A method of converting an XML file containing elements to a table, each element having an XPath, in which row-terminating conditions a column data sources are determined; a scope for each element is determined; one of the elements is tested to determine if the element matches a column data source, and if it does the element is stored in a table cache and the columns are updated. The tested element is then stored in a prototype row; and when the method exits the tested element, a depth is passed to the table cache; then if the tested element matches one of the row-terminating conditions, matches a row-terminating condition, and is in the prototype row, then the prototype row is written to the table cache; then if the scope of one of the column data source matches the tested element, a column is erased in the prototype row.