Encoding and decoding flat files in Azure Logic Apps workflows using Text and XML formats

Encoding and decoding flat files, as well as converting between text and XML formats, is a common requirement in Azure Logic Apps workflows, especially for integrating with legacy systems or processing EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) files. Below is a detailed guide on how to achieve this using Azure Logic Apps and an Integration Account.

 Prerequisites

• Azure Logic Apps: Create a Logic App in the Azure portal.
• Integration Account: Required for encoding/decoding flat files and XML. Create an Integration Account in the Azure portal and link it to your Logic App.
• Schemas: Define schemas for your flat files (e.g., CSV, fixed-width) and XML files using the Enterprise Integration Pack (EIP).

Steps to Encode and Decode XML

A. Decode XML (Convert XML to Text or JSON)

1. Upload XML Schema to Integration Account:
   • • Go to your Integration Account in the Azure portal.
     • Under Settings, select Schemas.
     • Click Add and upload your XML schema- XSD file (Sample schema file) and MAP- XSLT file (Sample xslt file).
2. Add a Trigger to Your Logic App:
   • Use a trigger like When a file is added to a blob storage or HTTP Request to receive the XML file (Sample xml testing data).
3. Add the “XML Validation” Action:
   • In your Logic App, add a new action and search for XML Validation.
   • Configure the action:
     • Content: Select the XML content (e.g., from the trigger output).
     • Schema Name: Select the schema you uploaded to the Integration Account.
4. Output:
   • The validated XML can be processed further or converted to JSON using the Parse JSON action.

B. Encode XML (Convert Text or JSON to XML)

1. Prepare JSON or Text Data:
   • Use actions like Compose or Parse JSON to generate or format the JSON/text data that matches your XML schema.
2. Add the “XML Transformation” Action:
   • Add a new action and search for Transform XML.
   • Configure the action:
     • Content: Select the JSON/text content to transform.
     • Map: Select the map (XSLT file) you uploaded to the Integration Account.
3. Output:
   • The output of the Transform XML action will be the XML file.