Chapter 5: Generating Database Forms


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Introduction

Nobody would question that the success of XML is based on its simplicity and flexibility. These two advantages have given enterprises the choice of deploying XML solutions designed for human- and system-based consumers. The document- centric approach focuses on using XML to create a semi-structured set of documents that present irregular content designed for human consumption. Data consumer-using tools like InfoPath and XHTML can read and interact with these types of documents. The data-centric approach focuses on using XML as a structured interchange language between machines or processes. Data is converted into XML and transported over a network connection as a SOAP message where a host system receives and then acts on the request.

Both types of implementation start and end with the data being stored in a relational database. A wide variety of tools that enable database access and retrieval using XML are available. These tools enable a sophisticated storage and retrieval of either structured or unstructured data. Even with the success of XML, the relational database is still the main repository for enterprise data. From large-scale enterprise solutions that reside in SQL Server to smaller departmental applications that use Microsoft Access, a tremendous amount of information is contained within these data stores. InfoPath enables access and visibility into the data stored in both SQL Server and Microsoft Access as a data source that enables the development of rapid forms-based applications. This chapter covers InfoPath development of applications using a database as the source of forms-based applications.




Programming Microsoft Infopath. A Developers Guide
Programming Microsoft Infopath: A Developers Guide
ISBN: 1584504536
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2006
Pages: 111
Authors: Thom Robbins

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