Which is Better XML Parsing Libraries for Node.js?
fast-xml-parser vs xml2js vs xml-js vs xml-parser
1 Year
fast-xml-parserxml2jsxml-jsxml-parser
What's XML Parsing Libraries for Node.js?

XML parsing libraries are essential tools for developers working with XML data in Node.js applications. They provide functionalities to convert XML into JavaScript objects and vice versa, enabling easier manipulation and access to data. These libraries cater to various needs, from performance optimization to ease of use, making them suitable for different types of projects. Understanding the unique features of each library helps developers choose the right tool for their specific XML processing requirements.

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fast-xml-parser22,929,7272,571174 kB592 months agoMIT
xml2js19,845,7714,8983.44 MB245a year agoMIT
xml-js1,935,5101,285-1246 years agoMIT
xml-parser86,092101-99 years agoMIT
Feature Comparison: fast-xml-parser vs xml2js vs xml-js vs xml-parser

Performance

  • fast-xml-parser: fast-xml-parser is designed for high performance, making it one of the fastest XML parsers available. It uses a streaming approach to handle large XML files efficiently, minimizing memory usage and processing time.
  • xml2js: xml2js is slower compared to other libraries due to its comprehensive feature set and flexibility. It is best suited for applications where performance is not the primary concern, but detailed parsing capabilities are required.
  • xml-js: xml-js offers decent performance for most use cases, but it may not be as fast as fast-xml-parser when dealing with very large XML documents. It balances performance with ease of use, making it suitable for smaller to medium-sized XML files.
  • xml-parser: xml-parser is lightweight and optimized for speed, but it may lack some advanced features found in other libraries. It is best for simple XML parsing tasks where performance is a concern.

Ease of Use

  • fast-xml-parser: fast-xml-parser provides a simple and intuitive API, making it easy for developers to get started quickly. Its straightforward methods allow for rapid implementation without a steep learning curve.
  • xml2js: xml2js has a more complex API due to its extensive configuration options. While it offers powerful features, it may require a bit more time to learn and understand compared to simpler libraries.
  • xml-js: xml-js is user-friendly and designed for quick conversions between XML and JSON. Its API is simple, making it accessible for developers who may not be familiar with XML parsing.
  • xml-parser: xml-parser is minimalistic and easy to use, focusing on basic parsing functionality. It is ideal for developers who need a no-frills approach to XML parsing without complex configurations.

Flexibility

  • fast-xml-parser: fast-xml-parser is flexible in handling various XML structures and allows for customization of the parsing process. It supports multiple options for parsing, enabling developers to tailor it to their specific needs.
  • xml2js: xml2js is highly flexible, offering extensive options for parsing and converting XML. It supports complex XML structures and allows for detailed customization, making it suitable for advanced use cases.
  • xml-js: xml-js is versatile, allowing for easy conversion between XML and JSON formats. It supports various XML structures, making it adaptable for different applications.
  • xml-parser: xml-parser is straightforward and focuses on basic parsing without extensive customization options. It is best for projects that require simple XML parsing without the need for complex configurations.

Error Handling

  • fast-xml-parser: fast-xml-parser includes built-in error handling features that help identify parsing issues quickly. It provides informative error messages, making debugging easier for developers.
  • xml2js: xml2js provides comprehensive error handling, allowing developers to manage parsing errors effectively. Its detailed error messages help in diagnosing issues during XML processing.
  • xml-js: xml-js has basic error handling capabilities, but it may not provide as much detail as other libraries. It is suitable for simple applications where extensive error handling is not critical.
  • xml-parser: xml-parser offers minimal error handling, focusing on straightforward parsing tasks. It may not be ideal for applications that require robust error management.

