XML to TSV is the process of converting XML (Extensible Markup Language) data into TSV (Tab-Separated Values) format. TSV files, like CSV, store tabular data — but instead of commas, they use tabs to separate fields. TSV is often used when data may contain commas and requires a clearer delimiter.
Why Convert XML to TSV?
Simplicity: TSV is a lightweight format, easy to read and parse.
Clarity: Tabs reduce ambiguity when data fields contain commas.
Compatibility: TSV is supported by spreadsheet software, databases, and text editors.
Structure: TSV fits well for flat, structured, row-column data.
Data Portability: Easier to move between systems and languages without format issues.
Considerations When Converting XML to TSV
Nested Data: TSV is flat, while XML can be hierarchical — flattening the structure may require combining nested elements.
Special Characters: Ensure tab characters (\t) in XML content are properly handled or escaped.
Attributes: If XML attributes need to be converted, extract them separately into columns.
Data Types: TSV treats everything as text by default — convert numbers or dates if needed.
Encoding: Use UTF-8 to avoid character corruption, especially with special symbols.
Conclusion:
For Python, both xml.etree.ElementTree and pandas offer simple and effective solutions.
For quick tasks, Excel's built-in XML support and online tools work well.
PowerShell provides a code-free method for Windows users.
Handle nesting carefully when converting XML into a flat, tabular format like TSV.