Reusing XSLT with Different XML Inputs in Node.js Using Saxon-JS

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In the world of XML transformations, XSLT (Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations) is a powerful tool that allows developers to convert XML documents into other formats, such as HTML or other XML structures. However, when faced with transforming multiple XML documents that have similar but not identical structures, the challenge becomes evident. How can we effectively reuse an XSLT stylesheet for these variations in XML input?

Understanding the Challenge

When you want to transform an unknown number of XML documents, each with its specific structure but sharing some common fields, it can get tricky.

Example Input Formats

Consider the following XML input structures:

Format 1:

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Format 2:

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From these formats, we seek a cohesive output, such as:

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The Solution Overview

Using parameterization in your XSLT, you can make your stylesheets adaptable to different structures. Below is a structured approach:

1. Defining XSLT Parameters

In your XSLT, you can define parameters that will receive the necessary XPath expressions based on the inserted XML input. Here's a simple template that accommodates parameters:

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3. Handling Output

The declared function outputs an erroneous result if comments or static string values are not handled correctly. To rectify this, ensure that your XPath expressions are correctly defined in the parameter map.

Alternatively, another efficient approach is to define match patterns for both formats directly:

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Conclusion

Feel free to explore more on this topic or share your own experiences. Happy coding!