Community and Support

  • fast-xml-parser: fast-xml-parser has a growing community and is actively maintained, ensuring that developers can find support and updates as needed. Its popularity is increasing due to its performance benefits.
  • xml2js: xml2js has a large community and extensive documentation, making it a well-supported choice for developers. Its popularity ensures that developers can find help and resources easily.
  • xml-js: xml-js has a moderate community presence, with sufficient documentation and examples available. It is suitable for developers seeking a straightforward solution without extensive community support.
  • xml-parser: xml-parser is less popular than some alternatives, which may result in limited community support. However, its simplicity can be an advantage for quick projects.
How to Choose: fast-xml-parser vs xml2js vs xml-js vs xml-parser
  • fast-xml-parser: Choose fast-xml-parser if you need a lightweight and high-performance XML parser that can handle large XML files efficiently. It offers a straightforward API and is particularly useful for applications where speed is a priority.
  • xml2js: Choose xml2js if you need a comprehensive solution with extensive configuration options for parsing XML. It is well-suited for projects that require detailed control over the parsing process and support for complex XML structures.
  • xml-js: Select xml-js if you require a simple and versatile library that can convert XML to JSON and vice versa. It is easy to use and provides good support for various XML structures, making it suitable for quick conversions.
  • xml-parser: Opt for xml-parser if you need a minimalistic and straightforward parser that focuses on simplicity and ease of use. It is ideal for projects where you want to quickly parse XML without additional overhead.
README for fast-xml-parser

fast-xml-parser

[![NPM quality][quality-image]][quality-url] Coverage Status Try me NPM total downloads

Validate XML, Parse XML to JS Object, or Build XML from JS Object without C/C++ based libraries and no callback.


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Users

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The list of users are mostly published by Github or communicated directly. Feel free to contact if you find any information wrong.


Main Features

FXP logo
  • Validate XML data syntactically
  • Parse XML to JS Object
  • Build XML from JS Object
  • Compatible to node js packages, in browser, and in CLI (click try me button above for demo)
  • Faster than any other pure JS implementation.
  • It can handle big files (tested up to 100mb).
  • Controlled parsing using various options
  • XML Entities, HTML entities, and DOCTYPE entites are supported.
  • unpaired tags (Eg <br> in HTML), stop nodes (Eg <script> in HTML) are supported.
  • You can restore almost same XML from JSON
  • Supports comments
  • It can preserve Order of tags in JS object
  • You can control if a single tag should be parsed into array.
  • Supports parsing of PI (Processing Instruction) tags with XML declaration tags
  • And many more other features.

v5

I developed v5 in Apr 2023. And I didn't get the chance to complete all the features. I've ensured that new features don't impact performance. With v5, you have more control on parsing output. Check docs for syntax help and basic understanding.

Please leave a comment in discussion forum for your suggestions and if you really need v5.

How to use

To use as package dependency $ npm install fast-xml-parser or $ yarn add fast-xml-parser

To use as system command $ npm install fast-xml-parser -g

To use it on a webpage include it from a CDN

Example

As CLI command

$ fxparser some.xml

In a node js project

const { XMLParser, XMLBuilder, XMLValidator} = require("fast-xml-parser");

const parser = new XMLParser();
let jObj = parser.parse(XMLdata);

const builder = new XMLBuilder();
const xmlContent = builder.build(jObj);

In a HTML page

<script src="path/to/fxp.min.js"></script>
:
<script>
  const parser = new fxparser.XMLParser();
  parser.parse(xmlContent);
</script>

Bundle size

| Bundle Name | Size | | ------------------ | ---- | | fxbuilder.min.js | 6.5K | | fxparser.min.js | 20K | | fxp.min.js | 26K | | fxvalidator.min.js | 5.7K |

Documents

v3v4v5
documents
  1. Getting Started
  2. XML Parser
  3. XML Builder
  4. XML Validator
  5. Entities
  6. HTML Document Parsing
  7. PI Tag processing
  1. Getting Started
  2. Features
  3. Options
  4. Output Builders
  5. Value Parsers

note: version 5 is released with version 4 tfor experimental use. Based on it's demand, it'll be developed and the features can be different in final release.

Performance

negative means error

XML Parser

  • Y-axis: requests per second
  • X-axis: File size

XML Builder

* Y-axis: requests per second

Usage Trend

Usage Trend of fast-xml-parser

NPM Usage Trend of fast-xml-parser

Supporters

Contributors

This project exists thanks to all the people who contribute. [Contribute].

Backers

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License

  • MIT License

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