When planning to build web service applications to present and handle core COBOL or C data both JSON and XML formats make the process much simpler. However, to optimise the agility of web components built utilising these services requires special attention which could be both complex and time consuming.

Fortunately, a handy utility, “XML Thunder”, can help ease the creation and parsing of XML and JSON data sets. XML Thunder can, as the developers say, “derive COBOL structures (COPYBOOK) or C Header files” from XML Schema (xsd), SOAP (wsdl).” and “Derive XML schema …. from COBOL structures (COPYBOOK) or C header files.”

The XML Thunder application works by utilising a wizard for building an XML Handler to handle XML and SOAP based messages.

The first step is to identify the interface data structure (IDS), such as a COBOL or XML data structure, and select the root element, after which a panelled display will show the existing data structure and the derived structure.

A working handler framework, including writer, copybook, and test harness, can be generated quickly for testing.

A free Lite version of XML Thunder, for testing (using sample XML schema only), can be download from the company website, Canam Software: XML Thunder Lite.