Re: Using XML and a relational database

Alex Shirshov wrote:

> Hello, DA!
> You wrote on Wed, 27 Oct 2004 19:10:47 -0700:
>
>
> [Sorry, skipped]
>
> DM> The data can be easily stored in relational form and the XML
> DM> reconstituted by either the database or by the app server. Benchmarks
> DM> I've seen support the proposition that reconstitution on the app server
> DM> gives the best overall performance.
>
> Don't be conning! Yes, xml docs with the regular form can be transformed to
> relational structure, but this is the only one case. The app need to be able
> to work with ustructured and semistructured xml documents and this is the
> primary use case. If you said, that xml docs without regular structure also
> can be easily transformed to relational form, than i will dare to claim you
> are not working with RDBMS. It's not easy to alter table each time you
> partner adds another extensibility element to your wonderful, semirelational
> xml format.
> I emphasize that storing semistructured xml documents into DB is the primary
> use case. And we should discuss the problem not only with relation to
> performance, but also extensibility, maintainability, complexity, etc.
>
> With best regards, Alex Shirshov.

I would have to see a specific example of the semistructured XML to respond. But you should take a look at Oracle's object-relational capabilities if you are not already familiar with them.

-- 
Daniel A. Morgan
University of Washington
damorgan_at_x.washington.edu
(replace 'x' with 'u' to respond)