Abstract: A method and system is described to process a data string (e.g., an XML data string). The method comprises accessing the data string to identify a plurality of data segments and a plurality of predefined reference character sequences. Each predefined reference character sequence may be located between adjacent data segments. The method further comprises creating a data structure to identify a location and length of each data segment within the data string, and a location of each predefined reference character sequences within the data string. A method and system to provide an output data string for transmission to a destination device is also described. The method comprises accessing a data structure to identify a sequence of data segments and a plurality of predefined reference character sequences. The data segments and the predefined reference character sequences are then combined based on the data structure to provide the output data string.