Whatis
From MiliConvert
Contents |
Introduction
OpenConvert software converts messages complying with a standard into XML files and vice versa XML files into formatted messages. It is in fact divided into two sections:
- a graphic mapping tool to define the relations between two XML schemas,
- and a set of tools to convert formatted messages into XML files and vice versa (Translator).
Message converter or Translator
This module converts formatted messages into XML files by using third party software. Scripts for the usual conversions are separated from the mapping software. Users can create their own translation scripts and propose them to the community.
Inversely, an XML file can be converted into a formatted message. This transformation is separated from the mapping tool. The complete transformation chain (text to xml, xml to xml, xml to run) is run using scripts and the mapping tool batch interface.
Graphic mapping tool
This tool consists of two parts :
- a graphic workshop to define mapping diagrams
- a component executing the conversion defined by the workshop.
Via the graphic workshop, users link the two XML diagrams with a set of mathematical logic operators as well as external conversion libraries and dictionaries.
The executing component applies the operators and conversions on the input XML file, producing a converted XML file.
Example of use: database migration
Database migration often provides an opportunity to review the database diagram and modify some of the tables. In this case, the files of the source database must be modified so that they correspond to the final database. This may soon become tedious and costly if there is a large amount of data, many cases to be managed or many tables to be modified. Since the databases can generally be used to export and import data in XML format, the only operation to be carried out is convert a structure into another.
Architecture
The choice of language is based on 3 criteria:
- The conversion engine
- An embedded programming language
- A flexible GUI
The choice had to be made between JAVA and C++. JAVA was finally selected for various reasons:
- Identical XML module (xerces and xalan), more active JAVA XML community.
- Fewer development constraints for a multi-platform and embedded tool (JVM).
- SWT GUI.
- Integration as an eclipse plug-in
Licence
OpenConvert is developed under General Public Licence GPL.
