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List:       xml4lib
Subject:    XML vs. relational database + use of standard language
From:       LIBMEF () langate ! gsu ! edu (Mary E !  Faccioli)
Date:       2001-06-28 11:31:59
Message-ID: sb3b15b3.042 () langate ! gsu ! edu
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Greetings,
In some correspondence with a friend I was asked two questions that I'm not sure I \
can answer.  I am wondering if anyone can chime in.

First: This fellow developed a site with XML data in a database with DTDs for various \
information types and XSLT for display.  While he successfully sold the client on the \
structured data being available for other outputs, he doesn't really understand why \
this method is superior to good ol' relational database development and common sense. \
I read a criticism of XML in this regard but cannot locate it.  I believe a major \
benefit has to do with data sharing but I'm not sure.

Second: he asked if data with XML and the like are intended to be re-used -- does a \
standards based method for language use need to be developed?  "So often chunks of \
data are written from the perspective of the data that surrounds it (part of a user \
manual references another part of that user manual) - this results in nonsensical, \
albeit standards compliant data structure."  Does this have something to do with \
schemas, namespaces, modules, etc.?

Can anyone help me to answer his questions?

Thanks as always,
Mary Beth




Mary Beth Faccioli
Reference Collection Assistant
Georgia State University Pullen Library
100 Decatur Street SE
Atlanta, GA  30303
404-463-9947
libmef@langate.gsu.edu


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