Data Sources
M XML Source
Loading XML Data
M XML source uses Xml.Tables for hierarchical data.
Introduction to M XML Source
XML (eXtensible Markup Language) is a popular format for representing hierarchical data structures. In the M language, commonly used in Power Query, XML data can be efficiently handled using the Xml.Tables function. This function is essential for converting XML data into a tabular format, making it easier to work with within data transformation workflows.
Understanding Xml.Tables Function
The Xml.Tables function is used to transform XML data into a table format. This is particularly useful when dealing with nested XML elements. The function takes an XML document or a text string as input and returns a table that represents the XML structure.
Working with Nested XML Elements
When working with XML data, you often encounter nested elements. The Xml.Tables function can handle these nested structures by expanding them into separate columns or even tables, depending on the complexity. This is crucial for maintaining the hierarchical nature of the data while still allowing for easy manipulation.
Handling Large XML Files
For large XML files, performance can become an issue. To efficiently handle large datasets, consider loading the data in chunks or filtering the XML data before processing it with Xml.Tables. This approach minimizes memory usage and enhances processing speed.
Common Use Cases for Xml.Tables
The Xml.Tables function is versatile and can be used in various scenarios. Common use cases include:
- Importing and transforming XML data from web services.
- Converting configuration files stored in XML format for analysis.
- Extracting data from XML-based reports for business intelligence purposes.
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