XML
Embedding Binary Data in XML With Base64 and When Not To
XML cannot hold raw bytes. Base64 adds 33 percent, hex adds 100 percent, and both cost memory. Measured sizes, the schema type, and the alternatives.
6 min read
Topic
Data Modeling
Schemas that age well: keys, normalization, constraints and the shortcuts you will regret in a year.
XML
Modeling Lists and Optional Data in XML Without Surprises
Wrapper elements, empty versus absent versus nil, and the one-item list trap when XML becomes JSON, all demonstrated with real parser output.
6 min read
XML
Versioning an XML Format Without Breaking Existing Readers
Version attribute or new namespace? Test results show how strict schemas reject added elements and how an extension point lets old readers keep working.
6 min read
XML
When XML Attributes Are the Better Choice Over Elements
Attributes suit short identifying values, elements suit everything with structure or long text. A test of the whitespace and ordering rules shows why.
6 min read
XML
Choosing XML Element Names and Casing That Hold Up
XML names are case sensitive and follow strict character rules. Compare camelCase, snake_case and kebab-case for elements, with the rules that decide.
5 min read
XMLGuide
Designing XML Documents That Age Well From Day One
A practical guide to XML format design: names, attributes, lists, optional data, binary, namespaces and versions, with a tested worked example.
19 min read
JSON
When JSONB Is the Wrong Choice and Typed Columns Win
Signs that a PostgreSQL JSONB column should be real columns, what the workarounds cost, and a step-by-step migration that keeps the data and adds constraints.
8 min read
XML
Choosing Between XSD RELAX NG and Schematron for XML Checks
The same order checked three ways: XSD and RELAX NG passed a wrong total and a negative price, Schematron caught both, only RELAX NG took reordered children.
7 min read
XML
Writing a Basic XSD Schema That Rejects Bad Orders
Build an XSD for an orders file step by step: sequence, pattern, enumeration, optional elements, required attributes and a decimal with attributes.
7 min read
XMLGuide
Validating XML Against an XSD Schema Step by Step Guide
How to check XML files against an XSD: write the schema, run xmllint and lxml, read the errors, add Schematron for business rules, and test changes safely.
18 min read
XML
Should You Store XML in a Database Column or Shred It
Store XML whole, shred it into tables, or both? What each engine keeps and loses, what validation you get, and what it costs on 200,000 documents.
7 min read
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