XML to C Class Converter
Convert XML documents to C struct definitions with automatic type inference. Generate type-safe C headers for embedded systems, API integration, and data serialization. Handles nested elements, attributes, and arrays.
Conversion Options
Recommended Settings
Type Inference
- •Text content analyzed for types: true/false → bool, numbers → int/double
- •Nested XML elements generate nested C structs automatically
- •Repeated elements create pointer arrays with count fields
- •XML attributes become struct fields with 'attr_' prefix
C Standards Compatibility
- •Use bool type for C99+ (clearer code), int for C89/C90 compatibility
- •Typedef enabled creates modern 'name_t' style definitions
- •Include guards prevent multiple inclusion in large projects
- •snake_case naming follows C language conventions
Pro Tips
- •Enable attributes if your XML uses them for data (like id, name, etc.)
- •Generated structs include count fields for arrays - perfect for loops
- •Header guards use uppercase element name + _H pattern
- •Download as .h file and include in your C project immediately
Most Popular
Most users enable typedef, guards, and bool for modern C99+ projects
When to Use This Tool
Generate C structs for parsing XML configuration files in embedded systems, firmware, or low-level applications. Perfect for automotive systems, IoT devices, industrial controllers, or any C application that needs to read XML configs. Automatically creates type-safe structs with proper field types, eliminating manual parsing code and reducing bugs.
Recommended: Embedded Systems
Convert SOAP XML responses or XML-based API payloads into C structs for client applications. Essential for legacy enterprise systems, payment gateways, healthcare HL7 integration, or B2B EDI systems that communicate via XML. Generates structs that match the exact XML structure, making it easy to deserialize XML responses in C code.
Recommended: API Integration
Create C data structures for XML-based inter-process communication, message protocols, or data exchange formats. Useful for systems that use XML for data serialization, RSS/Atom feed parsers, document format handling (SVG, XML-based file formats), or any scenario where C applications need to work with XML data efficiently.
Recommended: Systems Programming
How It Works
Paste or type XML document into the input field
Tool parses XML using browser's DOMParser for validation
Analyzes XML structure: elements, attributes, nesting, text content
Infers C types from content: booleans, integers, doubles, strings
Detects repeated elements and converts them to pointer arrays
Generates nested structs for XML child elements in dependency order
Builds complete C header file with includes, guards, and typedefs
Copy generated code or download as .h file for your C project
Include header in your C code and use type-safe structs
100% Private
Files never leave your device. All processing happens locally in your browser.
Lightning Fast
Powered by Client-side JavaScript with browser's native DOMParser and intelligent type inference for optimal performance on modern browsers.
Open Source
Built with verified, open-source libraries. Fully transparent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are XML elements converted to C types?
The tool analyzes XML text content to infer C types intelligently: 'true'/'false' become bool (or int in C89), numeric strings become int or double, regular text becomes char* pointers. Nested XML elements generate nested structs, and repeated child elements create pointer arrays with count fields. XML attributes become struct fields with an 'attr_' prefix.
What's the difference between typedef and regular structs?
With typedef enabled (default), structs are defined as 'typedef struct name_t { ... } name_t;' allowing you to use 'name_t' directly without the 'struct' keyword. Without typedef, you get traditional 'struct name { ... };' and must use 'struct name' everywhere. Typedef is more convenient and is the modern C convention.
How are repeated XML elements handled?
Repeated child elements (like multiple <item> tags) are converted to pointer arrays with automatic count fields. For example, multiple <user> elements generate 'user_t* users;' and 'size_t users_count;' fields. This pattern is standard in C for dynamic arrays and makes it easy to iterate through elements with a for loop.
Should I include XML attributes as struct fields?
Enable 'Include attributes' when your XML uses attributes for meaningful data (like <user id='123' name='John'/>). Attributes become struct fields with an 'attr_' prefix to distinguish them from child elements. Disable if your XML uses attributes only for metadata that you don't need in your C code.
What C standards are supported?
The generated code works with C89/C90, C99, C11, and C17. The bool type requires C99+ or <stdbool.h>. If you're using older C89/C90, disable 'Use bool type' to use int instead (0 for false, 1 for true). The size_t type from <stddef.h> works across all C standards.
Is my XML data safe and private?
Absolutely! All XML parsing and C code generation happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript and the browser's native DOMParser. Your XML is never sent to any server, uploaded anywhere, or stored remotely. The conversion runs 100% locally, ensuring complete privacy for proprietary XML schemas, configuration files, or sensitive API responses.