User defined data elements

[Joe C]

I'm working on an application where the user would like the capability
of creating new data elements, enter a value, and store the
information on a database for latter retrieval. I was thinking about
storing the user defined data elements and values as an xml record on
an Oracle 8i database; but, would like to know if anyone has
implemented something similar and what approach was taken. Also, if
stored as an xml record would there be a way to query the information
using a Select statement ?

[Mark D Powell]

jo***********@eds.com (Joe C) wrote in message news:<6a**************************@posting.google. com>...

I'm working on an application where the user would like the capability
of creating new data elements, enter a value, and store the
information on a database for latter retrieval. I was thinking about
storing the user defined data elements and values as an xml record on
an Oracle 8i database; but, would like to know if anyone has
implemented something similar and what approach was taken. Also, if
stored as an xml record would there be a way to query the information
using a Select statement ?

There are many vendor packages that allow local users to create
additional columns in the db. The products normally do this by using
already existing but spare varchar2 columns created on the underlying
application tables and storeing information about these column uses in
a product dictionary. The MAXIMO product is one such example.

Just another idea for you to consider.
-- Mark D Powell --