VBScript MSXML2.IXMLDOMNodeList Object

last modified April 9, 2025

The MSXML2.IXMLDOMNodeList object in VBScript represents a collection of XML nodes. It is part of the Microsoft XML Core Services (MSXML) library. This object provides methods to access and manipulate nodes in an XML document. It is commonly returned by methods like getElementsByTagName.

IXMLDOMNodeList allows iteration through nodes and accessing them by index. It maintains the order of nodes as they appear in the XML document. This tutorial covers IXMLDOMNodeList with practical examples to demonstrate its usage in VBScript.

IXMLDOMNodeList Object Overview

The IXMLDOMNodeList interface provides several key properties and methods. The length property returns the number of nodes in the collection. The item method retrieves a node by its index position.

Nodes in the collection are zero-indexed. The object is live, meaning changes to the XML document are reflected automatically. Understanding this object is essential for effective XML processing in VBScript applications.

Basic NodeList Iteration

This example demonstrates how to load an XML document and iterate through all nodes in a NodeList. We'll use the getElementsByTagName method to retrieve all elements with a specific tag name.

Set xmlDoc = CreateObject("MSXML2.DOMDocument.6.0")
xmlDoc.async = False
xmlDoc.load("books.xml")

If xmlDoc.parseError.errorCode <> 0 Then
    WScript.Echo "Error loading XML: " & xmlDoc.parseError.reason
    WScript.Quit
End If

Set bookNodes = xmlDoc.getElementsByTagName("book")

For i = 0 To bookNodes.length - 1
    WScript.Echo "Book Title: " & bookNodes.item(i).getAttribute("title")
Next

Set bookNodes = Nothing
Set xmlDoc = Nothing

The script loads an XML file and retrieves all book elements. It then iterates through the NodeList using a For loop. For each node, it outputs the value of the title attribute. The length property determines the loop bounds.

Accessing Specific Nodes in a NodeList

This example shows how to access specific nodes in a NodeList by index. We'll demonstrate both direct access and checking for node existence before access. This is useful when you need specific nodes rather than iterating all.

Set xmlDoc = CreateObject("MSXML2.DOMDocument.6.0")
xmlDoc.async = False
xmlDoc.load("employees.xml")

If xmlDoc.parseError.errorCode <> 0 Then
    WScript.Echo "Error loading XML: " & xmlDoc.parseError.reason
    WScript.Quit
End If

Set empNodes = xmlDoc.getElementsByTagName("employee")

' Access first employee
If empNodes.length > 0 Then
    WScript.Echo "First employee: " & empNodes.item(0).text
End If

' Access third employee if exists
If empNodes.length >= 3 Then
    WScript.Echo "Third employee: " & empNodes.item(2).text
Else
    WScript.Echo "Third employee not found"
End If

Set empNodes = Nothing
Set xmlDoc = Nothing

The script checks the NodeList length before accessing specific indices. This prevents errors when trying to access non-existent nodes. The item method retrieves nodes by their zero-based position. Always validate the NodeList length before accessing specific indices.

Modifying Nodes in a NodeList

This example demonstrates how to modify nodes within a NodeList. Since NodeList is live, changes to nodes are immediately reflected in the XML document. We'll update attribute values for all matching nodes.

Set xmlDoc = CreateObject("MSXML2.DOMDocument.6.0")
xmlDoc.async = False
xmlDoc.load("products.xml")

If xmlDoc.parseError.errorCode <> 0 Then
    WScript.Echo "Error loading XML: " & xmlDoc.parseError.reason
    WScript.Quit
End If

Set productNodes = xmlDoc.getElementsByTagName("product")

For i = 0 To productNodes.length - 1
    productNodes.item(i).setAttribute "status", "active"
Next

' Save modified XML
xmlDoc.save "products_updated.xml"

Set productNodes = Nothing
Set xmlDoc = Nothing

The script loads an XML file and retrieves all product elements. It then iterates through the NodeList and updates each product's status attribute. The changes are immediately reflected in the NodeList and saved to a new file. This demonstrates the live nature of NodeList collections.

Filtering Nodes in a NodeList

While NodeList doesn't have built-in filtering, we can implement custom filtering logic. This example shows how to process only nodes that meet specific criteria. We'll check attribute values during iteration.

Set xmlDoc = CreateObject("MSXML2.DOMDocument.6.0")
xmlDoc.async = False
xmlDoc.load("orders.xml")

If xmlDoc.parseError.errorCode <> 0 Then
    WScript.Echo "Error loading XML: " & xmlDoc.parseError.reason
    WScript.Quit
End If

Set orderNodes = xmlDoc.getElementsByTagName("order")
WScript.Echo "Processing high-value orders:"

For i = 0 To orderNodes.length - 1
    Set order = orderNodes.item(i)
    amount = CDbl(order.getAttribute("amount"))
    
    If amount > 1000 Then
        WScript.Echo "Order ID: " & order.getAttribute("id") & _
                     ", Amount: $" & amount
    End If
Next

Set orderNodes = Nothing
Set xmlDoc = Nothing

The script processes only orders with amounts greater than $1000. It demonstrates how to implement custom filtering logic when working with NodeList. Each node's attributes are examined during iteration to determine if processing should occur. This pattern is useful for selective node processing.

Converting NodeList to Array

Sometimes it's useful to convert a NodeList to an array for easier manipulation. This example shows how to create an array from a NodeList. We'll preserve node references in the array for later processing.

Set xmlDoc = CreateObject("MSXML2.DOMDocument.6.0")
xmlDoc.async = False
xmlDoc.load("customers.xml")

If xmlDoc.parseError.errorCode <> 0 Then
    WScript.Echo "Error loading XML: " & xmlDoc.parseError.reason
    WScript.Quit
End If

Set customerNodes = xmlDoc.getElementsByTagName("customer")

' Create array to hold nodes
Dim customerArray()
ReDim customerArray(customerNodes.length - 1)

' Populate array
For i = 0 To customerNodes.length - 1
    Set customerArray(i) = customerNodes.item(i)
Next

' Process array
For Each cust In customerArray
    WScript.Echo "Customer: " & cust.getAttribute("name")
Next

Set customerNodes = Nothing
Set xmlDoc = Nothing

The script creates an array sized to match the NodeList length. It then copies each node reference into the array. The array can be processed independently of the original NodeList. This technique is useful when you need to work with a static collection of nodes.

Source

MSXML2.IXMLDOMNodeList Documentation

In this article, we have explored the MSXML2.IXMLDOMNodeList object in VBScript, covering its usage and practical applications. From basic iteration to advanced filtering and conversion techniques, these examples demonstrate effective XML processing. With this knowledge, you can enhance your VBScript applications with robust XML handling capabilities.

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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