Relational Databases 101—Using the xml Datatype

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Using the xml Datatype

For the first time, SQL Server 2005 introduces the new xml datatype. This means you're going to be able to store XML data in your table's column(s). Because xml is a "real" built-in type, you'll be able to use it when creating a table as a variable type, a parameter type, or a function return type. You'll also be able to use it in CAST or CONVERT. That said, I need to discuss where it makes sense to use xml typed data columns or xml typed arguments. One interesting use would permit you to pass lists of values to be used in an IN expression. Yes, you would need to write a function to convert this to a table-type variable.