Mini-XML

Michael Sweet – Open Source

Effortless XML Parsing with Mini-XML

David Fischer

03/04/2025

Mini-XML is a lightweight and straightforward library that simplifies XML parsing and generation for developers, although it may lack some advanced features of larger libraries.

Overview of Mini-XML

Mini-XML is a compact, easy-to-use library designed for working with XML data in C and C++ applications. Developed by Michael Sweet, it caters especially to developers looking for a lightweight solution to handle XML documents without the need for large dependencies. The library is designed to be embedded into applications and provides a simple API for parsing, creating, and manipulating XML data.

Key Features

Lightweight Design: Mini-XML has a small footprint, making it an excellent choice for applications where resource consumption is critical.
Simple API: The library offers an intuitive and straightforward API that simplifies the process of XML processing.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: It works seamlessly across various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Flexible Data Types: Supports various data types, including strings, integers, and booleans, facilitating diverse application needs.
Error Handling: Comprehensive error detection and handling features ensure robust XML processing.
Example-Driven: Includes numerous examples in the documentation to help developers get started quickly.

Installation and Setup

Installing Mini-XML is straightforward. The library can be downloaded from its official website or repositories like GitHub. The installation process can typically be achieved by following these steps:

Download the Mini-XML source files from the official repository.
Extract the files and navigate to the extracted directory.
Compile the source code using a compatible C/C++ compiler. Instructions are provided in the README file accompanying the download.
Link your application with the compiled Mini-XML library during the build process.

Usage Example

The following code snippet illustrates how simple it is to parse an XML document using Mini-XML:


// Include Mini-XML header
#include "mxml.h"

int main() {
    mxml_node_t *tree;

    // Load XML file
    tree = mxmlLoadFile(NULL, fopen("example.xml", "r"), MXML_TEXT_CALLBACK);
    
    // Perform operations on the parsed tree
    // More code...

    // Cleanup
    mxmlDelete(tree);
    
    return 0;
}

Performance

Performance is one of Mini-XML's hallmark advantages. The library is optimized for speed and efficiency, allowing developers to handle XML without significant overhead. Great attention has been paid to minimize memory usage which is particularly advantageous when running on constrained systems or embedded environments.

Error Handling

Error handling in Mini-XML is robust. When reading or writing XML files, developers are provided detailed feedback regarding any syntax or structural issues within the XML content. This feature is essential for ensuring reliability in applications that rely heavily on XML configuration files or data interchange formats.

Documentation and Support

The documentation provided with Mini-XML is comprehensive yet concise. It includes API references, usage examples, and guides that cover various aspects of the library's functions. This makes it easier for new users to come up to speed quickly. The community surrounding Mini-XML may not be as large as some other libraries but there are still support forums and resources available online to assist developers with common queries and issues.

Use Cases

Mini-XML finds its niche in many applications where XML processing is necessary, including:

Configuration Files: Many software applications use XML for configuration management where simplicity and efficiency are paramount.
Data Serialization: It can be used for serializing complex data structures into a human-readable format which is useful for logging or debugging purposes.
Scripting Interfaces: Embedding Mini-XML into applications can enable scripting environments that use XML for data exchange.

Alternatives to Mini-XML

<pWhile Mini-XML serves its purpose effectively, there are alternative libraries worth considering depending on project requirements:

Libxml2: A more comprehensive library that handles more complex XML processing tasks but at the cost of increased resource usage.
PugiXML: Another lightweight alternative that focuses on performance but comes with a slightly different API approach.
Tinyxml2: Designed for simplicity in use while still providing powerful features for smaller projects.

Mini-XML stands out as a solid choice for developers needing a minimalistic approach to handling XML data efficiently. Its lightweight nature paired with performance-driven design makes it suitable for a variety of projects—especially those constrained by memory or processing power. For developers looking to integrate XML handling into their C or C++ applications with minimal hassle and overhead, Mini-XML offers a reliable solution.

Overview

Mini-XML is a Open Source software in the category Miscellaneous developed by Michael Sweet.

The latest version of Mini-XML is currently unknown. It was initially added to our database on 10/16/2009.

Mini-XML runs on the following operating systems: Windows.

Mini-XML has not been rated by our users yet.

Pros

Lightweight and easy to integrate into applications
Cross-platform compatibility enables use on various systems
Well-documented API facilitates ease of use
Supports both XML parsing and generation
Maintained by a reputable developer, ensuring updates and support
Efficient performance for processing XML data

Cons

Limited features compared to full-fledged XML libraries
May lack advanced XML features such as XPath or XSLT support
Smaller community compared to larger XML processing libraries, which could affect finding help or resources
No built-in support for XML schemas or validation

FAQ

What is Mini-XML?

Mini-XML is a small XML library that you can use to read and write XML data in your programs.

Who created Mini-XML?

Mini-XML was created by Michael Sweet.

Is Mini-XML open source?

Yes, Mini-XML is released under the MIT license, making it open source.

What programming languages are supported by Mini-XML?

Mini-XML is written in C, but it can be used with many programming languages that support C bindings.

Does Mini-XML support parsing and generating XML documents?

Yes, Mini-XML provides functions for parsing XML documents as well as creating new XML documents.

Can Mini-XML handle large XML files?

Mini-XML is not optimized for handling very large XML files, as it focuses on simplicity and ease of use.

Is Mini-XML actively maintained and updated?

Yes, Michael Sweet continues to maintain and update Mini-XML to ensure its compatibility with modern systems.

Are there any dependencies required to use Mini-XML?

No, Mini-XML is designed to be a standalone library with no external dependencies.

Can Mini-XML be used in commercial projects?

Yes, you can use Mini-XML in commercial projects as long as you comply with the terms of the MIT license.

Where can I find documentation for using Mini-XML?

Documentation for Mini-XML, including examples and API reference, can be found on the official project website.

David Fischer

I am a technology writer for UpdateStar, covering software, security, and privacy as well as research and innovation in information security. I worked as an editor for German computer magazines for more than a decade before joining the UpdateStar team. With over a decade of editorial experience in the tech industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to my current role at UpdateStar. At UpdateStar, I focus on the critical areas of software, security, and privacy, ensuring our readers stay informed about the latest developments and best practices.

Latest Reviews by David Fischer

Stay up-to-date
with UpdateStar freeware.

Latest News

	Grim Quest - Old School RPG Nostalgic Adventure Awaits in Grim Quest - Old School RPG
	HiOS Launcher 2024 - Fast HiOS Launcher 2024: A Speedy Interface with Style
	My Health Planner Organize Your Wellness Journey with My Health Planner
	The Globe and Mail Stay Informed with The Globe and Mail: Your Daily News Companion
	Collage Lite Create Stunning Collages Effortlessly with Collage Lite
	Spider-Man: Ciudad Bajo Ataque Swing into Action with Spider-Man: Ciudad Bajo Ataque

Most Popular Downloads

	UpdateStar Premium Edition Keeping Your Software Updated Has Never Been Easier with UpdateStar Premium Edition!
	Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Package Boost your system performance with Microsoft Visual C++ 2015 Redistributable Package!
	Microsoft Edge A New Standard in Web Browsing
	Google Chrome Fast and Versatile Web Browser
	Microsoft Visual C++ 2010 Redistributable Essential Component for Running Visual C++ Applications
	Microsoft Update Health Tools Microsoft Update Health Tools: Ensure Your System is Always Up-to-Date!