The latest release of PostgreSQL contains a host of new features for advanced database design. Here’s an introduction to some of the best. Also, based on the ubiquitous Berkeley DB, Berkeley DB XML is a new database that stores, retrieves, indexes, and searches XML documents. Better yet, you can embed Berkeley BD XML in almost any application. Roll up your sleeves for this hands-on introduction.
PostgreSQL 7.4 and Berkeley DB XML Basics
About The Author
Eugenia Loli
Ex-programmer, ex-editor in chief at OSNews.com, now a visual artist/filmmaker.
Follow me on Twitter @EugeniaLoli
It’s nice to see articles about PostgreSQL because it usually is rare to find articles about PostgreSQL. I hope people would write more articles on PostgreSQL.
Note that you can mount your dbxml files with libferris. Nothing like ls,cp,rm,cating your XML files from within the dbxml database.
For more information see:
http://www.xml.com/pub/a/2004/03/31/ferris.html
The article mentions a bit about 7.5, which will be released in 1-2 months. If 7.4 is a “performance/optimization release”, 7.5 will be a “new feature release”, introducing several exciting and long-awaited features:
1. 2-phase commit. This might not make it to 7.5, probably 50 : 50 chance, due to the 2PC developer’s busy schedule.
2. nested transaction. This probably will make it to 7.5. But because this feature is new, and there are still some issues left with interaction with the other subsystems, don’t expect to use this feature in production environment yet.
3. Native Windows port. Yup, no more Cygwin, people. The Windows port will be a multiprocess (i.e. not-threaded) backend. This should also be considered alpha quality.
4. autovacuum, slony-1, PITR. These will probably make it to 7.5.
Can’t wait for 7.5.
On the other hand, it’s sad to see that MySQL’s development pace seems to slow down a bit. Biggie features like views, stored procedures, etc. aren’t there/usable yet. It’s been years since they were promised.
I would like Java support for writing server side functions (like pgplsql or pltclu, …) Would be nice to be able to link Java libraries into my DB.
Second thing would be extensive XML support. I think on SQL Server there’s an option in Select statements to add an ” as XML” clause. Would be a nice feature too.