How to Use XPath for Data Queries in Mendix

In Mendix, data retrieval is a core part of building dynamic and responsive applications. One of the most powerful tools available for querying data in Mendix is XPath — a language that allows you to perform precise and flexible searches on your application’s domain model. While XPath is commonly known for its use in XML, in Mendix it plays a vital role in filtering and retrieving objects from the database.

In this blog, we’ll break down how to use XPath in Mendix, explore its syntax, provide practical examples, and highlight best practices to help you get the most out of your data queries.


What is XPath in Mendix?

XPath in Mendix is used primarily within:

Microflows (via the "Retrieve" activity)

Data sources for pages (like data grids and list views)

Access rules for security

Association filtering

Mendix uses a subset of the XPath standard tailored for querying domain model objects and their relationships. It’s not just about locating elements — it’s about retrieving specific records based on dynamic and static conditions.


Basic Syntax of XPath in Mendix

XPath expressions are written inside square brackets [] and placed after the object being queried. Here’s the general structure:

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//EntityName[condition1 and condition2]

Conditions can include comparisons (=, !=, <, >) and logical operators (and, or).


Example:


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//Customer[Age > 18 and Status = 'Active']

This retrieves all Customer objects older than 18 with the status "Active".


Common Use Cases

1. Retrieve Based on Attributes

You can filter data using any attribute in the entity.


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//Order[TotalAmount > 500]

Retrieves orders where the total amount exceeds 500.


2. Retrieve Based on Associations

You can also filter using associated objects.


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//Order[Customer/Name = 'John Doe']

This retrieves orders where the associated customer's name is "John Doe".

Associations use a forward slash / to navigate through related entities.


3. Use in Microflows

In microflows, use the Retrieve action and choose XPath as the retrieval method. Then define your conditions in the XPath expression box.

Example:


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//Invoice[DueDate < '[%CurrentDateTime%]' and Paid = false]

This returns unpaid invoices that are past due.


4. Use in Data Grids or List Views

You can apply XPath constraints directly to UI elements like data grids:


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[Department/Name = 'Finance']

This shows records related to the Finance department only.


Special Tokens and Functions

Mendix provides helpful constants and functions for XPath, such as:

[ %CurrentUser% ]: Refers to the user currently logged in.

[ %CurrentDateTime% ]: Refers to the current system time.

contains(attribute, 'value'): For partial text matching.

Example:


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//Employee[contains(Name, 'Smith') and Active = true]


Best Practices

Index frequently queried attributes for performance.

Avoid complex nested associations unless necessary — they can slow down queries.

Use meaningful constraints to reduce the result set and improve efficiency.

Secure data with XPath constraints in access rules, especially in multi-user applications.

Use constants or variables in microflows for dynamic conditions.


Final Thoughts

XPath in Mendix is a powerful and flexible way to query and filter data in both logic and UI. By mastering XPath expressions, you can build smarter, more responsive applications that show the right data to the right users at the right time. Whether you're retrieving customer records, filtering tasks by owner, or securing access to sensitive data, XPath is an indispensable tool in the Mendix developer’s toolkit.

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