2008.3

Microsoft introduced XML functionality with SQL Server 2000.   Unfortunately,  the implementation was less than ideal.  However, Microsoft redeemed themselves in SQL Server 2005 with the introduction of the native XML data type and many other XML enhancements.  The XML capabilities are quiet extensive in SQL Server 2005 and are further enhanced in SQL Server 2008.  In fact, the offerings are so extensive that some developers have stayed away from the whole set  of XML functionality because they just couldn't figure out where to begin and  what could be useful.  If this sounds like you then this presentation is for you.  The "Practical Guide to XML for SQL Server" seeks to address the vast complexity of the XML feature set for SQL Server by providing a practical  guide to the key features that are accessible from T-SQL.  The XML features covered in this practical guide are targeted at SQL Server 2005.  However, this knowledge is portable to SQL Server 2008 and in some cases to SQL Server 2000.  The presentation will begin with a novice’s introduction to XML, XPATH, and XQUERY, which are useful independent of SQL  Server, plus a quick overview of the XML feature set in SQL Server.  The bulk  of the presentation will be dedicated to the practical use and handling of XML  in T-SQL while avoiding some of the pitfalls. It will  include building queries that  return XML, writing queries that use XML data, and manipulating XML Data with XML DML.  This presentation will be beneficial to all T-SQL developers at any level even if XML isn't used in their database or application currently.  Come  see why the XML features of SQL Server are a terrific asset in the T-SQL  Developers toolbox.

Joshua Lynn started programming databases when he was 14 years old.  Professionally, Joshua has 17 years of IT consulting experience specializing in database design, development and performance enhancement.  Though his career he has lead IT and development teams in projects ranging from COLO fit-outs to full n-tier application development on the various incarnations of the Microsoft Platform.  His experience with SQL server goes back to version 6.5 where he thought triggers were real neat. Currently he is working on SQL server 2K5 projects and believes CTEs have enhanced the quality of his professional life.  Surprisingly Joshua's educational background is in Mechanical engineering and has no formal training in what he does for a living but does maintain an unusual passion for SQL and high performance database query algorithms. In his spare time he mentors high school students in building and programming robots for the FIRST Robotics Challenge an international completion with over 1500 teams and 35K students. Additionally Mr. Lynn is an advocate for Deadlock victims’ rights.