ElementTree in Python 2.6.2 Processing Instructions support?

Question

I\'m trying to create XML using the ElementTree object structure in python. It all works very well except when it comes to processing instructions. I can create a PI easil

Answer 1

With the lxml API it couldn't be easier, though it is a bit "underdocumented":

If you need a top-level processing instruction, create it like this:

from lxml import etree

root = etree.Element("anytagname")
root.addprevious(etree.ProcessingInstruction("anypi", "anypicontent"))

The resulting document will look like this:

They certainly should add this to their FAQ because IMO it is another feature that sets this fine API apart.