XML data type in SQL Server 2005

Microsoft introduced the XML datatype in SQL 2005, which is very useful for manipulating large XML documents. With SQL 2000, programmers had lot of difficults whild working with large data (xml/text data in general, because of the size restriction of VARCHAR). With the introduction of VARCHAR(MAX) and XML datatypes, working with large documents is more easy now.

The below links provide information about the new XML datatype, usage guidelines, example programs etc.

• XML Best Practices for Microsoft SQL Server 2005

This article provide the guidelines for XML data modeling and usage in Microsoft SQL Server 2005. Examples are also available.

• Beginning SQL Server 2005 XML Programming

Defines and analyzes XML support in SQL Server 2005.

• Use OPENXML to Minimize SQL Server Database Calls

Simple demonstration of OPENXML function. The website has a lot of other useful information.

• Using XML To Send Multiple Rows At Once Into A Stored Procedure

Simple illustration of the useful concept.

• Solving problems while passing XML into a Stored Procedure

Shows how to solve issues with the XML version, encoding information, namespace declarations etc. while working with the XPath queries.

• XML data type in SQL Server 2005 vs. VARCHAR (MAX)

Comparison of the two datatypes.

• XML data type tips in SQL Server 2005

Techniques for using the new XML data type, while working with VS2005 applications. VB .Net and C# examples available.