5
Using Advanced XML APIs 5-1
5
Using Advanced XML APIs
The following sections provide information about using advanced XML APIs:
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Section 5.1, Using the Java API for XML Registries JAXR API
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Section 5.2, Using the WebLogic XPath API
5.1 Using the Java API for XML Registries JAXR API
The Java API for XML Registries JAXR API, at http:java.sun.comxmljaxrindex.jsp
, provides a uniform and standard Java API for accessing different kinds of registries, in particular XML registries used in
Web Service applications. At an abstract level, a registry is a neutral third party that helps facilitate the
collaboration between two parties that are engaged in a partnership. The registry is available to the two parties as a shared resource, typically in the form of a Web-based
resource. A registry is a key component in any Web Services architecture because it provides the ability for parties to publish, discover, and use Web Services.
Registries provide the following functionality:
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Electronic Yellow Pages A registry can provide an independent online information exchange service that
allows Web Service providers to advertise their product and Web Service consumers to discover these products.
The registry can classify these Web Services in arbitrary and flexible ways, such as the industry it belongs to, its geographic location, the product it sells, and so on.
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Database of Relatively Static Data A registry stores data and meta-data, similar to a database. The type of data it
stores include:
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Collaborative business process descriptions that describe in XML format a specific business protocol.
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Parties in a collaborative business process.
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XML Schemas that describe the XML documents exchanged during a collaborative business process.
Essentially, the registry allows applications to store relatively static data reliably and to share it easily with other applications.
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A registry also provides a way to exchange dynamic content between parties, such as price changes, discounts, promotions, and so on.
5-2 Programming XML for Oracle WebLogic Server
WebLogic Server provides a full implementation of the JAXR specification. Using the JAXR API, you can create JAXR clients that access a registry, or you can create a
registry yourself.
For more information on using the JAXR API, see the Java Web Services http:java.sun.comxmljaxrindex.jsp
Web site.
5.2 Using the WebLogic XPath API
