Simple XML Reading Using PHP

Sample XML File Used

The following XML data will be contained in the referenced “test_file.xml”:

		Mustang

		Accord

Loading XML Data Using simplexml_load_file

This function is typically used for loading XML data either from a file, or a remote call. In this example, we will load a flat XML file:

That’s it. No need to clean anything up, PHP will take care of that for you.

Loading XML Using simplexml_load_string

		Mustang

		Accord

';
$xml = simplexml_load_string($xml);
?>

Pretty easy, huh? This function loads an XML string and returns and instance of SimpleXMLElement. You could also directly instantiate the SimpleXMLElement class a similar way, as demonstrated below.

Loading XML Using the SimpleXMLElement Class

		Mustang

		Accord

';
$xml = new SimpleXMLElement($xml);
?>

It’s your choice on using this method, or simplexml_load_string.

Loading XML Data Using simplexml_import_dom

		Mustang

		Accord

';
$dom = new DOMDocument;
$dom->loadXML($xml);
$xml = simplexml_import_dom($dom);
?>

This is handy when you are working with the advanced XML features of DOM. When you’re ready to move from those precocious features, just load the DOM object into simplexml_import_dom, and start programming the easy way!

Related posts:

1. Creating a simple class file using PHP
2. Reading file using php