XML by Example

Parsers

Why do you need parsers? Imagine you are given an XML file with product

descriptions, including prices. Your job is to write an application to convert

the dollar prices to Euros.

It looks like a simple assignment: Loop through the price list and multiply

each price by the exchange rate. Half a day’s work, including tests.

Remember the prices are in an XML file. To loop through the prices means

to read and interpret the XML syntax. It doesn’t look difficult—basically

elements are in angle brackets. Let’s say the half-day assignment is now a

one-day assignment.

Do you remember entities? The XML syntax is not just about angle brack-

ets. There might ...