How to Store XML in Database Format? Best Techniques
If you also want to search, analyze, and reuse XML file data frequently, and want to store XML in database formats, then you are on the right page related to this query. Here we are going to explain all the possible methods and information to convert XML to database formats using SQL server, with database import/export wizard, using script language, or using XQuery or XPath and changing to CSV format and an automatic XML to database converter.
An XML file is a widely used format to store and exchange structured data. And working with files is a challenging task, especially when users want to search, analyzes and reuse data frequently. And most of the users eventually look for a way to store XML in database formats, because it provides better performance, structured storage, and easier querying compared to standalone XML files.
Converting XML to database format is not an easy task for anyone, because XML uses a hierarchical structure to store data, while databases use tables, rows, and relationships. And this structural difference creates confusion and errors while performing XML to database conversion manually.
And this is the main reason why users search for a reliable method to convert XML to database without losing data, breaking relationships, or spending excessive time on technical work.
This guide is going to explain how to store XML in database, challenges, and possible manual and automated techniques. You can choose an appropriate solution according to your data size, complexity, and technical comfort level.
Common Problems While Storing XML in Database
Before knowing the methods, let’s find out what kind of problems users face while storing XML file data in a database manually.
- XML file contains nested tags and elements that don’t fit into the table easily.
- Attributes and child nodes will be ignored during the import process.
- A large XML file will take time to open, or fail to load, or partially convert.
- Manual mapping between XML and database fields will be time-consuming.
- Data relationships will be broken during the conversion.
We have explained all the challenges before choosing any manual method, so that users know which method will be the best technique to store XML in database format. So, let’s start with the techniques.
How to Convert XML to Database Format?
You can store XML in database format using SQL Server XML feature, using SQL Server XML data type, using database import/export wizard, with scripting languages, convert XML to CSV format, using XQuery or XPath, and an automatic XML to database converter to import nested and complex structure XML files into databases easily. Let’s start each method one by one:
Quick Suggestion for Nested & Large XML Files
If you don’t want to face the mentioned challenges or have nested and complex structured XML files, then you should use the SysTools XML Converter Tool to store XML in database format. This is the only software in the market that offers database saving formats like JSON, SQL Script, DBF, ACCDB, MDB, and other document formats as well. It can easily load large, nested, complex, invalid, and multiple XML files at the same time without limitations or errors.
Method 1: Store XML in Database Using SQL Server
This method is used to store XML directly inside a database column.
- Firstly, create a database table with an XML column.
- Now use BULK INSERT or OPENROWSET to load XML file data.
- Next, store the XML file content as a single XML field.
- After that, use the XQuery or XPath to extract values when needed.
- Queries can take time for large files.
- Not ideal for reporting or analytics.
- XML remains semi-structured to convert XML to database.
Method 2: Using Database Import / Export Wizard
Most of the databases provide built-in options to import XML into database formats.
- Open the database import/export wizard.
- Choose the XML file as your source file.
- Select the destination database and table.
- Now allow the wizard for auto-generating table structure.
- Finally, complete the import process to store XML in database.
- This technique doesn’t provide full control for field mapping.
- Doesn’t support nested XML files or fails to load data.
- The data flattening process may cause loss.
Method 3: Using Scripting Languages (Python, Java, PHP)
If you know coding, then this will be a good option for you to convert XML to database. This technique gives you full control:
- Firstly, you have to load your XML file using a parser library like DOM, SAX, or ElementTree.
- Now analyze the XML structure and nodes.
- Now you have to create database tables.
- Next, map the XML file elements into table columns.
- Finally, insert data into the database using SQL queries.
- Not a suitable technique for large XML files.
- Not easy to maintain changes in the XML file.
- A high development effort is required to store XML in database.
Method 4: Using XQuery or XPath Inside Databases
- Firstly, store your XML file in an XML-type column.
- Next, write XQuery/XPath expressions.
- Extract required and important values from XML.
- Finally, insert extracted data into relational tables.
- Not supporting large XML files.
- Complex query writing.
- Also, strong database expertise is required.
Method 5: Store XML in Database by Changing into CSV
Many databases use CSV format to import data, and also, it’s a basic and simple technique for non-technical users as well:
- Open the Excel application.
- Head to the “File” >> “Open” icon.
- Browse and select your XML file.
- Choose the “Open” button.
- A prompt will appear >> choose “XML Table” and “OK” icon.
- Now Excel will map XML elements into columns.
- Next, save file as “CSV” from “File” >> “Save As” options.
- After that, review and clean the CSV data.
- Now creates a database table manually.
- And finally, import the CSV file into the database to convert XML to database.
- Hierarchical structure is lost or not maintained.
- Not easy to flatten nested XML files.
- Contains a high risk of incorrect mapping.
Method 6: Automated XML to Database Converter
If you want to convert XML to database format without any drawbacks and limitations, then the mentioned tool is the possible and best way to store XML in database format. Because this is the only way to parse XML file and convert it into a readable format. These are the reasons why users should go for this automated XML to database converter:
- Provides direct conversion of XML into database-compatible formats.
- XML to database converter reads and interprets XML structure without manual schema creation.
- Easily convert hierarchical XML data into structured tables smoothly.
- XML to DB converter maintains the parent and child relationships during conversion.
- It can easily handle large, nested, and invalid XML files without having file size limitations.
- Also, it preserves XML elements, attributes, and values accurately.
- Prevents data loss caused by flattening issues.
- The XML to database converter ensures correct column mapping from XML nodes.
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How to Store XML in Database Easily? Tool’s Steps
- Download the XML to database converter and install it on your system properly.
- Now you have to load your XML file using the “Add Files/Folders” options.
- Locate the destination to import your XML file using the “Open” icon.
- After successfully adding your file, choose the “Next” button.
- Next, choose any database format as per your choice and browse the location using the “Change” icon.
- Select the “Export” button to convert XML to database format, and after completing the procedure, choose the “OK” icon.
Final Words
If you are also one of those who want to store XML in database, then this is the perfect blog to resolve your query. Here we have explained the techniques to convert XML to database formats using SQL Server XML data type, using database import/export wizard, with scripting languages, changing into CSV format, using XQuery or XPath, and inside databases.
If you face any challenge with manual techniques, then go for the XML to database converter tool. This is the first and only offline software that allows you to convert into database formats without losing data and elements.