Extracting Multiple Values from CSV to XML using Python

Learn how to extract multiple values from a single CSV cell and convert them to XML format using Python with this detailed guide.
---

Visit these links for original content and any more details, such as alternate solutions, latest updates/developments on topic, comments, revision history etc. For example, the original title of the Question was: How do I extract multiple values out of a single cell from csv to xml using python

If anything seems off to you, please feel free to write me at vlogize [AT] gmail [DOT] com.
---
Extracting Multiple Values from CSV to XML using Python: A Guide

When dealing with data transformation, such as converting CSV files to XML format, challenges can arise—especially when you need to extract multiple values from a single field. If you’ve ever found yourself trying to break down a series of delimited values in a CSV file and render them correctly in XML, you’re not alone. This guide walks you through a typical scenario and shows you how to overcome common pitfalls using Python.

Understanding the Problem

Imagine you have a CSV file where one of the fields contains several values combined into a single string, separated by a special character. For instance, you might have a record structured like this:

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

Here, the first field contains multiple district numbers separated by ~, and you want to convert this information into an XML format that allows each of these numbers to occupy its own distinct XML tag. The desired output format looks like this:

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

The Solution

Let's break down the solution into clear, easy-to-follow steps.

Step 1: Read the CSV File

You'll begin by reading the CSV file using Python's built-in csv module. Here's how to do that:

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

Step 2: Create the XML Structure

Next, you'll want to create your XML file and start with the appropriate XML declaration and opening tags:

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

Step 3: Process Each Row of Data

Now, for each row in your CSV, you will need to:

Split the first element of the row on the tilde (~).

Use an inner loop to generate multiple <distnumber> tags for each split value.

Here’s how you can modify your code to correctly handle the splitting and avoid errors:

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

Rerouting Common Errors

While the above code effectively processes your data, you might encounter a common error if you mistakenly try to concatenate lists with strings. Ensure that you join the generated list of XML tags into a single string as shown in the example.

Final Thoughts

With this guide, you should be well on your way to extracting values from CSV files and converting them neatly into XML format. Happy coding!