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XML

Connect to an XML file so you can choose a repeating record element, build a query, and fill the report from those records.

Goal

Create a working XML connection in Connection Manager and use it as a report Data Source.

Prerequisites

  • One .xml file
  • A repeating element that holds one record, such as /customers/customer

Steps

  1. Open Data → Connection Manager….
  2. Add a connection and choose XML.
  3. Browse to the file, or enter its path.
  4. Click Test. Test lists repeating record elements, such as /customers/customer.
  5. Choose the Record collection.
  6. Save the connection.
  7. On the Data tab, select the connection. Browse data and the collection, then open its columns.
  8. Open Query Builder, choose columns and filters, then Apply.
  9. Preview the rows, place fields on the report, then Preview.

[ Screenshot: XML connection settings ]

Notes

Note

Desktop keeps the selected file path. In the Web Designer, the uploaded file is stored with the data source.

Note

Attributes appear as column names that start with @, such as @id. Nested elements use dotted names, such as address.city.

Note

Filters are written in Query Builder. They are not XPath expressions.

Tip

Report parameters ($P{name}) can filter the query.

Result

The connection appears in Connection Manager. Query results become report fields.

See Also