Chapter 12. Using XML to transport relational data
The principal subject of this chapter is the use of XML to transport data between locations. To make the demonstration more interesting, we’ll use XML to transport relational data.
Before we start developing the database solution, we have to analyze and understand our business case. Only after identifying every relevant fact about the business case should you attempt any development work.
In the course of this chapter, through planning and developing activities, we’ll learn the basics of how XML can be used in a Microsoft SQL Server 2005 (or later) database, but not before we touch on some basic truths about the XML standard itself.
To make the essence of this chapter as simple to understand as possible, our business case will cover a subject everyone should be fairly familiar with: discography.
What’s a discography? In plain English, a discography is a collection of data about recorded music. It contains data about the composers, performers, compositions themselves, and so on.
For the purposes of analyzing this chapter’s business case, we will interview a long-time employee of the music business—meet Joe “Mix-Remix” Quickfinger, our imaginary recording engineer/producer/former roadie, and a self-claimed recording industry expert. We should listen to Joe carefully, but at the same time not take everything for granted.
