Parsing XML File in WindowsPhone in NO TIME

Introduction

Yesterday, I decided to make an application for Recipes on Windows Phone. I had an XML file and I had to parse it or extract data from it to complete my application. It was hard for me to type each recipe and then use it. So finally, I decided to parse XML file, one of the most interesting features of Blend is that it creates sample data from class, XML file as well. So I created a new project in Visual Studio and opened it in Blend. It took less than 5 minutes and I was able to see well presented recipes in my application. You can also do it, let's discover it.

Process

• Open Blend and create a new project.
• Go to Data Tab at right top.

• Go to Data tab and click on Create Sample data tab
• Click on Create Sample Data from XML.
• You will see a dialog like this:

• Browse XML file you want to parse and click OK.
• Now at right side in data tab, you will see data and collection.

• Drag the collection and drop on Windows Phone interface.

• Change Item Template according to your need.

• Your XML file is parsed.
• By following these steps, you can parse any time of XML file.
• Saves time and gives quick result.

Points of Interest

If you see, parsing XML is now possible in few minutes with styling the listbox. Blend is an amazing tool that is ignored by developers but if they think it can allow them work 10 times faster.