Can a SQL dog learn a new trick?

Ok, I admit it. I'm a relational guy. SQL is my language of choice - the old standby that does it all, why would I need more?!?

Another tool in my toolbox you say? Something for when SQL is not enough or I want to do more? The world isn't all rows and columns you say? Hmm.....I do like getting new tools. Perhaps I should learn some of this XML and XQuery hierarchal stuff - it could come in handy, no? Well where does an old SQL dog like me start?

First, you need some really smart friends who know this stuff already and are willing to share. Not someone who will share as an I-know-more-than-you guy, but someone who will share as a this-is-really-cool-technology-you-should-know guy. Otherwise you can start to head down a path and with nobody to help you sort it out you could get discouraged and quit - leaving you with no new tools. It just so happens that we have some guys here that know a thing or two about this XML and XQuery stuff and are willing to share and teach us SQL dogs some new tricks! wOOt!

Marc and Minollo are my friends that I'm talking about and they're starting a new series, "XQuery for the SQL Programmer" and I for one plan to follow it. Who knows, it may come in handy when we start to work with the SQLXML types in JDBC 4.0...........

See you there!