Hi
Im very new to XML but a friend suggested it might be what I need.
I would like to process files received either in csv or xls format from clients. Unfortunately, despite numerous high level meetings, they change the format of the files on a regular basis. Each time this happens, I have to re-programme my import routines. Ive decided that a more intelligent, semi-automated system is better.
I would like to create a vb program that will compare the data in a csv or excel sheet to a format file of some description. The format file will describe things such as column type, number of columns, position of columns, expected data type, required and non-required fields etc. When the user selects a file, it will attempt to match it to a pre-defined format and will then import the key fields (we arent interested in every column) or allow the user to create a new format file, if no suitable match is found.
Is it possible to create such files in xml ?
P.S Sometimes, the client merges two sets of data into a single csv, meaning each line will have to be parsed - I think - to check if it is a header or detail line. Maybe the data could be split into sub-sets or something for the xml format file to work on each sub-set ? I have lots of questions, but, would be gratefull for a shove in the right direction - I know it wont be easy, but it will hopefully save me a lot of work in the long run.
BTW, my other solution was to store each 'file format' in a ini-style text file, but, that seems very old hat! Missy Ed - Bolton, UK
Im very new to XML but a friend suggested it might be what I need.
I would like to process files received either in csv or xls format from clients. Unfortunately, despite numerous high level meetings, they change the format of the files on a regular basis. Each time this happens, I have to re-programme my import routines. Ive decided that a more intelligent, semi-automated system is better.
I would like to create a vb program that will compare the data in a csv or excel sheet to a format file of some description. The format file will describe things such as column type, number of columns, position of columns, expected data type, required and non-required fields etc. When the user selects a file, it will attempt to match it to a pre-defined format and will then import the key fields (we arent interested in every column) or allow the user to create a new format file, if no suitable match is found.
Is it possible to create such files in xml ?
P.S Sometimes, the client merges two sets of data into a single csv, meaning each line will have to be parsed - I think - to check if it is a header or detail line. Maybe the data could be split into sub-sets or something for the xml format file to work on each sub-set ? I have lots of questions, but, would be gratefull for a shove in the right direction - I know it wont be easy, but it will hopefully save me a lot of work in the long run.
BTW, my other solution was to store each 'file format' in a ini-style text file, but, that seems very old hat! Missy Ed - Bolton, UK
