Excel
Converting Excel to JSON With Python for Clean Output
Convert an Excel sheet to JSON in Python: records, nested groups and JSON Lines, with typed values, ISO dates, nulls and a check that nothing was lost.
6 min read
Library
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XML
Using XML Namespaces for Extensions Without the Chaos
Let partners add their own data to your XML format safely by giving each extension its own namespace, with a reader that ignores what it does not own.
6 min read
XML
Mixed Content in XML and Why It Hurts Parsing and Mapping
Text and elements side by side look natural in documents and break data models. How ElementTree and lxml expose text and tail, and what to do instead.
6 min read
XML
Embedding Binary Data in XML With Base64 and When Not To
XML cannot hold raw bytes. Base64 adds 33 percent, hex adds 100 percent, and both cost memory. Measured sizes, the schema type, and the alternatives.
6 min read
XML
Modeling Lists and Optional Data in XML Without Surprises
Wrapper elements, empty versus absent versus nil, and the one-item list trap when XML becomes JSON, all demonstrated with real parser output.
6 min read
XML
Versioning an XML Format Without Breaking Existing Readers
Version attribute or new namespace? Test results show how strict schemas reject added elements and how an extension point lets old readers keep working.
6 min read
XML
When XML Attributes Are the Better Choice Over Elements
Attributes suit short identifying values, elements suit everything with structure or long text. A test of the whitespace and ordering rules shows why.
6 min read
XML
Choosing XML Element Names and Casing That Hold Up
XML names are case sensitive and follow strict character rules. Compare camelCase, snake_case and kebab-case for elements, with the rules that decide.
5 min read
XMLGuide
Designing XML Documents That Age Well From Day One
A practical guide to XML format design: names, attributes, lists, optional data, binary, namespaces and versions, with a tested worked example.
19 min read
ExcelGuide
Converting Excel to CSV JSON XML and YAML in Practice
Convert Excel workbooks to CSV, JSON, XML and YAML without losing data: choose a format, read types, dates and headers, then verify with counts and schemas.
17 min read
XMLGuide
Comparing and Versioning XML Files in Git and in Pipelines
A tested guide to comparing XML, from canonical form and keyed record diffs to Git diffs, merges, feed shape checks and schema compatibility.
18 min read
XML
Why Excel Complains About an XML Source Having No Schema
When Excel says the XML source has no schema, it infers one. What the guess means, why it breaks on optional and repeating data, and how to supply a schema.
5 min read
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