Parse XML/JSON Into Relational Data | Dataford Interview Questions

Write a Python function to parse a complex XML or JSON configuration file and extract specific attributes into a relational schema.

Implement parse_config(config_text, config_format, records_path, fields). config_format is "xml" or "json"; records_path identifies repeated record objects using / for XML and . for JSON; fields maps output column names to paths relative to each record. XML attributes use @name. Return a list of dictionaries in source order. Missing paths must produce None; repeated field values must be returned as lists. Assume valid XML or JSON and scalar field values unless a path selects multiple values.

Constraints

config_format is exactly "xml" or "json"
1 <= number of records <= 500
records_path uses slash-separated segments for XML and dot-separated segments for JSON
XML attribute paths use a final segment beginning with @
Field names are unique and field paths select text, attributes, scalar JSON values, or repeated values
Return records in source order

Function Signature

def parse_config(config_text, config_format, records_path, fields):

Your question is Parse XML/JSON Into Relational Data. Start with the requirements in the Question tab.

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Problem

Write a Python function to parse a complex XML or JSON configuration file and extract specific attributes into a relational schema.

Constraints

config_format is exactly "xml" or "json"
1 <= number of records <= 500
records_path uses slash-separated segments for XML and dot-separated segments for JSON
XML attribute paths use a final segment beginning with @
Field names are unique and field paths select text, attributes, scalar JSON values, or repeated values
Return records in source order

Function Signature

def parse_config(config_text, config_format, records_path, fields):

Your question is Parse XML/JSON Into Relational Data. Start with the requirements in the Question tab.

Run and submit as often as you like. When you're ready, talk me through your approach or go straight to the code.