Chapter 7 - Creating an XML.NET Guestbook

Abstract

Several guest books are already available online for download, but most require either a Microsoft Access database or an SQL Server database for storing the guest book entries and other information pertinent to that guestbook. Even though System.Data is viewed more or less as a method of working with traditional database connections, such as a SQL database or an Access database, it can also work with XML data, provided the XML has an inline schema that it can match the data against. XML and ASP.NET can work together in a variety of ways: from simple reading and writing, to proper design and look. Using a combination of both the System.Data namespace and the ASP server objects, a single-line parsing.aspx page or a more robust page with tables, rows, columns, and different colors and graphics can be created. In order to achieve the best performance available, the System.Data namespace requires an inline schema within the XML file, which the System.Data namespace can reference against, when reading or writing XML. ASP server objects themselves as very flexible in that they can be standalone and provide an area to insert inline ASPX code.