Xml Database Engines

XML databases lie at the conjunction of two disparate themes and have to address issues related to both. On one hand there is the traditional database field of structured data, query languages, algebras, logical and physical plans while on the other hand is the new standard of the eXtensible Markup Language (XML) for storing and disseminating semi-structured data over the web. This paper focuses on issues involved in implementing the query engine for a native XML database. The issues of data storage, indexing, and query evaluation are discussed in relation to existing XML database systems such as Lore, XSet, and QuiXote. The query engine of MMXDB, a main memory XML database system being developed by us is also described. iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Graduating with a Master's degree in any subject is a non-trivial task, but, a degree in Computer Science tops the charts. I would like to thank some of the people who helped me attain this goal. Dr J. Miller, my major professor, was always approachable, helpful, and insightful. I marvel at his patience in dealing with his students and his dedication to us. I would like to thank Dr Arabnia for his help in the early stages of my work at Computer Science. His support in that crucial time proved to be a source of inspiration. In addition, reaching my goal has a lot to do with attending Dr. Everett's class on data structures which laid the foundations for my programming skills. Dr. Everett has been a friend and a teacher, which is rare. I would like to thank my friend and co-student in this study, Maria. She helped me by constantly providing encouragement and urging me to focus on the big issues so that I did not get lost in trivialities. I would most certainly have given up fairly early in my quest had it not been for the unending support of my wife, Garima. Thank you for being patient and for all those hours of sacrifice.