How to select all leaf nodes using XPath expression?

Question

I believe it's possible but couldn't figure out the syntax. Something like this:

xmlNode.SelectNodes("//*[count(child::*) <= 1]") 

but this is not correct.

Answer 1

Use:

//node()[not(node())] 

In case only element leaf nodes are wanted (and this needs clarification -- are elements that have non-element children considered leaf nodes?), then the following XPath expression selects them:

//*[not(*)] 

Both expressions above are probably the shortest that select the desired nodes (either any-node or element -- leaf nodes).

Answer 2

Any elements with no element child

//*[not(child::*)]