XML to JSON Converter: Complete Guide

XML to JSON conversion is crucial when modernizing APIs, integrating legacy systems, or working with services that output XML but your application expects JSON. This guide covers best practices for converting between these popular data formats.

What is This?

XML (eXtensible Markup Language) uses tags and attributes in a hierarchical structure. JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) uses key-value pairs with objects and arrays. Converting XML to JSON requires mapping XML elements to JSON objects and deciding how to handle attributes, text content, and namespaces.

How to Convert XML to JSON

1. Paste or upload your XML data
2. Choose conversion options (handle attributes, CDATA, namespaces)
3. Select output format (compact or pretty-printed JSON)
4. Preview the JSON output and verify structure
5. Copy JSON or download as .json file
6. Use in your JavaScript application or API

Benefits

• API Modernization: Convert legacy XML APIs to modern JSON format
• JavaScript Integration: Parse XML from SOAP services into JavaScript objects
• Simpler Parsing: JSON.parse() is easier than XML DOM parsing
• Smaller Size: JSON is typically 20-30% smaller than equivalent XML
• Web Standard: JSON is the standard for modern web APIs

Common Use Cases

SOAP to REST Migration

Modernize SOAP web services to RESTful JSON APIs. Convert XML SOAP responses to JSON for consumption by modern web and mobile applications. Many companies are migrating from SOAP to REST for better performance and developer experience.

RSS Feed Processing

Convert RSS/Atom feeds (XML format) to JSON for easier JavaScript processing. Display blog feeds, news updates, or podcast feeds in web applications by converting XML feeds to JSON objects that integrate seamlessly with React, Vue, or Angular.

Configuration Files

Migrate XML configuration files (Maven pom.xml, Spring applicationContext.xml) to JSON format for modern build tools and frameworks. Many tools now prefer JSON config (package.json, tsconfig.json) over XML.

Data Integration

Integrate systems that output XML with applications that expect JSON. Convert data from banking APIs (often XML), government services, or enterprise systems to JSON for consumption by modern microservices.

Tips & Tricks

• Attributes mapping: Decide whether XML attributes become JSON properties or special @attribute format
• Text content: Handle mixed content (text + child elements) carefully
• Namespace handling: Strip or preserve XML namespaces based on your needs
• CDATA sections: Ensure CDATA content is properly extracted
• Validate both formats: Verify XML is valid before conversion and JSON is valid after

Conclusion

XML to JSON conversion bridges the gap between legacy systems and modern web applications. As the web moves toward JSON as the standard data format, converting XML from SOAP services, RSS feeds, and configuration files becomes increasingly important. Our free converter handles attributes, namespaces, and CDATA correctly, producing clean JSON ready for your JavaScript applications or REST APIs.