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Learn how to format your XML files in Python by adding line breaks after each element, ensuring readability and maintaining the original structure.
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How to Maintain XML Formatting in Python with Pretty-Print

When working with XML files in Python, one common issue developers encounter is maintaining the original formatting—especially when overwriting an existing file. The challenge arises when the output becomes a single long line without appropriate line breaks and indentation. This can hinder readability and make further processing of the XML data difficult.

In this guide, we’ll address how to effectively add line breaks after every XML element in Python, ensuring that the new XML file retains its original structure.

The Problem: Overwriting XML Files and Losing Formatting

You may have an XML file that looks like this:

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After processing it through your script, you might end up with:

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Here, the loss of formatting makes it difficult to read and comprehend the structure of the XML data. Let's dive into a solution that can help you achieve the desired formatting.

The Solution: Implementing Pretty-Printing

To preserve the structure and readability of your XML file when modifying it in Python, you can use the xml.etree.ElementTree module along with a custom pretty-printing function.

Step-by-Step Guide

Load the XML Data: Start by importing the ElementTree module from xml.etree and loading your XML data.

Modify the XML: Make the necessary changes to your XML elements.

Implement a Pretty-Print Function: This custom function will ensure each element is followed by a line break and proper indentation.

Save the Modified XML Back to Disk: Finally, write the modified data back to an XML file.

Sample Code

Here’s a complete code snippet that demonstrates these steps:

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The Result

Running this code will generate an out.xml file with the following formatted content:

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Conclusion

By implementing a pretty-printing function in your XML handling script, you can maintain the formatting and structure of your XML files, making them easy to read and work with. This solution ensures that your modifications do not compromise the integrity of the original file’s layout.

If you're facing similar formatting challenges, give this method a try, and you'll see a significant improvement in how your XML data is presented!