Oracle 9i R2 XML-XSLT Conversion Approach
Jimbo1
I have an architectural design question that is based on the
cabilities of the Oracle XMLTYPE datatype and functionality in the 9i
Release 2 database. For the upgrade-focussed crowd out there, the
company I'm working for are currently working on an 11G migration, but
timescales are not going to allow this version of the database to be
used on the project I'm working on.
Broadly speaking, this is what I can accomplish in 9i Release 2 at
this point in time with my present knowledge:
1. Convert an XML file - stored as a CLOB in the database - into an
XMLTYPE object within PL/SQL.
2. Use an XSL stylesheet in CLOB form, combined with the
XMLTYPE.TRANSFORM functionality in PL/SQL, to convert the originating
XML file's format into Oracle's 'Canonical' (<ROWSET>.....</ROWSET>)
XML format.
3. Insert the Canonical Format XML into a standard Heap Table using
the DBMS_XMLSAVE functionality.
I can make all the above work. However, the obvious configuration
design would rely on storing the XSL Stylesheets in CLOB form in a
database table. Whilst I'm confident this would work okay, I want to
be sure I've not overlooked a better and more practical way to
reference Stylesheets and perform this kind of operation at database
level.
There is just so much documentation available on the 9i R2 XML
functionality, that the mind boggles just trying to digest it all.
There seem to be multiple and differing approaches to producing the
kind of outcome I've just described. What I'm trying to investigate is
if there is a "Best Practice" approach I should be considering?
If anybody can pass on any suggested approaches from their experience,
or recommend a good book or reference source that isn't an Oracle
Manual (I've already read those), then that would be great.
Thanks in advance for any help or suggestions.
James