Python XML Pretty Print: Formatting and Beautifying XML in Python

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Python XML Pretty Print: Formatting and Beautifying XML in Python

When working with XML data in Python, it is important to ensure its readability and structure. Pretty printing XML, or formatting it with proper indentation and line breaks, is a valuable technique for achieving these goals. In this article, we will explore different methods and libraries available in Python to pretty print XML.

Why Pretty Print XML?

XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is a popular data format used for storing and exchanging structured information. XML documents can quickly become complex and difficult to read, especially when dealing with large datasets. Pretty printing XML improves code comprehension, maintainability, and makes it easier to identify and fix errors.

Methods for Pretty Printing XML in Python

There are several methods and libraries available in Python for pretty printing XML. Let's explore some of them:

Method 1: Using xml.dom.minidom

The xml.dom.minidom module provides a simple way to parse, manipulate, and pretty print XML documents. Here is an example:

import xml.dom.minidom

def pretty_print_xml(xml_string):
    dom = xml.dom.minidom.parseString(xml_string)
    pretty_xml = dom.toprettyxml(indent='    ')
    return pretty_xml

# Usage
xml_string = 'value1value2'
pretty_xml = pretty_print_xml(xml_string)
print(pretty_xml)

This method uses the parseString() function from xml.dom.minidom to parse the XML string into a DOM object. The toprettyxml() method is then used to convert the DOM object into a pretty printed XML string.

Method 2: Using xml.etree.ElementTree

The xml.etree.ElementTree module provides a simple and efficient API for parsing and creating XML data. Here is an example:

import xml.etree.ElementTree as ET


def pretty_print_xml(xml_string):
    root = ET.fromstring(xml_string)
    pretty_xml = ET.tostring(root, encoding='utf-8', method='xml')
    return pretty_xml

# Usage
xml_string = 'value1value2'
pretty_xml = pretty_print_xml(xml_string)
print(pretty_xml.decode('utf-8'))

This method uses the fromstring() function from xml.etree.ElementTree to parse the XML string into an Element object. The tostring() method is then used to convert the Element object into a pretty printed XML string.

Conclusion

Pretty printing XML in Python is an essential technique for improving code readability, maintainability, and error detection. In this article, we explored two methods for pretty printing XML using the xml.dom.minidom and xml.etree.ElementTree libraries. These methods provide simple and efficient ways to format and beautify XML in Python.