Java library for Java to EDI conversion

Question

I am looking for a Java library that does Java to EDI conversion - more specifically an EDI 835 format used in Healthcare. Although a lot of libraries promise Java to EDI conversion, there is no documentation or code samples available for the same on their sites. Here is a list of libraries I have tried so far with no luck:

1. EdiReader(EdiWriter is commercial and does not have a trial download).
2. Smooks(No trial download and documentation does not mention Java to EDI conversion).
3. Open Business Objects - OBOE from americancoders.com(Has a trial download but Java to EDI not mentioned).
4. Oakland data transformer(This doesn't even let me download the library and docs).

Does anyone know other solutions that might be helpful ?
I am open to any commercial solution too.

Thanks!

Answer 1

If you're open to a commercial solution, you may want to look at Altova's MapForce. It has a drag-drop mapper that you can create your map, and then it generates code to plug into your application. MapForce

"Java to EDI" seems to be a popular misnomer. In your case, you are creating a standardized text document (in this case an 835 EDI document) from source data (RDBMS, XML, flat file, iDoc, etc). Java is the conduit. You are basically trying to reinvent a 30+ year old wheel by writing your own translator / parser and that is usually done without the benefits of EDI syntax checking / FA reconciliation / robust partner tools. If I wanted to stop that kind of insanity, I'd look at Liaison and their tools, specifically ECS and Delta. Those tools are Windows-based, so that might not be an option, but for an inexpensive commercial tool that can integrate easily with your architecture, your ROI would be apparent quickly.

Answer 2

Trial download for Smooks?! You don't need a license. There's also good documentation.

Check it out:

• http://www.smooks.org/
• https://github.com/smooks/smooks/

IMHO I would go with Smooks if you want no commercial solution.