Converting XML to CSV Using Dell Boomi

XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is commonly used for structuring and transmitting data, while CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is preferred for its simplicity in storing tabular data. The need to convert data between these formats often arises in data integration scenarios. Dell Boomi, a leading integration platform, provides a streamlined way to handle XML to CSV conversions.

Key Steps

Here’s the general process within Dell Boomi:

1. Retrieve the XML Data: Start by obtaining your XML data. This could be done using:

• • File Connectors: Read XML data from a local file system or network share.
  • HTTP Client Connector: Fetch XML data from a web server.

1. Create XML and CSV Profiles: Profiles are crucial in defining the structure of your data.

• • XML Profile: Create an XML profile that mirrors the hierarchy of your XML data. You can import a sample XML file to have Boomi auto-generate the profile.
  • CSV (Flat File) Profile: Define the structure of your target CSV. Include headers and specify a comma (,) as the delimiter.

1. Utilize the Map Shape: The conversion magic happens in the Map shape.

• • Connect the source XML Profile to the Map shape’s input.
  • Connect the target CSV Profile to the Map shape’s output.
  • Drag and drop elements from the XML Profile onto the corresponding fields within the CSV Profile.

1. Configure the Output: Use a suitable connector to determine how to deliver the CSV file.

• • Disk Connector: Save the CSV to a local or shared directory.
  • FTP Connector: Transfer the CSV to an FTP server.
  • Email Connector: Optionally send the CSV as an attachment.

Example Scenario

Let’s imagine you have an XML file containing customer data:

XML

<?xml version=”1.0″ encoding=”UTF-8″?>

<customers>

    <customer>

        <name>John Doe</name>

        <email>john.doe@example.com</email>

        <address>123 Main St</address>

    </customer>

    <customer>

        </customer>

</customers>

You want to convert this into a CSV like this:

Code snippet

name, email,address

John Doe,john.doe@example.com,123 Main St

…

In Boomi, you would map the name, email, and address elements to corresponding columns in your CSV profile.

Boomi’s Advantages

• Visual interface: Boomi’s drag-and-drop interface makes the mapping process intuitive.
• Flexibility: Handle complex XML structures and customize the output format.
• Scalability: Boomi can process large volumes of data.
• Connectivity: Boomi’s vast library of connectors provides numerous ways to source and deliver your data.

Important Notes

• Hierarchical XML: You should use looping functions within the Map shape for XML with complex nesting.
• Error Handling: Implement robust error handling to address issues gracefully during the process.