How to create an XML file from SQL in VB.NET

There are various approaches to creating an XML file, and in the previous sections, we explored two methods: using the XmlTextWriter class and generating an XML file from a manually created Dataset. Now, let's investigate into another technique: generating an XML file from a database.

To create an XML file from a database, we need to establish a connection to the database using SQL connection. Once the connection is established, we execute the desired SQL query to retrieve the required data from the database. The retrieved data is then stored in a Dataset, which serves as a container for the data.

WriteXml() method

Once the data is successfully retrieved and stored in the Dataset, we can proceed to generate the XML file. To accomplish this, we utilize the WriteXml() method provided by the Dataset class. By calling this method and providing the desired file name as an argument, the Dataset will automatically write the contents of the data to the specified XML file.

This approach allows for seamless conversion of database data into an XML file, enabling easier data sharing and interoperability between different systems. It provides a convenient way to store and transmit structured data in a standardized format.

Full Source VB.NET
Imports System.Xml Imports System.Data.SqlClient Public Class Form1 Private Sub Button1_Click(ByVal sender As System.Object, ByVal e As System.EventArgs) Handles Button1.Click Dim connetionString As String Dim connection As SqlConnection Dim adapter As SqlDataAdapter Dim ds As New DataSet Dim sql As String connetionString = "Data Source=servername;Initial Catalog=databsename;User ID=username;Password=password" connection = New SqlConnection(connetionString) sql = "select * from Product" Try connection.Open() adapter = New SqlDataAdapter(sql, connection) adapter.Fill(ds) connection.Close() ds.WriteXml("Product.xml") MsgBox("Done") Catch ex As Exception MsgBox(ex.ToString) End Try End Sub End Class

Conclusion

By establishing a connection to the database, retrieving the required data, storing it in a Dataset, and utilizing the WriteXml() method, we can effortlessly generate an XML file from a database in VB.NET. This approach facilitates the transformation of database data into a portable and standardized format, enabling seamless data integration and exchange.