Скачать или смотреть How to Remove XML Elements from xDocument Based on Attribute Values

Learn how to effectively remove repeating segments from XML documents using XSLT, focusing on identifying elements through attributes in C-.
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How to Remove XML Elements from xDocument Based on Attribute Values

Working with XML can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you need to manipulate its structure based on specific criteria. One common challenge developers might face is removing elements from an XML document based on the values of their attributes. This task becomes even more intricate when dealing with repeating segments. If you're experiencing difficulty removing elements from an XML document where certain attributes meet specific conditions, this guide provides a straightforward solution.

The Challenge

In this particular scenario, the goal is to remove any <Patient> elements nested within <contained> tags of a <Patient> resource when any of their <identifier> child elements contain a system value linked to a specific criteria, in this case, remove-this-Patient.

Starting XML Structure

Here’s a simplified version of the XML you may be working with:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Desired Outcome

The goal is to remove any <contained><Patient> element where its <identifier><system> value contains remove-this-Patient, resulting in cleaner XML output.

The Solution: XSLT Transformation

One effective way to handle this is through XSLT (Extensible Stylesheet Language Transformations), which allows you to define the rules for transforming the XML structure as needed.

XSLT Overview

The approach we'll take is based on an Identity Transform pattern. This pattern ensures that all nodes are copied as they are except for the ones we specify for removal.

The XSLT Code

Here’s the XSLT code to achieve the desired transformation:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Explanation of the XSLT Code

Identity Template: The first template matches any node or attribute and copies it as it is.

Removal Template: The second template specifically matches the <Patient> nodes within <contained> if their <identifier><system> contains remove-this-Patient and effectively omits them in the output.

Example XML Output

By applying the XSLT transformation to the input XML, you would receive an output XML without the unwanted <Patient> elements. The cleaned XML would look like this:

[[See Video to Reveal this Text or Code Snippet]]

Conclusion

Manipulating XML documents can be seamlessly handled using XSLT to remove specific elements based on criteria defined in their attributes. The solution provided is effective for your challenge involving XDocument in C- and helps you achieve the desired XML structure efficiently. If you find yourself stuck in similar situations, leveraging XSLT can save you time and effort while ensuring your data remains clean and organized.