How to Convert CSV to XML in Java

When it comes to transmitting and manipulating raw data, CSV and XML are two of the most popular file formats; CSV provides a simple way to organize data, and XML displays data using a markup language. However, if you need to perform complex data manipulation or data transfer between an array of applications, XML has wider support across programs than CSV. The CSV (Commas Separated Values) format, while great at organizing and storing data, presents a few problems when it comes to readability. Understanding the data contained in a CSV file is dependent on knowledge of the headers, and even then the potential for error is high.

The Extendable Markup Language (XML) format was developed with simplicity and usability across the internet in mind; this component alone makes it the preferred format for use in web services and applications. In addition to internet compatibility, XML provides support for various human languages via Unicode, making it ideal for international business as well. XML-based document formats are used for an array of needs including office productivity tools, communication protocols, and industry data standards.

If you need to convert a CSV file to XML, it can be a complex and monotonous task to attempt manually. However, the following API will convert any CSV file to XML instantly in Java, enabling you to salvage a large amount of your productivity time.

To get things started, we will install our Maven package by adding a reference to the repository:

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<repositories>

    <repository>

        <id>jitpack.io</id>

        <url>https://jitpack.io</url>

    </repository>

</repositories>

Next, we will add a reference to the dependency:

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<dependencies>

<dependency>

    <groupId>com.github.Cloudmersive</groupId>

    <artifactId>Cloudmersive.APIClient.Java</artifactId>

    <version>v3.90</version>

</dependency>

</dependencies>

With the installation complete, we are set up to add our imports to the controller and call the document conversion function:

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// Import classes:

//import com.cloudmersive.client.invoker.ApiClient;

//import com.cloudmersive.client.invoker.ApiException;

//import com.cloudmersive.client.invoker.Configuration;

//import com.cloudmersive.client.invoker.auth.*;

//import com.cloudmersive.client.ConvertDataApi;

ApiClient defaultClient = Configuration.getDefaultApiClient();

// Configure API key authorization: Apikey

ApiKeyAuth Apikey = (ApiKeyAuth) defaultClient.getAuthentication("Apikey");

Apikey.setApiKey("YOUR API KEY");

// Uncomment the following line to set a prefix for the API key, e.g. "Token" (defaults to null)

//Apikey.setApiKeyPrefix("Token");

ConvertDataApi apiInstance = new ConvertDataApi();

File inputFile = new File("/path/to/inputfile"); // File | Input file to perform the operation on.

Boolean columnNamesFromFirstRow = true; // Boolean | Optional; If true, the first row will be used as the labels for the columns; if false, columns will be named Column0, Column1, etc.  Default is true.  Set to false if you are not using column headings, or have an irregular column structure.

try {

    byte[] result = apiInstance.convertDataCsvToXml(inputFile, columnNamesFromFirstRow);

    System.out.println(result);

} catch (ApiException e) {

    System.err.println("Exception when calling ConvertDataApi#convertDataCsvToXml");

    e.printStackTrace();

}

The following parameters should be included to enable the API to run successfully:

• Input File – the CSV file you wish to perform the operation on.
• Column Names From First Row (optional) – set to true or false. If true, the first row will be used as the labels for the columns; if false, columns will be named Column0, Column1, etc. Default is true. Set to false if you are not using column headings or have an irregular column structure.
• API Key – retrieve your free API key from the Cloudmersive website and receive 800 monthly calls across our library of APIs

And just like that, you are set up for your CSV to XML conversion and easier online data sharing.