📁 AppML – Data Files: JSON, XML, and Text Format Support for Dynamic Web Apps

🧲 Introduction – Why Data File Support Matters in AppML

At the core of every AppML-powered application lies the data model—whether it’s a .json, .xml, or plain text file. AppML’s power lies in how it binds these external files directly to your HTML interface, letting you create interactive, data-driven apps without any JavaScript.

🎯 In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What types of data files AppML supports
• How to use JSON, XML, and text files with appml-data
• When to use each format and why
• Examples of rendering each data type using HTML

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📦 Supported Data File Types in AppML

📂 File Type	✅ Supported	📘 Use Case
.json	✅ Yes	Preferred for structured data in arrays or objects
.xml	✅ Yes	Legacy systems and SOAP-based data services
.txt	✅ With formatting	Simple lists or delimited values (manual parsing required)
.php/.asp	✅ Yes	Server-side dynamic data (e.g., from databases)

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🧪 Example 1: Using a JSON File as a Data Model

✅ data/products.json

[
  { "name": "Phone", "price": 499 },
  { "name": "Laptop", "price": 999 }
]

✅ HTML View

<div appml-data="data/products.json">
  <h3>{{name}}</h3>
  <p>Price: ${{price}}</p>
</div>

💡 JSON is the most common and recommended format for AppML.

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🧪 Example 2: Using XML Data

✅ data/employees.xml

<employees>
  <record>
    <name>Alice</name>
    <email>alice@example.com</email>
  </record>
  <record>
    <name>Bob</name>
    <email>bob@example.com</email>
  </record>
</employees>

✅ HTML View

<div appml-data="data/employees.xml">
  <h4>{{name}}</h4>
  <p>{{email}}</p>
</div>

💡 AppML will automatically convert XML <record> tags into usable data rows.

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🧪 Example 3: Using a Text File (Limited Support)

✅ data/notes.txt

Meeting at 10 AM
Submit report by EOD
Team lunch on Friday

⚠️ Note: AppML does not parse plain text into objects. You must convert it to JSON or use a script to load and display it properly.

🔁 Use text files only when no structured fields are needed.

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💻 Example: Using Server-Side PHP to Fetch Data

<?php
$data = [
  ["name" => "Monitor", "price" => 120],
  ["name" => "Keyboard", "price" => 50]
];
echo json_encode($data);
?>

Then, in your HTML:

<div appml-data="get-products.php">
  <h3>{{name}}</h3>
  <p>${{price}}</p>
</div>

✅ This allows you to fetch live, database-driven data with AppML.

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🤔 When to Use JSON, XML, or Text in AppML?

Format	Best Used For	Avoid When
JSON	Modern apps, API responses, tabular data	N/A
XML	Legacy systems, SOAP-based apps	You need simpler syntax
Text	Simple messages, notes	You need structured fields

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📌 Summary – Recap & Key Takeaways

Understanding how AppML works with different data file types is key to choosing the right structure for your application. JSON is your go-to format for speed, readability, and compatibility. XML is supported for older systems, and text files are suitable for basic content.

🔍 Key Takeaways:

• AppML works best with .json and .xml files
• Use appml-data to fetch and render file contents
• Convert text or database output to JSON for better rendering
• Combine with controllers for filtering and advanced behavior

⚙️ Whether you store your data locally or retrieve it dynamically, AppML’s file flexibility makes it easy to integrate.

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❓ FAQs – AppML Data Files

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❓ Which data format is best for AppML apps?
✅ JSON is the most efficient and readable option for structured data in AppML.

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❓ Can I bind data from a plain text file in AppML?
⚠️ Only basic text display is possible. You should convert text to JSON or XML for structured binding.

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❓ Does AppML support real-time data from APIs?
✅ Yes, if the API returns JSON and CORS is enabled. Use appml-data="https://api.example.com/data".

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❓ Can I use both JSON and XML in the same AppML page?
✅ Absolutely. Multiple appml-data blocks can coexist, each using different file types.

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❓ Do I need a server to use these data files?
✅ Static .json and .xml files work without a server, but for .php or database-powered data, a local or web server is needed.

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