How to Use SQLXML to Retrieve Data from SQL Server Database?

Using SQL Server 2000 and above versions you can retrieve data from SQL Server in XML format directly from the database. Many XML related features were incorporated in the SQL Server database. This enables the development of XML enabled applications very easy and it makes exchange of data over internet easy. In this article we will discuss about how to use SQLXML to retrieve data directly from SQL server database in XML format.

There are some SQL commands and clauses that help you to retrieve data from the SQL Server in the XML format. Syntax for such is given below:

SELECT ... FOR XML mode [, XMLDATA] [, ELEMENTS] [, BINARY BASE64]

There are different modes and that take the values of

? AUTO ? In this mode every row of the result of the query forms an element in the returned XML document.

? EXPLICIT ? This mode defines how to map the columns of the results returned by the query to the XML elements and the attributes.

? RAW - All the fields of the result are identified as attributes of an element.

? NESTED ? The result of this mode is the same as the AUTO mode but the formatting has to be done at the client side.

A simple example of using the above syntax is given below:

SELECT TOP 3 * FROM (SELECT FirstName+' '+LastName as Name FROM Employees) FOR XML AUTO

The query produces this result:

Employees Name="John Peter"
Employees Name="Andrew Dixon"
Employees Name="Tom Hanks"

There are optional parameters in the 'FOR XML mode' clause. The XMLDATA option adds an XSD schema which describes the XML format of the result returned. The ELEMENTS options make the fields of the tables in the database to be returned as child elements. If the ELEMENTS option is not there the fields of the tables are returned as attributes instead of child elements of the XML document. The ELEMENTS option is allowed only in the AUTO mode. The BINARY BASE64 option is used to retrieve any binary data. The returned binary data is returned in BASE64 encoded format. The binary data can be retrieved in the RAW or EXPLICIT mode.

An example of the RAW mode is given below:

SELECT EmpName, EmpCity from EMP for XML RAW

The above code returns a result like,

row EmpName="John" EmpCity="New York"

In the above result you can note that the fields of the resultset are returned as attributes of the element.

.Net provides with managed classes for interacting with SQL Server. The managed classes of SQLXML provided by .Net are:

? SqlXmlCommand ? This is used to perform queries that are stored in XML documents which are also called XML templates. This class also provides support for client side XML processing.

? SqlXmlParameter ? this is used to provide parameterized values and is used along with SqlXmlCommand object.

? SqlXmlAdapter ? this is the adapter class for SQLXML provider. This is used to fill the dataset.

? SqlXmlException ? this is used to trap the error information from the SQL Server.

A sample code using the managed classes is given below. For detailed information on the usage of the above managed classes you can refer to the MSDN documentation.

static string cstr = "Provider=SQLOLEDB;Server=(local);database=EmpPersonal;"; public static void testingSqlXml () {

Stream oStr = Console.OpenStandardOutput();

SqlXmlCommand sqlcmd = new SqlXmlCommand(cstr);

sqlcmd.Root = "Employees";

sqlcmd.CommandType = SqlXmlCommandType.Sql;

sqlcmd.CommandText = "SELECT EmpName, EmpCity FROM Employees FOR XML AUTO";

strm = sqlcmd.ExecuteToStream(oStr);

oStr.Close(); }

Thus we have seen that SQLXML can be used to retrieve data directly from the SQL Server in XML format. It is easy to handle and transmit data through the internet if it is in the XML format and this can be easily achieved using the SQLXML.

Want to stay current with the latest technology developments realted to XML. Visit free xml tutorial to get your FREE subscription now!

** Attention Webmasters / Website Owners ** You can reprint this article on your website as long as you do not modify any of the content, and include our resource box as listed above with all links intact and hyperlinked properly.

Barrington South Lincoln Stretch rentals .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare
In The News:

