Findologic offers its customers the possibility to export the data from the shop in CSV format as well as in XML format. In the following, you will find a list of distinguishing features, which is roughly divided into advantages and disadvantages of the respective format:
XML Advantages
The file encoding is defined by an attribute, e.g.
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
The product data can be loaded dynamically via the URL parameters start and count.
No limit on the number of products that can be exported
Validation of the structure of the XML document using an XML schema
User groups can be applied not only to product visibility, but also to various XML elements such as properties, descriptions, prices, etc.
Special characters do not have to be encoded by using the keyword CDATA, e.g.
<![CDATA[Produkte & Inhalt]]>
XML disadvantages
To extend the XML export file, you must have a technical understanding of the predefined XML schema.
CSV Advantages
Can be generated automatically on the shop server, e.g. using a Cronjob. The generated CSV file must then be retrievable via HTTP for the import at Findologic.
CSV format is more compact than XML format.
The entire export is a file and can be made available for direct download via a URL.
CSV disadvantages
File encoding is limited to UTF-8.
A validation of the structure cannot be performed with the CSV format.
User groups can only be applied to the visibility of products; with different attributes (e.g. prices), an additional product must be exported.
Attributes must be URL-encoded, which can lead to errors if used incorrectly.
The characters "|" Pipeline and "#" hash characters cannot be used in item numbers