Re: XML Parser

On 7-Jan-09, at 11:38 AM, midrange-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

I wanted some feedback on what you may have used for a XML parser on the
System I and some of your issues.

1) The built-in parser support in V5R4 of RPG IV.

2) Scott Klement's port of the Expat parser (www.scottklement.com)

3) IBM's XML Toolkit.

4) I have also looked at but not coded for the RPG XML Suite (www.rpg-xml.com ) among others.

Should I get the XML Toolkit for the System I or use some 3rd party
vendor or freeware?

The easiest is the RPG native support - XML-INTO - but it has some limitations so you need to try it with the types of document you plan to parse. The built-in XML-SAX can also be used but apart from cost has no advanteges over other options.

Expat is good and fast but doesn't do as much of the work for you.

The biggest problem with the IBM toolkit is the abysmal documentation and horrible sample programs. Think C code converted literally to RPG and you'll get an idea of the pointer hell they demonstrate - which is a pity since it is a pretty decent product with pretty good performance.

RPG XML suite was designed by someone who had tried other options and wanted a more RPG-like solution for cases where V5R4 support was not an option.


Jon Paris

www.Partner400.com
www.SystemiDeveloper.com