How do I run Microsoft Open XML code to extract data from a Word document in SharePoint 2010

Question

I have a need to extract arbitrary data from a Word document (docx) that has been uploaded into a SharePoint document library and place it into a column in the document's list record.

As far as data extraction, I intend to use the Open XML library to extract data from particular nodes in the MainDocumentPart - this would require the Open XML dlls - are they already in SharePoint?

Also, for the initiation part of the SharePoint interface, I think I need to use an Event Receiver (on document upload) but am having trouble figuring out how it all should plug together.

Is an event receiver and Open XML the best way to accomplish this and what are some sources (examples/tutorials) I can use to understand all the pieces? Would it be better to make a workflow action?

Answer 1

I think the path your are considering would work. You would want to create an event receiver in Visual Studio that runs on item additions and changes. Microsoft has a lot of examples on using Open XML with Word: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/office/ee358826.aspx and http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc850833.aspx.

Microsoft also has a lot of examples on how to create event receivers. I'd start here if you haven't done them before: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg252010(v=office.14).aspx and http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/gg749858(v=office.14).aspx.