Defining Map Objects with XML Object Syntax and XPRESS

You can use either the XML Object syntax or XPRESS to dynamically construct Map objects. Using the XPRESS <map> element is similar to using the XML Object language <Map> and <MapEntry> elements. These elements differ in that the contents of <map> can be calculated using expressions. In contrast, the <Map> element can only define static maps.

Maps are sometimes used as arguments to methods that are called with an <invoke> expression. For example, certain methods in the FormUtil class require maps as arguments.

Using XPRESS to Represent a Map

The contents of the XPRESS <map> element are pairs of name/value expressions. The even-numbered expressions define map keys, and odd-numbered expressions define map values. If any key expression evaluates to null, the entry is ignored.

You can use the XPRESS <map> element to dynamically construct java.util.HashMap objects:

 <map>

   <s>name</s>

   <s>Jeff</s>

   <s>phone</s>

   <s>338-1818</s>

</map>

Using XML Object Syntax to Map Objects

You can use XML Object syntax to define map objects as follows:

<Map>

   <MapEntry key=’name’ value=’Jeff’/>

   <MapEntry key=’phone’ value=’338-1818’/>

</Map>