Basic SimpleXML usageMany examples in this reference require an XML string. Instead of repeating this string in every example, we put it into a file which we include in each example. This included file is shown in the following example section. Alternatively, you could create an XML document and read it with simplexml_load_file.
Example #1 Include file example.php with XML string
The simplicity of SimpleXML appears most clearly when one extracts a string or number from a basic XML document. Example #2 Getting
The above example will output: So, this language. It's like, a programming language. Or is it a scripting language? All is revealed in this thrilling horror spoof of a documentary. Accessing elements within an XML document that contain characters not permitted under PHP's naming convention (e.g. the hyphen) can be accomplished by encapsulating the element name within braces and the apostrophe. Example #3 Getting
The above example will output: PHP solves all my web problems
Example #4 Accessing non-unique elements in SimpleXML When multiple instances of an element exist as children of a single parent element, normal iteration techniques apply.
The above example will output: Ms. Coder played by Onlivia Actora Mr. Coder played by El ActÓr
Example #5 Using attributes So far, we have only covered the work of reading element names and their values. SimpleXML can also access element attributes. Access attributes of an element just as you would elements of an array.
The above example will output: 7 thumbs up5 stars
Example #6 Comparing Elements and Attributes with Text
To compare an element or attribute with a string or pass it into a
function that requires a string, you must cast it to a string using
The above example will output: My favorite movie.PHP: Behind the Parser
Example #7 Comparing Two Elements Two SimpleXMLElements are considered different even if they point to the same element.
The above example will output: bool(false)
Example #8 Using XPath
SimpleXML includes built-in XPath support.
To find all
' The above example will output: Ms. Coder played by Onlivia Actora Mr. Coder played by El ActÓr
Example #9 Setting values Data in SimpleXML doesn't have to be constant. The object allows for manipulation of all of its elements.
The above example will output: <?xml version="1.0" standalone="yes"?> <movies> <movie> <title>PHP: Behind the Parser</title> <characters> <character> <name>Miss Coder</name> <actor>Onlivia Actora</actor> </character> <character> <name>Mr. Coder</name> <actor>El ActÓr</actor> </character> </characters> <plot> So, this language. It's like, a programming language. Or is it a scripting language? All is revealed in this thrilling horror spoof of a documentary. </plot> <great-lines> <line>PHP solves all my web problems</line> </great-lines> <rating type="thumbs">7</rating> <rating type="stars">5</rating> </movie> </movies>
Example #10 Adding elements and attributes SimpleXML has had the ability to easily add children and attributes.
The above example will output: <?xml version="1.0" standalone="yes"?> <movies> <movie> <title>PHP: Behind the Parser</title> <characters> <character> <name>Ms. Coder</name> <actor>Onlivia Actora</actor> </character> <character> <name>Mr. Coder</name> <actor>El ActÓr</actor> </character> <character><name>Mr. Parser</name><actor>John Doe</actor></character></characters> <plot> So, this language. It's like, a programming language. Or is it a scripting language? All is revealed in this thrilling horror spoof of a documentary. </plot> <great-lines> <line>PHP solves all my web problems</line> </great-lines> <rating type="thumbs">7</rating> <rating type="stars">5</rating> <rating type="mpaa">PG</rating></movie> </movies>
Example #11 DOM Interoperability PHP has a mechanism to convert XML nodes between SimpleXML and DOM formats. This example shows how one might change a DOM element to SimpleXML.
The above example will output: blah |