How can I convert XML to JSON in Node.js while mapping test scenarios?

General Discussions
1

I’m working with Node.js and need to convert XML to JSON while ensuring that each test scenario maps correctly to its corresponding test suite, test case, and data type.

Here’s the XML structure I’m dealing with:

<?xml version=""1.0"" encoding=""UTF-8""?>
<TestScenario>
   <TestSuite name=""TS_EdgeHome"">
      <TestCaseName name=""tc_Login"">dt_EdgeCaseHome,dt_EdgeCaseRoute</TestCaseName>
      <TestCaseName name=""tc_Logout"">dt_EdgeCaseRoute</TestCaseName>
   </TestSuite>
   <TestSuite name=""TS_EdgePanel"">
      <TestCaseName name=""tc_AddContract"">dt_EdgeCaseHome,dt_EdgeCaseSpectrum</TestCaseName>
   </TestSuite>
   <TestSuite name=""TS_EdgeRoute"">
      <TestCaseName name=""tc_VerifyContract"">dt_EdgeCaseRoute</TestCaseName>
      <TestCaseName name=""tc_Payment"">dt_EdgeCaseRoute</TestCaseName>
   </TestSuite>
   <TestSuite name=""TS_EdgeSpectrum"">
      <TestCaseName name=""tc_ClientFeedback"">dt_EdgeCaseSpectrum</TestCaseName>
   </TestSuite>
</TestScenario>

I need a way to parse this XML and transform it into JSON in a structured format using Node.js. What’s the best way to achieve this?"

2

If you’re looking for a simple and reliable way to convert XML to JSON in Node.js, the xml2js package is a great choice.

It makes parsing XML straightforward, and you can easily manipulate the JSON output.

First, install the package:

npm install xml2js

Now, use the following script to convert your XML to JSON:

const fs = require('fs');
const xml2js = require('xml2js');

const parser = new xml2js.Parser({ explicitArray: false });

fs.readFile('testScenarios.xml', 'utf8', (err, data) => {
    if (err) {
        console.error('Error reading XML file:', err);
        return;
    }

    parser.parseString(data, (err, result) => {
        if (err) {
            console.error('Error parsing XML:', err);
            return;
        }

        console.log(JSON.stringify(result, null, 2)); // Pretty-print the JSON
    });
});

This method gives you a clean JSON structure where each test scenario, suite, and case is mapped properly.

Since xml2js automatically handles attributes, your name fields will be neatly included in the JSON output.

3

If you’re dealing with large XML files and need a faster solution, try fast-xml-parser, which is optimized for speed.

Install it with: npm install fast-xml-parser

Then, parse your XML like this:

const fs = require('fs');
const { XMLParser } = require('fast-xml-parser');

const parser = new XMLParser({
    ignoreAttributes: false,
    attributeNamePrefix: "", // Keeps attributes clean
});

fs.readFile('testScenarios.xml', 'utf8', (err, data) => {
    if (err) {
        console.error('Error reading XML file:', err);
        return;
    }

    const result = parser.parse(data);
    console.log(JSON.stringify(result, null, 2));
});

This method processes XML faster than xml2js and provides a more structured JSON format while preserving attribute names.

4

If you need complete control over how XML elements and attributes are mapped to JSON, xml-js is a flexible choice.

Install it first:

npm install xml-js

Then, use this approach:

const fs = require('fs');
const convert = require('xml-js');

fs.readFile('testScenarios.xml', 'utf8', (err, data) => {
    if (err) {
        console.error('Error reading XML file:', err);
        return;
    }

    const jsonResult = convert.xml2json(data, { compact: true, spaces: 2 });
    console.log(jsonResult);
});

This approach retains XML structure while converting it into JSON in a way that makes it easy to map test scenarios, test suites, and test cases.