XSL for loop node pattern

Question

I have the following XML node:

<parent>
   <child1name>value</child1name>
   <child2name>value</child2name>
   <child3name>value</child3name>
   <child4name>value</child4name>
   <others />
</parent>

I want to loop through each node with name formatted as text[digit]text. So I did:

<xsl:for-each select="parent/child*name">
   Value <xsl:value-of select="position()" />: <xsl:value-of select="." />
</xsl:for-each>

But it didn't work.

What would be the correct pattern? "child\d{1}name" maybe?

Mathias Müller · Accepted Answer · 2013-12-12 09:30:19Z

1

A correct pattern would be

<xsl:for-each select="parent/*[starts-with(./name(),'child')]">

Else, if you need a tougher restriction:

<xsl:for-each select="parent/*[starts-with(./name(),'child') and ends-with(./name(),'name')]">

Besides, it is not good practice to incorporate text in a stylesheet like this. Rather, you would enclose any text in xsl:text elements.

An entire stylesheet that works with the input snippet you have shown:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>

<xsl:stylesheet version="2.0" xmlns:xsl="http://www.w3.org/1999/XSL/Transform">

<xsl:output method="text"/>

<xsl:template match="/">
  <xsl:for-each select="parent/*[starts-with(./name(),'child') and ends-with(./name(),'name')]">
  <xsl:text>Value </xsl:text>
  <xsl:value-of select="position()" />
  <xsl:text>: </xsl:text>
  <xsl:value-of select="." />
  <xsl:text>&#10;</xsl:text>
  </xsl:for-each>
</xsl:template>

</xsl:stylesheet>

This gives the following output:

Value 1: value
Value 2: value
Value 3: value
Value 4: value

edited Dec 12, 2013 at 9:30

answered Dec 12, 2013 at 9:23

Mathias Müller

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6 Comments

Wolfchamane Over a year ago

When deploying it tells me: ERROR: 'Sintax error 'root/parent/*[starts-with(./name(),'node')]'.'

Mathias Müller Over a year ago

It works with XSLT 2.0 and Saxon 9.1. What do you work with? Also, I did not write starts-with(./name(),'node').

Wolfchamane Over a year ago

I know, I know I'm working with 1.0 It deploys correctly with "[starts-with(name(), 'child')]", but no node was retrieved, I've tested it with count()

Mathias Müller Over a year ago

This solution does exactly what you have asked. Of course, if you change the requirements (i.e. include more code or change the structure of input XML) - then it is not guaranteed to work anymore.

Wolfchamane Over a year ago

Yep, let's suppose that what I'm looking for is a solution, not the solution. Let's also suppose that because of confidential issues I'm not available to post a full example. Then, suppose where I've said "parent" I was meaning "path with some nodes", and of course, let's suppose that I'm not working with your code requirements (version) and you give crossover version solution. Thanks.

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goojr · Accepted Answer · 2013-12-12 09:37:03Z

0

I would change the XML structure. For me it is easier to run through the child-elements without pattern like:

<parent>
  <childs>
    <child>
      <id>1</id>
      <name>value</name>
    </child>
    <child>
      <id>2</id>
  <name>value</name>
    </child>
    <child>
      <id>3</id>
  <name>value</name>
    </child>
    <child>
      <id>4</id>
  <name>value</name>
    </child>
   </childs>
   <others />
 </parent>

I think the structure is more clearly and just a differnt approach.

regards

answered Dec 12, 2013 at 9:37

goojr

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1 Comment

Wolfchamane Over a year ago

Thanks, but I cannot change XML structure.

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