SPA Conference session: XML databases and XQuery for Agile Information Systems

One-line description:A workshop in Information Systems Development with XQuery using the eXist Native XML database.
 
Session format: Workshop (150 mins) [read about the different session types]
 
Abstract:The domain of use proposed here is information systems where the content and functionality is rapidly changing, content and systems have to be continously co-developed as needs and understanding of the problem domain emerge through the developement task. This calls for Agile Information Systems Development - where this is seen as broader in scope than Agile Software development since the content is just as important as the code.

This session aims to explore the use of XML and XQuery with the eXist Native XML database for Agile Information Systems Development.

A brief tutorial in XQuery and quick demonstration of system building with eXist will be followed by hands-on development (requiring a laptop).

Finally a brief lessons-learnt session.


 
Audience background:Some knowledge of XML is assumed and general development experience. XPath knowledge would be a bonus.
 
Benefits of participating:This technology is a useful addition to the portfolio of technologies which the modern developer has to hand, particularly for rapid development of web-based info-centric applications. This workshop should enable the participant to better appreciate where this technology fits amongst the competition.
 
Materials provided:Copies of the eXist database for installation on any laptop supporting Java 1.4 together with the example application in various states of development and some XQuery and eXist learning material (in eXist)
 
Process:After a brief explanation, the group will be paired off, distributing the XPath competence amongst the pairs. The pairs will be guided through the development of a simple application. At the end, experiences will be compared and summarised for a workshop refective report.
 
Detailed timetable:
 
Outputs:A reflective report on the learning experience and on the views of participants on the eXist environment and ways in which it could be improved
 
History:I ran a shorter overview session on Native XML databases in SPA2006, which was too short to allow the participants to ready experience the speed of developemnt afforded by this technology.
 
Presenters
1. Chris Wallace
University of the West of England, Brist
2. 3.