[XML-DEV Mailing List Archive Home] [By Thread] [By Date] [Recent Entries] [Reply To This Message] RE: XML faster than mySQL database ?
>That's interesting. Why do you think this is the case? Len, good points. Let me add more details and open up the discussion. As you mentioned, most applications use this hybrid architecture with back-end relational databases and front-end markup clients. Or in other words, web applications are developed using n-tier architecture with HTML/JSP/EJB/DB ( HTML/ASP/COM/DB in Microsoft world). First and foremost, if I make a change anywhere in any layer (add a new column to db, need to display additional field in the UI), the change needs to be "propagated" all across the system in all layers. This makes the maintenance of this applications labor-intensive. The development process for typical web application roughly is - 1. Model the business using relational schema 2. Build a middle-layer (that contains business rules and server-side validation logic) 2. JSP's/Servlet that contain the navigation logic and generate the presentation Now, if I were to model my business using XML Schema, I already have a much richer representation compared to relational schema. I not only know the detailed for each element, but also, the various facets (bounds - min/maxInclusive, length - min/maxLength, precision, etc..). So we have sufficient information to generate validation logic. Also, one can think of tools for designers that use XMLSchemas in the backend for them to generate the UI (XForms is moving in that direction). Now, question arise where do we place the navigation logic and business rules. This is where some innovation is required. XSLT does support procedural constructs (eg., if, when, choose) and also, java code could be invoked from XSLT (using extensions). Regarding transactions, that's where XML-enhanced rdb's and Native-XML DB's (NXDB) come into picture. If you put everything together, you have the next-generation Application Server that allows users to develop and deploy xml-based apps rapidly. Like to hear from gurus on this list about this. --Naren -----Original Message----- From: Bullard, Claude L (Len) [mailto:clbullar@i...] Sent: Wednesday, March 06, 2002 1:07 PM To: 'Naren Chawla'; 'Ken North'; Subject: RE: XML faster than mySQL database ? That's interesting. Why do you think this is the case? A: I'm not sure so far. Relational DBs are easy to build, the tools are there, the skills are there, and I don't see XML as a compelling alternative to a database or XPath for SQL and XQuery looks like SQL. So, right now, I don't have a compelling case to move away from hybrid architectures that use back end relational systems and front end markup clients. I can see it on the client side clearer though. I'd definitely rather use XSLT when it is time to transform, but much depends on the source. I like XML DOM for a document model, that is, for manipulation of the data behind the display. B: Business rules in XML? An XML Schema plus Schematron can do a lot, but not enough. I still need procedural business objects, transaction managers, etc. The relational db probably still will take the processing load a lot better than a pure XML DB system regardless of who is driving and possibly be a much easier development for the medium skilled developer. I don't think we are nearly in a position experience wise to say otherwise, but I'm open to arguments to the contrary. The issue is that the improvements have to be extraordinary, not just a small increment. len -----Original Message----- From: Naren Chawla [mailto:naren_chawla@a...] In my mind, performance is one aspect. What is much more interesting is - A. Is it possible to cut development cost for web applications using XML, XML Schema, XSLT, XPath, XQuery drastically ? B. Is it easy to make changes to this XML-based web applications to accommodate business changes ? In other words, are this applications easier to maintain ? More I work with XML technologies, I am convinced that the current JSP/ASP way of building web applications has outlived its life-cycle. ----------------------------------------------------------------- The xml-dev list is sponsored by XML.org <http://www.xml.org>, an initiative of OASIS <http://www.oasis-open.org> The list archives are at http://lists.xml.org/archives/xml-dev/ To subscribe or unsubscribe from this list use the subscription manager: <http://lists.xml.org/ob/adm.pl>
|
PURCHASE STYLUS STUDIO ONLINE TODAY!Purchasing Stylus Studio from our online shop is Easy, Secure and Value Priced! Download The World's Best XML IDE!Accelerate XML development with our award-winning XML IDE - Download a free trial today! Subscribe in XML format
|