PureXML
| Industry | Database management software |
|---|---|
| Founded | June 2006 |
| Products | Native XML data storage and management for IBM Db2 |
| Parent | IBM |
pureXML represents IBM Db2's built-in capability for native XML data storage, incorporating dedicated indexing, storage methods, and query languages tailored to XML. The designation pure highlights Db2's approach of preserving XML in its original hierarchical form rather than converting it into plain text or relational tables.
Technical information
Db2 segregates the storage of conventional SQL data types from that of XML data, yet users access both through SQL (with XML-specific extensions or SQL/XML) or XQuery without needing to understand the underlying storage distinctions.
XML content is stored in columns defined by the XML data type and maintained in a parsed, tree-structured format composed of nodes. When XML data is validated against a schema prior to storage, Db2 enriches nodes with schema-derived type information; if not validated, default typing applies. To enhance disk utilization and query speed, tag names and associated metadata are internally mapped to integers. The system also automatically manages how nodes are allocated across database pages.
pureXML allows XML columns to be validated against zero, one, or multiple schemas and provides features for managing schema evolution.
IBM has upgraded its programming interfaces—including Java (JDBC), C, COBOL, PHP, and Microsoft's .NET Framework)—enabling streamlined XML data interaction via the DB2.NET provider.
History
The introduction of pureXML occurred with DB2 9 for Linux, Unix, and Microsoft Windows (code-named Viper) in June 2006, followed by availability on DB2 9 for z/OS in March 2007. Later versions enhanced both XML transaction throughput and storage optimization: DB2 9.5 (October 2007) improved these aspects further, while DB2 9.7 (June 2009) added support for database-partitioned, range-partitioned, and multi-dimensional clustered tables featuring compression for XML data and indexes.
Competition
Db2 functions as a hybrid database system managing traditional relational data alongside native XML content. Comparable solutions offering such dual support include Oracle with its 11g and Microsoft's SQL Server.
In addition, pureXML competes with specialized native XML databases like BaseX, eXist, MarkLogic, and Sedna.
Books
IBM’s International Technical Support Organization (ITSO) publishes several resources available both as printed editions and complimentary e-books:
Further publications for purchase include:
Education and training
IBM Education offers training programs designed to develop expertise with pureXML:
- Query and Manage XML Data with DB2 9 (CG130) – a comprehensive four-day classroom course.
- Query XML Data with DB2 9 (CG100) – a two-day classroom segment included within CG130.
- Managing XML Data in DB2 9 (CG160) – a two-day classroom module also part of CG130.
- DB2 pureXML (CT140) – self-paced learning complemented by Live Virtual Classroom sessions.
Related topics
External resources
- pureXML Wiki
- pureXML Forum
- pureXML Team Blog
- Native XML Database Blog
- Blog covering pureXML subjects
Community networks
Users of pureXML have opportunities to connect through: