compare xml through java and present it like a diff tool

Question

I need to write a logic in java that

Takes 2 versions of xmls like v1.xml & V2.xml
Outputs the differences between the 2 xmls
Displays them on a webpage just like any diff tool, like winmerge would display.
- Removed lines - Highlighted in a unique color
- Added lines - Highlighted in a unique color
- Changed lines - Highlighted in a unique color

What is the best way to achieve this.

Thanks !

Do you have to do it in Java? Could you use an existing tool instead? — Christopher Bottoms, May 12 '15 at 03:16

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered May 12 '15 at 03:12

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You can use XMLUnit to achieve most of your requirements.

answered May 12 '15 at 03:12

Eranda

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Any ideas for #3 please? – nc g May 13 '15 at 05:20

score 1 · Answer 2 · edited May 23 '17 at 12:14

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Writing an XML parser from scratch is a bad idea if that is what you mean. It sounds really easy at first, but then quickly becomes a nightmare, trust me. I highly recommend taking advantage of existing tools.

http://www.roseindia.net/opensource/xmldiff.php lists several tools, inlcuding 3DM, diffmk, diffxml, VMTools, X-Diff, and XMLUnit. If you do have to write your own parser, you might want to at least look at the code from these projects for ideas. However, it takes much less time and effort to just give them credit and use their tools than to rewrite them yourself. I haven't used any of these tools, so buyer beware.

See also Tool or library for comparing xml files

edited May 23 '17 at 12:14

Community

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answered May 12 '15 at 03:32

Christopher Bottoms

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Thank You for the reply. The part that I am concerned about is #3 above. I was able to use XML Unit to get #1 and #2 using XMLUnit. – nc g May 13 '15 at 05:20
@ncg You are welcome. Do any of the other tools help with #3? – Christopher Bottoms May 13 '15 at 11:53

compare xml through java and present it like a diff tool

2 Answers2