Convert XML

Purpose

This data extract type converts XML files to delimited files for import into data extensions or lists.

Note: Convert XML only works for simple XML Files. For example, files with subnodes on attributes require a different process. Contact ExactTarget for assistance.

Category

File Transformation

Description

When you select the Convert XML extract type, enter the following information in the fields section:

• Indicate whether the XML file to be converted contains information that will create column header information. If the XML file does contain this information, you can map the resulting delimited file for import by column heading. If the XML file does not contain header information, map the delimited file by ordinal when you import the data.
• Enter the type of file that you want the activity to create. If you select tab-delimited, the activity will separate the content in each element with a tab. If you select comma-delimited, the activity separates the content in each element with a comma.
• Enter the name of the XML file for the activity to convert. This file should be located on your FTP server so the activity can access it. The activity creates the output file in the same location on the FTP server.
• Enter the quote character (such as  ") that the system uses to determine to differentiate attributes in the XML file from the element names.
• Enter the name of the element for which the converting process should create a new row. For example, if you  have the following XML file of subscribers:

  <subscriber> 
      <first_name>Lee</first_name> 
      <last_name>Billings</last_name> 
      <email>lbillings@example.com</email>
  </subscriber> 
  <subscriber>
      <first_name>Kris</first_name> 
      <last_name>Rogers</last_name> 
      <email>kris_rogers@example.com</email>
  </subscriber>

  Enter /subscriber as the element for which to create a new row, since that element indicates when a new record starts.