All- XML-"noob" question here; stepping back into the world of IDL after a few years (different shops, different flavors..) and getting familiar w/8.1. Liking it. I have to facilitate real-time data from my shop to both regional and national databases in XML format. The raw data resides in ASCII files on the local server, I'll format it appropriately and push it to the receiving end as soon as it comes in. Forgive my ignorance, I just stumbled onto it; but the IDLffXMLDOMDocument help seems a little sparse on the IDL-XML modus operandi "how-to", and a little heavy on the parlance, so please consider this a request for a brief push in the right direction. Even if it's "step 1) go read so-and-so FAQ on XML at:....." I'm working w/Ver 8.1, Mac OSx 10.6.8 to develop code that will run on a Debian PC. Thanks, Patrick