Node Labeling Schemes in XML Query Optimization: A Survey and Trends

Abstract

With the rapid emergence of XML as a data exchange and data transfer medium over the Web, querying XML data has become a major concern. Labeling schemes have been developed to optimize query retrieval, since they provide a quick way to determine the type of relationships that are present among the nodes. In this paper, we analyze how each approach works, as well as its advantages and disadvantages. In addition, we discuss some of the current trends in labeling methods, which indicate a clear shift towards hybrid approaches. Hybrid systems open the possibility of balancing one technology’s weakness with another technology’s strengths.