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Why XQuery?

XQuery is a powerful, concise, and highly optimized language that is designed for processing XML data — that is, it can process any data that can be expressed as XML. XQuery allows applications to query relational data together with structured data, such as native XML. Traditionally, enterprise applications have relied on SQL queries to retrieve and update data in relational databases, but given the continuing rise in prominence of XML, this is already changing. Even before the W3C XQuery specification reaches Recommendation status, XQuery is grabbing the attention of many developers, CTOs, and development managers.

This article provides information on XQuery's background, its benefits, and its pivotal role in data integration. Next, it provides an overview of XQuery's syntax and shows examples of what an XQuery query looks like. Finally, we describe how you can implement XQuery and mention some caveats to be aware of in XQuery 1.0.

Table of Contents

XQuery: Its History

Learn about the origins of XQuery; what triggered the W3C's effort to create a language that could query XML and why do we need it?

XQuery's Role in Data Integration

XML is now considered the de facto standard for exchanging data. The rapid growth of XML and increase of hierarchical messages present a fresh set of challenges, particularly to developers who have historically built their business processes around databases.

XQuery: Anatomy

We've introduced XQuery, described its objectives, and explored how it will play a critical role in tackling complex data integration challenges. Now, let's look at some of the details of XQuery, starting with an overview of the data model that XQuery uses.

Using XQuery with Your Java Applications

Having gained an understanding of XQuery and what a basic XQuery query looks like, we now look at implementations that allow you to use XQuery with your applications today.

XQuery Gotchas

XQuery is quickly approaching the final approval of the W3C standard organization. All the signs point to a Recommendation status in the not too distant future. There are, however, some caveats to be aware of in the XQuery 1.0 release.

Summary

The official W3C XQuery Recommendation is almost done! Significant interest in using XQuery for data integration is gathering steam, signaling a healthy adoption of the technology when it does reach Recommendation status. To learn more about XQuery, our XQuery Basics and XQJ Primers provide the basics you need to succeed with XQuery, and ultimately, your data integration challenges. Our XQuery Tutorial and XQJ Tutorial also provide more in-depth knowledge about these technologies.