"Python etree vs. other XML libraries—what’s your go-to and why?"
Alright, so I've been wrestling with XML in Python for a while now, and I keep coming back to Python etree. Like, it's just *there*, ya know? Built-in, no extra installs, and gets the job done.
But then there’s lxml—super fast, more features, but sometimes feels like overkill? And don’t even get me started on minidom... *shudders*.
So what’s your pick? Do you stick with Python etree for simplicity, or do you go all-in with lxml for the speed? Or am I missing some hidden gem?
(Also, why is XML still a thing in 2023? But that’s a rant for another day.)
I'm all about lxml, honestly. Python etree is fine for basic stuff, but if you're dealing with big XML files or need XPath support, lxml is just *chef's kiss*.
Plus, the parsing speed is night and day. Yeah, it's an extra install, but pip install lxml isn’t exactly rocket science.
If you're stuck with Python etree, check out the official docs for some hidden tricks—they’re not bad!
Man, I feel you on the minidom hate. That thing is a relic.
For me, Python etree is the sweet spot. Don’t need blazing speed? Don’t wanna deal with external deps? Etree’s your buddy.
But if you *do* need more, lxml’s the way. Just don’t overcomplicate it if you don’t have to.
Lxml fan here, but hear me out—have you tried xmltodict?
It’s not a parser, but it converts XML to a Python dict, which is *so* much easier to work with sometimes.
Python etree is great for standard stuff, but if you’re doing a lot of data wrangling, xmltodict might save your sanity.
I’m surprised no one’s mentioned defusedxml yet. If security’s a concern (and it should be!), Python etree and lxml can both be risky with malicious XML.
Defusedxml patches those holes. It’s a drop-in replacement, so no learning curve.
Still, for everyday stuff, I default to Python etree—just keep defusedxml in your back pocket.
Wow, didn’t expect so many takes! Def gonna try lxml for my next project—speed sounds worth the install.
And xmltodict looks *perfect* for this one messy API I’m dealing with. Thanks for the tip!
Still kinda hate XML though. Anyone else wish JSON would just take over already?
Honestly? I switch between Python etree and lxml depending on the mood.
Small script? Etree. Big project? Lxml.
The real hidden gem is BeautifulSoup, though. It’s not *just* for HTML—it handles XML pretty well too, and the API is super intuitive.
Python etree is like that old pair of jeans—comfortable, reliable, but not exactly stylish.
Lxml is the upgrade when you need to impress (or, you know, actually get work done fast).
But hey, if you’re stuck with etree, the `iterparse` method is a lifesaver for big files.
Why not both?
I use Python etree for quick and dirty stuff, then lxml when I need the heavy lifting.
Pro tip: lxml’s `etree` module is *mostly* compatible with Python etree, so switching isn’t even that hard.
Also, yeah, XML is still a thing because legacy systems refuse to die. Sigh.
