Anatomy of a Native XML Database

Most people in the XML community are aware of the term, "Native XML Database." Fewer are aware of the design details and implementation trade-offs made in construction of a native XML database. This paper focuses on issues surrounding storage in a native XML database. The format of stored XML, as well as the granularity of stored documents, has a large effect on database design and scalability, as well as how a system may be used by an application. Indexing of stored information is another topic that is at the core of XML database performance. While database design in these areas is not explicitly dictated by XML-related specifications, it is strongly influenced by such standards. Where appropriate, the influence of standards is discussed. A native XML database involves more than just these topics. Other relevant design issues will be covered in the context of the primary subjects.