Findologic offers its customers the possibility to export the data from the shop in CSV format as well as in XML format. In the following, you will find a list of distinguishing features, which is roughly divided into advantages and disadvantages of the respective format:
XML Advantages
- The file encoding is defined by an attribute, e.g.
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
- The product data can be loaded dynamically via the URL parameters start and count.
- No limit on the number of products that can be exported
- Validation of the structure of the XML document using an XML schema
- User groups can be applied not only to product visibility, but also to various XML elements such as properties, descriptions, prices, etc.
- Special characters do not have to be encoded by using the keyword CDATA, e.g.
<![CDATA[Produkte & Inhalt]]>
XML disadvantages
- To extend the XML export file, you must have a technical understanding of the predefined XML schema.
CSV Advantages
- Can be generated automatically on the shop server, e.g. using a Cronjob. The generated CSV file must then be retrievable via HTTP for the import at Findologic.
- CSV format is more compact than XML format.
- The entire export is a file and can be made available for direct download via a URL.
CSV disadvantages
- File encoding is limited to UTF-8.
- A validation of the structure cannot be performed with the CSV format.
- User groups can only be applied to the visibility of products; with different attributes (e.g. prices), an additional product must be exported.
- Attributes must be URL-encoded, which can lead to errors if used incorrectly.
- The characters "|" Pipeline and "#" hash characters cannot be used in item numbers
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