How to Merge Two XML Files Using XSLT Based on Common Node Values

Discover an effective method to merge two XML files in XSLT, focusing on matching node values like SystemId and Title for efficient data handling.
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Merging Two XML Files with XSLT

In an increasingly data-driven world, manipulating XML files is a common task for developers and data analysts alike. One such task could involve merging two XML files based on specific criteria. In this guide, we will address a common challenge: how to merge two XML files that contain identical values. Specifically, we will focus on merging the content based on matching values in SystemId and Title.

The Problem

Imagine you have two XML files containing descriptive data. Each file contains similar nodes, and you want to combine their content in a meaningful way. Here’s a brief overview of the files in question:

First XML File

The first file looks like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Second XML File

The second file is structured as follows:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Desired Output

The result of the merge should look like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

The Solution

To accomplish this merge using XSLT, you need to structure your XSLT correctly to ensure it captures and merges data properly without duplicating content. Here’s his approach you can take:

Step 1: Base Template

You would start with a base template to copy the contents of the original files:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 2: Merging Content

Next, create a template for merging content under the Descriptive node. The key here is to intelligently match the nodes based on SystemId and Title values, as outlined below:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Step 3: Refining the Output

The original attempt might copy all units excessively. To correct this, adjust the xsl:copy-of statement for precision:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

This will ensure that only the units matching the condition are copied into the result document.

Conclusion

By following these structured steps, you can effectively merge two XML files based on common node values using XSLT. This approach simplifies data management and ensures your XML files are cohesive and organized. Hence, mastering these techniques can be invaluable for any data manipulation task involving XML files.