Site conversion from mysql to XML

[Chuppa]

Hey all,

I am working on a project for a company that wants to start using XML datasheets for their site's content instead of a mysql database. They intend to hire a company to store and update the XML files for all of their products.

The assignment for me is to change the current, database-driven website to a XML driven website. I however don't have a clue of XML, and certainly not how to use it in a database-like manner.

So my question is: do you have good links to sites that explian how to use XML for this purpose? Tutorials or general info pages are equally appreciated. It's tough to find good info when you're new to a subject.

Thanks in advance for your help,
Chuppa

 

[Barrucadu]

I dont know much about xml - but here is the syntax:

<xml>
     <item 1>
          <name>Name Of Product</name>
          <desc>A sample product</desc>
     </item1>
</xml>

 

[Chuppa]

Thanks for that info, but I'm looking for some more specific info on how to work with XML files and using them as data sheets.

Anyone else?

 

[Redleg]

Just a quick question:
How large is the MySQL database(s) you're planning to convert to XML file(s)???
And why would you want to do that?

If it's a big DB then I wouldn't recommend you to do that since it can be really slow and server intensive to use XML files alone...

 

[drakewla]

Hello,

I guess reading information in XML files is OK, but writing is a heavy and dangerous process; what happens to the XML file if your web server stops, restarts or reboots during a write?

Also, SQL allows indexes, which can make a huge speed difference while looking for a field.

If it's for reading big XML files on the fly, I'd suggest to set up a caching system.

 

[Chuppa]

Thanks for your answers, and sorry for my late reply. I guess the notification system doesn't always work right .

I am not converting the database myself, some company is doing that. It allows webshops etc to access the product information. My job is to change the original database-driven website of the company into an xml-driven website, using the same datasheets that the webshops would use (so information is consistent everywhere).

www.ithaier.eu

Do you know which way to go about it is easier/better? I could be using XSL for getting all the data from the xml sheets and outputting it, and then including that XSL file into my php file so it shows up correctly into the webpage. Or, I could use something like data islands to put it directly into the website. Are there compaitibily issues, and what is the "common" way of doing things?
Or am I missing a different option that's better or easier?