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Simple XSL transformation test tool

I know, I know. There's a lot of tools out there to help with editing XML and XSL files and a whole lot of other mess.

While creating an XML-based web site system in my current role, I wanted to be able to just test my XSL before plugging it in to my code in case it started causing any difficulties. Basically, all I need was a transformation tool that works like in Altova XMLSpy.

I couldn't find many, and when I did, in some cases it wasn't presented in an obvious way where the general interface complicated things. Almost giving up, I decided to hack together a simple tool myself. Since the required system is in ASP.NET and I haven't done application development in a long time, I gave C# a shot.

For me the tool worked like a charm and does "exactly what it says on the tin". My colleagues even took a liking to it. So I would like to share it with you.

I've simply called it XML Transformer and you can get hold of it from here.

Features

There's not much to it but here goes:
  • Load XML and XSL files
  • Create new XML and XSL files - basic necessities are already provided
  • Be able to edit and save XML and XSL files
  • Tab-based interface
  • Quick preview of XML and XSL transformation in separate tab - can right click to view source
Limitations
  • There's no colour coding for the editor. Never really bothered as this was not important.
  • Does not handle more than one XML or XSL file.
  • Cannot save the preview to a file on the hard drive.
    Well... the tool actually saves the transformation to a html file for the preview, where the viewer picks up the file and displays it. The file is saved as output.html in the same directory as the executable. This file is deleted when the application exits.
  • Any changes made to an XML or XSL file are automatically saved back when transforming, so please make backups
Feel free to make use of this tool and leave feedback. I'm not really doing anything with this tool as it was quickly made for a specific use. But, depending on feedback I might pick it up and turn it into a pet project, and maybe release it open source.
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