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Relational data is by definition highly structured and is usually best searched or processed using the built in capabilities of the database. Normally there would be no particular advantage to convert db data to XML, a technology which is best for processing relatively unstructured and irregular data. However, using XML and databases together may be worth doing particularly in web applications, where the same data needs to be delivered in different formats (HTML, text, PDF) in which case XML can be a convenient intermediate format. Secondly, in B2B aplications where XML is already a communications standard.
The Oracle XML tools enable easy conversion of data between the database and XML. In practice, the most flexible tool is the Java XSQL servlet which provides full create, read, update and delete operations linked with corresponding XML input/output. The JDK included with Oracle includes a standard XML parser for further processing, for example with XSL.
The following resources are helpful in exploring Oracle's XML capabilities:
Documentation is available at Oracle's TechNet Web site, after registering for free.
Where to find the XML tools in your Oracle installation:
XSU tool (for different java versions):
$ORACLE_HOME/rdbms/jlib/xsu111.jar $ORACLE_HOME/rdbms/jlib/xsu12.jar
Java XDK, including demo applications:
XSQL servlet and demo applications:
Simon Humeis a developer and trainer specialising in Web applications, databases and Linux.
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URL: http://www.webreference.com/xml/column81/7.html
Created: May 10, 2003
Revised: May 10, 2003
