Free (or cheap) simple database app to generate XML files.

[Carol Haynes]

I need an app that can set up a simple card index type database (including text fields and urls at the minimum) and then output the database as a simple XML file.

All of the cards will have the same format so the XML file will be very simple.

It needs to be very simple to use.

Anyone any ideas?

TIA

[e712]

Hi,

Would a spreadsheet exported as XML work? 

Ed

[Carol Haynes]

Thanks for the suggestion - I will give it a try.

What I am trying to do is to find a simple method to produce an XML database in a simple way for an AJAX based website.

[tinjaw]

Carol,

I haven't any experience with it, but spotted Advanced CSV Converter on the Iconico preview email today. It might be what you are looking for.

A Hassle-Free Way to Convert Your CSV Files
If you’ve ever had to input information into a database, then you’re probably familiar with CSV files. Databases use CSV files because they’re an efficient way to store large amounts of data using relatively little space; however, you occasionally might find yourself wanting to convert these files into more convenient formats.

With Advanced CSV Converter, converting CSV files has never been faster or easier. It can handle a host of formats, including DBF (Dbase III, Dbase IV, Visual Foxpro), TXT, HTML, PRG (Clipper, Foxpro), XML , XLS (Excel), SQL, and RTF.

Although some converters can be tricky to use, Advanced CSV Converter uses an intuitive system that makes conversion a breeze. It simply plucks all the data out of the CSV in question and turns it into a nice list of data fields, ready to be saved to a multitude of formats. Best of all, the program operates via a step-by-step wizard, letting you monitor every step of the conversion process.

[f0dder]

Perhaps an SQLite frontend with XML output capabilities? Surely somebody must have written a free tool for this, and it would definitely be simple (no complex setup etc).

[Carol Haynes]

Thanks - the main requirement is that it has to be completely idiot proof to use.

I suppose ideally what I would like is a very simple card database type program that can also hand a field with JPEG images. It should then be really simple to input a new card, edit an existing card, delete a card and oput put the whole database as a simple XML file (and preferably upload it via FTP to a web address).

Something like this could be really useful too for generating RSS feeds manually etc.

[tinjaw]

Something like this could be really useful too for generating RSS feeds manually etc.

-Carol Haynes (September 15, 2008, 10:19 AM)

FYI, ListGarden is an easy way to create RSS feeds manually.

[Carol Haynes]

Thanks - ListGarden looks really useful.

[justice]

Google base?
http://www.google.com/base

[Carol Haynes]

Sorry can't really see how GoogleBase help? I can input data but how do I export my data to an XML database file (and also keep it private)?

[tinjaw]

FYI: I downloaded and played with the trial version of Advanced CSV Converter I mentioned earlier in the thread and it looks good. It is easy to use and does what it advertises.

[Carol Haynes]

Thanks tinjaw - sorry I didn't comment earlier. The problem is the person I want to use the program. If it was just for me it would be fine but I really need a simple one step solution and Adv. CSV converter just moves the problem on one stage. I would then have to find an easy way for him to generate the correct CSV files, then show him how to convert them, and then how to upload them.

Maybe I'll have a go at writing something myself - it has been a long time since I wrote applications so it will be a steep learning curve but probably worth it in the long term!