual and automatic solutions. Manual methods are best for smaller files, as you can parse XML file using Notepad++, Excel, and web browsers. For large and multiple data files, you should use our smart and best automatic tool.
Easiest Way to Parse Multiple XML Files
Upcoming manual methods are best for smaller XML files. In case you have large, multiple, nested, and invalid XML files to parse, then you should use the SysTools XML Converter. It allows users to parse XML file into 8+ different document and database formats. This XML parser tool can parse multiple XML files in bulk at the same time. Download the free trial version to parse large XML files.
Method 1: Using a Text Editor
- Open your file in “Notepad++/ VS Code”.
- Now enable “XML formatting / pretty print”.
- Next, locate tags using “search or XPath-like patterns”.
- Now, copy the required tags manually.
Method 2: Parse XML File with Excel
Microsoft Excel can import XML file data with defined schemas. Follow the mentioned steps:
- Open your Excel application.
- Choose “Data” >> “Get Data” >> “From XML” option.
- Load the file and map schema.
- Now convert nodes into rows and columns.
Method 3: With a Web Browser
- Locate XML file.
- Right-click, choose “Open With”.
- Select any “Web Browser”.
- After opening, expand nodes to explore data.
- You can copy the required elements manually to parse XML file.
Drawbacks of Manual Methods
- These methods don’t work with large XML files.
- Also, you have to repeat the same process again and again for each file, because it doesn’t support bulk processing.
- These methods will not maintain the original structure.
- High risk of missing nested elements.
- Large files will crash applications.
- Or your application may freeze and hang.
Common Challenges Users Face While Parsing XML Files
- XML file is opening, but the content is not visible.
- Nested tags create confusion while copying data.
- Large XML files won’t open and will crash.
- Can’t convert into another format.
Best Solution to Handle Large XML Files
If you have large XML files that are not opening with any application, then use the SysTools XML Splitter Tool. Large files contain a high risk of corruption, and also takes time to load. So, you can divide the file into smaller parts safely to reduce XML file size and access parts according to requirement. It divides files by records and size. Download the free demo version.
Smart XML Parser Tool to Parse XML Files
Suggested software is the only software that can parse all types of XML files, including nested, large, multiple, and invalid files. You can convert XML files to PDF, XLSX, SQL, CSV, DOC, DBF, JSON, HTML, TXT, ACCDB, and MDB. You can easily parse multiple data files at the same time.
How to Parse Large XML Files? All Steps
- Download the XML Parser tool and install it on your system.
- Add your XML files/folders using the “Add Files/Folders” options.
- Choose the “Next” icon to continue the process to parse XML file.
- Choose any saving format and the “Change” icon to select the location.
- Select the “Export” button and, after completion, choose the “OK” icon.
- Hit the “View Report” button to analyze the report.
Benefits of XML Parser Tool Over Manual Methods
- This software maintains the original structure and data without modifying the original file.
- It can parse multiple XML files in bulk without having limitations.
- This XML parser tool supports all types of files exported from any application, database, and servers.
- It can handle large XML files without crashing or freezing for any file size.
- No technical knowledge required to parse XML files without losing any attributes.
Final Words
This write-up has explained the techniques to parse XML files for both smaller and larger data files. We have used Notepad++, MS Excel, Web browser as manual methods, which come with multiple limitations. In case you have large files, then you should use the smart automatic solution to parse large XML files in bulk. It can support all types of XML files, including nested, invalid, large, and multiple without having limitation. You can contact us through live chat support anytime.