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XML to Go Struct Converter

Convert XML documents to Go struct definitions with proper types, XML tags, and attribute handling. Automatically parses nested elements, attributes, and character data for encoding/xml package compatibility.

Category: code
Use Case: SOAP APIs, Config Parsing, Data Exchange
Privacy: 100% browser-based

Conversion Options

Pointer types for nested elements

Add omitempty to XML tags

Map attributes to struct fields

Order fields A-Z for consistency

Add package line at top

Include explanatory comments

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Recommended Settings

Go XML Encoding Best Practices

  • Use PascalCase for exported struct and field names (required for encoding/xml access)
  • XML attributes require `,attr` modifier: `xml:"id,attr"` for <element id="value">
  • Text content uses `,chardata`: `xml:",chardata"` for element text between tags
  • Add omitempty to skip zero-value fields during marshaling: `xml:"name,omitempty"`
  • Use pointer types for optional/nullable elements to distinguish nil from zero values

Common Use Cases

  • SOAP API clients: Generate structs from WSDL/SOAP response XML for type-safe API calls
  • Configuration parsing: Convert XML config files to Go structs with compile-time validation
  • Data exchange: Parse EDI, HL7, RSS feeds with proper type safety and error handling
  • Legacy integration: Bridge XML-based systems with modern Go microservices
  • Build tools: Read Maven pom.xml, MSBuild .csproj files programmatically

Pro Tips

  • Paste XML and it auto-validates - conversion triggers when valid XML detected
  • Green checkmark indicates well-formed XML ready for conversion
  • Attributes appear first in structs, then elements, then character data (if any)
  • ISO 8601 timestamps automatically converted to time.Time with import added

Most Popular

Most users enable pointers for optionals, include attributes, and add omitempty tags

When to Use This Tool

SOAP API Client Generation

Generate Go structs from SOAP/XML API responses for building type-safe API clients. Parse WSDL definitions or sample XML responses to create proper data models with XML tags for encoding/xml package. Automatically handles attributes, nested elements, and CDATA sections. Perfect for integrating with legacy enterprise systems, payment gateways, or B2B web services.

Recommended: API Integration

Configuration File Parsing

Convert XML configuration files (Maven pom.xml, Spring beans.xml, .csproj files) to Go structs for strongly-typed config management. Replace manual XML parsing with type-safe structs that provide compile-time validation, IDE autocomplete, and easier testing. Ideal for build tools, deployment systems, or applications that need to read XML config formats.

Recommended: DevOps & Tools

Data Exchange & ETL

Transform XML data exchange formats (EDI, HL7, RSS/Atom feeds) into Go structs for data processing pipelines. Generate types for XML schemas used in healthcare, finance, or logistics systems. Use encoding/xml for automatic marshaling/unmarshaling with proper attribute handling and namespace support. Essential for data integration and migration projects.

Recommended: Data Engineering

How It Works

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Paste or type your XML document into the input field

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Tool automatically validates XML using browser's DOMParser API

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Checks for well-formedness: proper tags, nesting, attributes, and syntax

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Green checkmark appears when XML validation passes successfully

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Click 'Convert to Go Struct' to start conversion

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XML is recursively parsed into nested object structure

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Attributes are detected and tagged with `xml:"name,attr"` syntax

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Character data (text content) tagged with `xml:",chardata"`

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Nested elements generate separate struct types with PascalCase names

10

Repeated elements become Go slices: []Type with proper XML tags

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Type inference maps values to string, int, float64, bool, or time.Time

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Field names converted to PascalCase for exported Go fields

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Structs formatted with alignment and proper XML tag syntax

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Copy Go code to clipboard or download as .go file ready to use

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 Go struct generation for optimal performance on modern browsers.

Open Source

Built with verified, open-source libraries. Fully transparent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are XML attributes mapped to Go struct fields?

XML attributes use the `xml:"name,attr"` tag syntax. For example, <user id="123"> becomes a field with `xml:"id,attr"`. Attributes are placed first in the struct, before element fields. The tool preserves attribute names and automatically infers types (string, int, bool) from attribute values.

What is the difference between xml and json struct tags?

XML tags use `xml:"elementName"` vs JSON's `json:"fieldName"`. XML supports additional modifiers: `,attr` for attributes, `,chardata` for text content, `,innerxml` for raw XML, and `,omitempty` for optional elements. Go's encoding/xml package uses these tags to control marshaling and unmarshaling behavior.

How are nested XML elements handled?

Nested elements generate separate struct types automatically. For example, <user><profile><bio>...</bio></profile></user> creates Profile and User structs. The tool uses PascalCase names derived from element names and establishes proper struct relationships. Pointer types are used for optional nested elements.

How do repeated XML elements become Go slices?

Multiple elements with the same name are detected and converted to Go slices ([]Type). For example, multiple <item> elements inside <items> become `Items []Item` with the tag `xml:"item"`. The encoding/xml package automatically handles array marshaling/unmarshaling.

What does the omitempty option do for XML?

Adding omitempty (`xml:"name,omitempty"`) excludes zero-value fields when marshaling Go structs to XML. Empty strings, 0, false, and nil pointers won't generate XML elements. This reduces XML size and makes output cleaner by omitting optional fields that weren't set.

How is XML text content (character data) handled?

Text content uses the `,chardata` tag modifier. For elements with both attributes and text like <price currency="USD">99.99</price>, the struct has an attribute field and a Value field with `xml:",chardata"`. This separates metadata (attributes) from actual content (text).

When should I use pointers vs values for struct fields?

Use pointers (*Type) for optional or nullable XML elements to distinguish between missing elements and zero values. Pointers allow nil to represent absent elements, while non-pointer fields always have a value (even if zero). This is crucial for optional elements in SOAP APIs or config files.

Is my XML data secure using this tool?

Yes! All XML parsing and Go struct generation happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript and the DOM Parser API. Your XML is never sent to any server, uploaded anywhere, or stored remotely. Everything runs 100% locally client-side, ensuring complete privacy for sensitive XML documents like API credentials or configuration files.