Manipulating XML Data in a BPEL Process

6 Manipulating XML Data in a BPEL Process

This chapter describes how to manipulate XML data in a BPEL process service component. This chapter provides a variety of examples. Topics include how to work with variables, sequences, and arrays; use XPath expressions; and perform tasks such as mathematical calculations. Supported specifications are also referenced.

This chapter includes the following sections:

Introduction to Manipulating XML Data in BPEL Processes
Delegating XML Data Operations to Data Provider Services
Translating Between Native Data and XML
Using Standalone SDO-based Variables
Initializing a Variable with Expression Constants or Literal XML
Copying Between Variables
Moving and Copying Variables in the Structure Window
Accessing Fields in Element and Message Type Variables
Assigning Numeric Values
Using Mathematical Calculations with XPath Standards
Assigning String Literals
Concatenating Strings
Assigning Boolean Values
Assigning a Date or Time
Manipulating Attributes
Manipulating XML Data with bpelx Extensions
Validating XML Data
Using Element Variables in Message Exchange Activities in BPEL 2.0
Mapping WSDL Message Parts in BPEL 2.0
Importing Process Definitions in BPEL 2.0
Manipulating XML Data Sequences That Resemble Arrays
Converting from a String to an XML Element
Understanding Document-Style and RPC-Style WSDL Differences
Manipulating SOAP Headers in BPEL
Declaring Extension Namespaces in BPEL 2.0

Note:

Most of the examples in this chapter assume that the WSDL file defining the associated message types is document-literal style rather than the remote procedure call (RPC) style. There is a difference in how XPath query strings are formed for RPC-style WSDL definitions. If you are working with a type defined in an RPC WSDL file, see Understanding Document-Style and RPC-Style WSDL Differences.