A newly discovered security flaw with your iPhone or iPad could leave your personal information vulnerable to hackers. Kurt the CyberGuy explains.
Modeled after a traditional bell-shaped skirt worn by women in Kosovo, a theater's roof is draped entirely by solar panels to generate renewable energy on-site.
Kurt the CyberGuy explains how to protect yourself from malicious Chrome extensions that can steal sensitive information like password managers, crypto wallets and banking apps.
Stellantis' innovative STLA AutoDrive 1.0 system allows drivers to safely take their eyes off the road and their hands off the steering wheel.
Here are some travel hacks to save money on your next vacation including setting up price alerts, remaining flexible and checking for 24-hour price drops.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
One report claims at least 25 million people were targeted by infostealer malware between the beginning of 2023 and the end of 2024, capturing bank card details and passwords.
The LaserWeeder G2 uses lasers, artificial intelligence and advanced robotics to offer an alternative to chemicals traditionally used in farming.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says a malware app called SpyLend is posing as a financial tool, hitting 100,000-plus downloads.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says Clone Robotics’ Protoclone mimics humans with 1,000 muscles – too human for comfort.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson urges you to use Apple’s App Privacy Report to see what your apps are really up to.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about how to smoothly transfer your data from an old laptop to a new one using cloud storage or external drives.
Kurt the CyberGuy offers tips to safeguard your personal information as scammers become more sophisticated with scam texts and other methods.
WeRide's unmanned electric delivery van, the Robovan W5, has 194 cubic feet of cargo space and can carry payloads up to about 2,205 pounds
Kurt the CyberGuy recommends deleting 16 browser extensions immediately in response to a report saying more than 3.2 million web users were affected by a security breach.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
A robotics firm in China claims a robot has performed the world's first humanoid robot front flip, which is significantly more difficult than a backflip.
A digital ID may be even more secure than a physical ID. Storing your driver's license in your Apple Wallet is an ideal solution for commuters.
A cybersecurity firm has shed some light on just how common tax scams have become. Kurt the CyberGuy offers his advice for how to protect your refund.
Lifesize Plans offers immersive walk-throughs that allow customers the opportunity to tour a home's design before construction actually begins.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
A man invested $4 million in bitcoin and lost it all with a single click when he was targeted by a vishing scam, which uses phone calls to trick people.
Expandable's Touchdown is a designer trailer that promises a luxury off-grid living experience and unfolds into a home in about 15 minutes.
Major employee screening company data breach affects 3.3 million people. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson explains what happened and gives five ways to protect your data.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals mind-blowing tech that gives you sunlight on demand.

How To Buy An MP3 Player

Are you looking for an MP3 player but am not... Read More

10 Tips to Stay Safe and Secure Online

The Internet can be a dangerous place.While you're enjoying the... Read More

Digital Cameras Ratings Abolish Camera Comparison Guesswork

Digital cameras ratings are great tools for deciding which camera... Read More

What Exactly are Screensavers? - part I

After reading this good article you will know some important... Read More

Setting File Permissions On A Unix Server

File permissions are one of the strengths that the Unix... Read More

Make Windows XP Run Faster!

A friend told me: "My computer startup seems to be... Read More

What Has A Portable MP3 Player Have To Do With Your Business

Plenty! When we made the decision to be our own... Read More

Are You Putting Off Productivity?

I recently took a good look at what was keeping... Read More

Upgrading Your PC for Non-experts

IntroOne of the big advantages of PCs over earlier types... Read More

Taking Advantage of the iPod Experience

Music lovers have been carrying around radios and other bulky... Read More

Cut Through the Hype and Make the Right Digital Camera Comparisons

There are soooo many choices. With all the styles and... Read More

COOKIES - What Are They!!

Cookies, not the kind that Mom makes, but the computer... Read More

Palm PC critique

I met an entrepreneur who hole heartedly disagree with an... Read More

5 Steps to Remove Spyware for Free

Have you ever tried to remove Spyware off your PC... Read More

Basic Computer Maintenance

One of the most common questions computer users ask is,... Read More

Favorite Things To Do With Home Technology

Save money. Save 10-15% on utility bills per month. Work... Read More

More Cool Web Tricks

If you ask most people what frustrates them most about... Read More

Mail-merging: The Principles

About mail-mergingMail-merging is the process of merging variable data and... Read More

Is Digital Camera Technology Making Film Obsolete?

Perhaps not yet, but the handwriting might be on the... Read More

How To Remove One Operating System from a Dual Boot Windows XP Computer

In Windows Xp, you can install two operating systems on... Read More

Classification of Computers

Computers are available in different shapes, sizes and weights, due... Read More

Apache, MySQL & PHP for Windows

Apache, MysQL and PHP for Windows could be a nice... Read More

How To Increase Computer Speed And Performance - Great Tips & Tricks

Many computer users are worried about their computer's performance. After... Read More

Image Conversion In Computers

JPEG, GIFF/JIFF, BMP, and TIFF are the most commonly used... Read More

Be Your Own IT Department

If you use a computer, you need to know more... Read More

Downers Grove limo Chicago ..