Added attribute to specific element

tron_thomas · September 6th, 2010, 08:52 PM

I am somewhat new to XSLT, and I have a situation where depending on certain conditions I want to convert XML like:

<SomeElement>
<ChildElement/>
<ChildElement/>
<ChildElement/>
...
</SomeElement>

to:

<SomeElement value="something">
<ChildElement/>
<ChildElement/>
<ChildElement/>
...
</SomeElement>

I don't want to specify the child elements in the template that modifies the element, as these may change.

What kind of template with perform this type of transformation?

samjudson · September 7th, 2010, 02:18 AM

Sounds like you need to start with some basic tutorials. Try http://www.w3schools.com/xsl/ for some basic guidance.

Once you've given some things a go and if you still can't work out what to do then come back and show us what you've tried.

mhkay · September 7th, 2010, 03:29 AM

Use the "modified identity transform" design pattern. Use a default template rule that copies elements unchanged (the "identity template"):

Code:

<xsl:template match="*">
  <xsl:copy><xsl:copy-of select="@*"/><xsl:apply-templates/></xsl:copy>
</xsl:template>

and another that changes the elements you want to change:

Code:

<xsl:template match="SomeElement">
  <xsl:copy>
     <xsl:attribute name="newatt" select="'somevalue'"/>
     <xsl:apply-templates/>
  </xsl:copy>
</xsl:template>

tron_thomas · September 7th, 2010, 11:59 AM

Thanks mhkay,

I was able to get my transform working.