RSS to JSON Conversion - Solution ?

Scenario:

A content aggregation platform is exploring the possibility of incorporating a feature that allows for the transformation of RSS feeds into JSON format. This enhancement is particularly aimed at developers and enterprises looking to seamlessly amalgamate external content into their digital ecosystems.

The conversion to JSON facilitates more efficient data parsing, manipulation, and integration from disparate sources, thereby streamlining application development and content management processes.

Requirements:

• High-fidelity conversion that maintains the integrity of the original data structure and content.
• Capability to process multiple RSS feeds concurrently, ensuring efficiency and scalability.
• Robust security measures and reliable performance to protect sensitive information and ensure data integrity.

Solutions:

Approach 1: Integration with a Specialized Third-Party API

Leveraging a third-party API that specializes in RSS to JSON conversion presents a direct and efficient approach to incorporating this functionality.

Pros:

• Quick integration and expedited feature rollout.
• Ongoing support and updates provided by the API service, ensuring the conversion feature remains up-to-date.
• Scalability to accommodate a substantial volume of conversions, adaptable to growing user demands.

Example:

• The RSS to JSON API - from ApyHub
• Feed to JSON API - from Toptal

Approach 2 - Custom Implementation Utilizing Open Source Libraries

As an alternative, integrating open-source libraries for RSS to JSON conversion into the platform’s existing infrastructure affords complete autonomy over the conversion process. Although this option necessitates a greater investment in development resources initially, it provides unparalleled flexibility and customization potential, catering to specific operational requirements.

Pros:

• Total control over the conversion mechanism and the format of the resulting JSON data.
• Elimination of ongoing costs associated with third-party services, following the initial setup.
• Enhanced security through in-house data processing, minimizing external exposure.

Example:

feedparser library - for Python

Which one would you prefer and go with? Do let me know in the comments.

Comments

[Ranjan Dailata]

I would always go with the custom solution due to the total control based upon the solution or technology which I am working.

What you have provided feedparser is just a tip of the iceberg. Below is the NodeJS Open Source Option. I can achieve the same in just a few lines of code :)

yarn add rss-to-json

const { parse } = require('rss-to-json');
(async () => {
    var rss = await parse('https://blog.ethereum.org/feed.xml');
    console.log(JSON.stringify(rss, null, 3));
})();

Reference -

rss-to-json
github-sample

All of these utility functions or services which you see could be developed in no time. The real value comes with the 3rd parties only if you are providing an exceptional services which the developers are struggling every day and there's no way they could easily accomplish in a given timeframe.

Imagine why would developers or companies insist with the external calls for accomplishing the same?

[Sohail Pathan]

Hey @ranjancse, thanks for your input on the strategy. About this post, I wanted from community to hear their thoughts on both methods and to determine which is more sustainable for the future and not to just conclude which is always preferable for developers.

Of course, deciding between a custom solution and a third-party API should involve careful consideration of the project’s needs, available resources, and the ability to maintain the solution over time.

I believe we tend to prefer crafting our solutions if we have enough time and resources to update them with any future changes in the use case. In this case - using the custom library or building your own is good for sure.

However, this isn't always possible, particularly when time is short. For developers who are sometimes dependent on no-code or automation tools, achieving the desired outcome is their main goal. In these situations - using an API service might be the right choice.

Regarding,

The real value comes with the 3rd parties only if you are providing exceptional services which the developers are struggling with every day and there's no way they could easily accomplish in a given timeframe.

I’d love to hear an example if you have one, to better understand this point. Because this will help me to pass the feedback to my team.

Thanks

[Ranjan Dailata]

Consider the following exceptional service example in the field of AI.

• RAG as a Service
• Embeddings Service
• AI Search as a Service
• LLMOps as a Service
• MLOps as a Service
• ML as a Service

[Sohail Pathan]

Appreciate :)