XML Parse Action

[LinerSeven]

Hi,

Could you implement an action to parse XML in Macrodroid?

I'm aware XML is an old standard,
but the "Hot Pepper" Japan API returns results in XML.

I tried ParseTask (Tasker Plugin),
but it did not work well....

Best Regards,

Liner Seven

 

[sampleuserhere]

XML is still pretty relevant though, we could use the reading capability to read HTML too since they are pretty much similar. Such action will be useful for web-scrapping!

Do you mind sharing a sample API? Maybe some people here could spin it with ParseTask.

 

[LinerSeven]

Hi, @sampleuserhere,

Thanks for your response.

Sample API

https://webservice.recruit.co.jp/hotpepper/gourmet/v1/?key=sample&large_area=Z011

Response code 2000 should be returned.
As the Japanese message content means error, but the format is XML.

Best Regards,

Liner Seven

 

[Endercraft]

I've had to get data from XML too (https://macrodroidforum.com/index.php?forums/-/index.rss) but I use text manipulation to extract it. If you need a specific piece of info that's one of the best ways right now.

 

[sampleuserhere]

Hi, @sampleuserhere,

Thanks for your response.

Sample API

https://webservice.recruit.co.jp/hotpepper/gourmet/v1/?key=sample&large_area=Z011

Response code 2000 should be returned.
As the Japanese message content means error, but the format is XML.

Best Regards,

Liner Seven

It returns 2000 when I queried code node(element) only after I enabled javascript inside Advanced Option.

What happened in your case?

 

[Quidn]

I tried ParseTask (Tasker Plugin),
but it did not work well....

Actually I too thought parse XML action would be useful and also experienced that the ParseTask doesn't work as expected.

But for now, there are some alternatives to parse XML or convert XML to JSON.

• Using HTTP Shortcuts as plugin - It has built-in parseXML() function and could return to MacroDroid as JSON string
• Using a sort of intermediate converter - I'd recommend the former one since generally that would be more easier, but I'll explain when if an alternative is needed

 

[LinerSeven]

Hi, @sampleuserhere,

Return value is Null in my environment....

If the seed value is changed from %XML to XML, it will not work.

Best Regards,

Liner Seven

 

[LinerSeven]

Hi, @Quidn,

Thanks for your suggestions.
+1 Buldak Myong

You mean using HTTP Shortcut advanced script?

If the variable is "XML",
ParseXML (XML)?

Could you provide me with a sample capture image?

Best Regards,

Liner Seven

 

[Quidn]

Could you provide me with a sample capture image?

Here you are:

---

Result:​

Additionally, if the URL has to be changed dynamically, you can set variables by MacroDroid before requesting, or it can be handled within HTTP Shortcuts for some cases. There would be several different approaches to change variables dynamically, which depend on cases.

 

[LinerSeven]

Hi(An-Nyong), @Quidn,

Thank you.
I've solved my problem.

This is great!

It was a new discovery to be able to put a plugin in between the way XML is converted to JSON using the "parseXML" function in the Java Script.

If I've a variable with the same name as Macrodroid on the HTTP Shortcut side and incorporate it into the HTTP Shortcut request URL, it is more versatile than using ParseTask.

Best Regards,

Liner Seven

 

[Quidn]

I'm so glad to hear you've solved the problem.

If I've a variable with the same name as Macrodroid on the HTTP Shortcut side and incorporate it into the HTTP Shortcut request URL, it is more versatile than using ParseTask.

Actually I didn't know that variables could be exchanged, because it was a known-issue until just a month and a half ago. That's why I didn't mentioned that feature.
I think your discovery is more valuable than my tips. Perhaps this is why it would be good to we share information, and it becomes add more value!

I didn't really use HTTP Shortcuts and all were just test purpose like this due to the limitation:


But now it seems that we can use it as a handy JavaScript interpreter for broad purposes.
I thank you as well.

using the "parseXML" function in the Java Script.

Just one thing for your information, parseXML() function is not a native function from JavaScript. It's a custom function implemented within the HTTP Shortcuts. That's why I mentioned like this:

Using HTTP Shortcuts as plugin - It has built-in parseXML() function and could return to MacroDroid as JSON string

 

[sampleuserhere]

Hi, @sampleuserhere,

Return value is Null in my environment....

If the seed value is changed from %XML to XML, it will not work.

Best Regards,

Liner Seven

"XML" will not be recognised as a valid xml or valid Tasker variable name either, that likely what caused your situation.

Well, at least that you did solve your problem with another plugin. That's good to know.