Question

I need to create a new XML file and write that to my server. So, I am looking for the best way to create a new XML file, write some base nodes to it, save it. Then open it again and write more data.

I have been using file_put_contents() to save the file. But, to create a new one and write some base nodes I am not sure of the best method.

Ideas?

Answer 1

DOMDocument is a great choice. It’s a module specifically designed for creating and manipulating XML documents. You can create a document from scratch, or open existing documents (or strings) and navigate and modify their structures.

$xml = new DOMDocument();
$xml_album = $xml->createElement("Album");
$xml_track = $xml->createElement("Track");
$xml_album->appendChild( $xml_track );
$xml->appendChild( $xml_album );

$xml->save("/tmp/test.xml");

To re-open and write:

$xml = new DOMDocument();
$xml->load('/tmp/test.xml');
$nodes = $xml->getElementsByTagName('Album') ;
if ($nodes->length > 0) {
   //insert some stuff using appendChild()
}

//re-save
$xml->save("/tmp/test.xml");