# XML/JSON Serializer

*XML/JSON Serializer* reads hierarchical data and converts it into a text stream. It is basically the conversion of data in structured format to a single stream in a text-like format.

### Sample Use-Case

In this case, we are using an [*XML/JSON File Source*](/dataflows/sources/xml-json-file-source.md)*.*

![](/files/tTgEd2YXh0AWU7tQG1Qt)

The *XML/JSON File Source* contains the hierarchical data of customers, their orders, and the order details.

Right-click on the *XML/JSON File Source* object’s header and select the *Preview Output* to visualize the hierarchical data.

![](/files/LyWD0kOakDvJVjNVbieI)

View the source data from the *Data Preview* window.

![](/files/1t2Hpj5oZY6tDasyKWQf)

Now, to convert this hierarchical data into a single text stream, we will use the *XML/JSON Serializer* object.

### Steps to Use the XML/JSON Serializer

1. Select the *XML/JSON Serializer* object from the Toolbox window and drag-and-drop it onto the dataflow designer.

![](/files/k5huHMYylVM197tLbvYv)

2. Right-click on the *XML/JSON Serializer* object’s header and select *Properties* from the context menu.

![](/files/CBTg7BoIOOjwsE7kezo1)

A configuration window will open, as shown below.

![](/files/0DZvUB2eYQxTJGhCurDW)

3. Provide the *File Path* for the [*XML Schema*](/dataflows/sources/xml-json-file-source.md) i.e., the structure or layout of the XML File.

![](/files/ku0ZbVDmbZpHzqNK7Qbv)

* Check the *JSON Format* option if your file is a JSON.

![](/files/QPu2oEkZmyo2AWxXhOs1)

Click *Next.* This is the *Config Parameters* window, which allows us to configure and define certain parameter for the *XML Serializer Source* file.

Use of Parameters eliminates the process of inserting hardcoded values and provides simplification in the deployment of flows. If the parameters are left empty, the default values defined at the *Properties* window are assigned for use.

![](/files/YP1HqZ6WW5PfDQkXqH0Q)

Now, click *OK*, to proceed further.

4. Map the fields of the *XML/JSON File Source* object onto the *XML/JSON Serializer* object’s fields.

![](/files/QdxDYREdpht1yT5FNtns)

5. Right-click on the object’s header and select *Preview Output*.

![](/files/kpJKAKLh1gMTRqziqdKe)

You can view the data through *Data Preview* window.

![](/files/R08DW2hEr6Ug22hRiysq)

Hover over the *Text* field and you will see the *Serialized* output i.e., stream of text for each hierarchical record of the XML/JSON file.

To store the *Serialized Output,* we must write it to a destination file.

6. Right-click on the *XmlJsonSerializer,* select *Write To,* and select your desired destination object. A destination object is created on the dataflow designer with the *Text* field auto mapped.

![](/files/gOOz62GfkT7n2wGSdl9n)

Here, we have used an [*Excel Workbook Destination*](/dataflows/destinations/excel-workbook-destination.md) object.

7. Right-click on the destination object’s header and provide the *File Path* for the destination file. Select the relevant options and click *OK.*

![](/files/kNOzl5n5qWJCBPRvmJ4c)

By running this dataflow, you can now create an Excel file containing the serialized XML output.

![](/files/jKUH2ZKeTWZj0busLnP4)

This is how an *XML Serializer* Object can be used to format hierarchical data into a single stream of text in Astera.


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