VBScript MSXML2.IXMLDOMNode Object

last modified April 9, 2025

The MSXML2.IXMLDOMNode object in VBScript represents a single node in an XML document tree. It is part of the Microsoft XML Core Services (MSXML) library. This object provides methods and properties to manipulate XML nodes. It serves as the base interface for all other XML DOM node types.

IXMLDOMNode enables reading, modifying, adding, and deleting XML nodes. It supports navigation through the XML document structure. This tutorial covers IXMLDOMNode with practical examples to demonstrate its usage.

IXMLDOMNode Object Overview

The IXMLDOMNode interface is the fundamental building block of XML DOM. It provides core functionality shared by all node types. Properties include nodeName, nodeValue, and childNodes.

Key methods include appendChild, removeChild, and selectNodes. The object supports XPath expressions for node selection. Understanding this interface is essential for XML processing in VBScript.

Accessing Node Properties

This example demonstrates accessing basic properties of an XML node. It shows how to retrieve the node name, value, and type. The script loads a simple XML string and examines its root node.

node_properties.vbs

Set xmlDoc = CreateObject("MSXML2.DOMDocument")
xmlDoc.async = False
xmlDoc.loadXML "<book><title>VBScript Guide</title></book>"

Set root = xmlDoc.documentElement
WScript.Echo "Node name: " & root.nodeName
WScript.Echo "Node type: " & root.nodeType
WScript.Echo "XML content: " & root.xml

Set xmlDoc = Nothing

The script creates an XML document with a book element. It accesses the root node's properties using nodeName and nodeType. The xml property returns the node's complete XML content.

Navigating Child Nodes

This example shows how to traverse child nodes of an XML element. It demonstrates accessing the first child node and iterating through all children. The script examines each node's properties.

child_nodes.vbs

Set xmlDoc = CreateObject("MSXML2.DOMDocument")
xmlDoc.async = False
xmlDoc.loadXML "<library><book>Title1</book><book>Title2</book></library>"

Set library = xmlDoc.documentElement
Set firstChild = library.firstChild
WScript.Echo "First child name: " & firstChild.nodeName

For Each child In library.childNodes
    WScript.Echo "Child node value: " & child.text
Next

Set xmlDoc = Nothing

The script loads an XML document with multiple book elements. It accesses the first child node using firstChild. Then it iterates through all children using the childNodes collection.

Modifying Node Content

This example demonstrates modifying XML node content. It shows how to change a node's text value and attributes. The script updates the XML document and outputs the modified content.

modify_node.vbs

Set xmlDoc = CreateObject("MSXML2.DOMDocument")
xmlDoc.async = False
xmlDoc.loadXML "<person><name>John</name><age>30</age></person>"

Set nameNode = xmlDoc.selectSingleNode("//name")
nameNode.text = "Michael"

Set ageNode = xmlDoc.selectSingleNode("//age")
ageNode.text = "35"

WScript.Echo "Modified XML: " & vbCrLf & xmlDoc.xml

Set xmlDoc = Nothing

The script loads an XML document with person data. It uses selectSingleNode to locate specific nodes. The text content of both name and age nodes is updated. Finally, the modified XML is displayed.

Adding and Removing Nodes

This example shows how to add new nodes and remove existing ones. It demonstrates creating elements and appending them to the document. The script also shows node removal.

add_remove_nodes.vbs

Set xmlDoc = CreateObject("MSXML2.DOMDocument")
xmlDoc.async = False
xmlDoc.loadXML "<employees><employee>Alice</employee></employees>"

Set root = xmlDoc.documentElement

' Add new employee
Set newEmp = xmlDoc.createElement("employee")
newEmp.text = "Bob"
root.appendChild newEmp

' Remove first employee
Set firstEmp = root.firstChild
root.removeChild firstEmp

WScript.Echo "Updated XML: " & vbCrLf & xmlDoc.xml

Set xmlDoc = Nothing

The script starts with an XML document containing one employee. It creates a new employee node using createElement and appends it. Then it removes the original employee node. The final XML shows the modifications.

Using XPath to Select Nodes

This example demonstrates using XPath expressions to select nodes. It shows how to retrieve specific nodes based on criteria. The script uses both selectNodes and selectSingleNode methods.

xpath_selection.vbs

Set xmlDoc = CreateObject("MSXML2.DOMDocument")
xmlDoc.async = False
xmlDoc.loadXML "<products><product id='1'>Laptop</product><product id='2'>Phone</product></products>"

' Select single node
Set product1 = xmlDoc.selectSingleNode("//product[@id='1']")
WScript.Echo "Product 1: " & product1.text

' Select multiple nodes
Set products = xmlDoc.selectNodes("//product")
For Each prod In products
    WScript.Echo "Product: " & prod.text
Next

Set xmlDoc = Nothing

The script loads an XML document with product data. It uses XPath to select a specific product by ID attribute. Then it selects all product nodes and iterates through them. XPath provides powerful node selection capabilities.

Source

MSXML2.IXMLDOMNode Documentation

In this article, we have explored the MSXML2.IXMLDOMNode object in VBScript, covering its properties and methods. From basic node access to complex manipulations, these examples demonstrate XML processing capabilities. With this knowledge, you can effectively work with XML data in your VBScript applications.

Author

My name is Jan Bodnar and I am a passionate programmer with many years of programming experience. I have been writing programming articles since 2007. So far, I have written over 1400 articles and 8 e-books. I have over eight years of experience in teaching programming.

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