XML File

The XML File destination connection allows you to use Extensible Style sheet Language (XSL) to apply an XSL Transformation (XSLT) to an XML document. This is extremely powerful because it allows you to transform your XML into a very easy to read document, such as an HTML table. Additionally, the ability to use scripting languages within the XSL. pasTransfer will convert the source document into a custom XML document (which the hierarchical structure can be seen in the tree view) and then applies a user-created XSL style sheet to the XML.

•XML Tree View: On the left side of the page is an empty tree view. To prevent excessive and repetitive processing, the Display Tree View button must be pressed to populate the tree view. The tree view is not interactive, but it will aid showing the hierarchical structure of the XML which is to receive the XSLT.

•Samples: The samples drop down box will display several sample style sheets which we have created to demonstrate how to use this destination connection. Once a style sheet is selected from the drop down box, press the Load button to load the style sheet into the code editor box. Doing so will delete the existing contents of the code box.

•Enable Scripts: As stated above, XSL has the ability to accept scripting languages, and can compile them on the fly. If the style sheet includes a script, this check box must be checked for the XSLT to succeed. Some sample style sheets may contain scripts to demonstrate how they work, so verify that this option is enabled if required for the script.

•Enable Macros: This option allows the use of macros inside the code box, which will be parsed before applying the XSLT to the XML document. When macros are enabled, the background color of the code editor box will change from white to yellow, the signature color used for macro-enabled controls.

•Code Editor Box: The code editor is where you write your XSL. It contains XML highlighting to make the creating and reading easier.

•View External: Displays the current code editor box in a full screen window to make programming easier.

•Clear: Clears the contents of the code box editor.

NOTE: Enabling macros does not work when the code box editor contains the <![CDATA[ ]] tag. We advise using this tag if the style sheet contains scripts, though it is not required. It is important that if scripting and macros are desired, the appropriate escape characters are used where applicable.

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