XQuery (XML Query) is a query and functional programming language that queries and transforms collections of structured and ... XQuery is a functional query language designed for querying XML data. It allows you to extract, manipulate, and transform XML documents, making it a powerful tool for working with XML databases and data interchange. Key Features of XQuery XML Data Manipulation: XQuery can navigate and transform XML structures easily, allowing you to extract specific data or create new XML structures. XPath Integration: XQuery is built on XPath, which allows for sophisticated querying of XML elements and attributes. Functions and Expressions: It supports a rich set of built-in functions for string manipulation, date handling, and more. Modular Programming: You can define and reuse functions within your queries, promoting modularity and clarity. Data Transformation: XQuery can transform XML documents into different formats, including other XML structures, HTML, or plain text. Basic Syntax Here's a simple example of an XQuery expression: xquery Copy for $book in doc("books.xml")/library/book returnCommon Use Cases Data Extraction: Retrieve specific elements or attributes from XML documents. Data Transformation: Convert XML data into other formats or structures. Aggregation: Perform calculations or summarize data from XML. Resources for Learning XQuery Official Specifications: Check the W3C XQuery specifications for detailed technical information. Tutorials and Guides: Online resources and books on XQuery can help you understand its syntax and features. Practice: Experiment with XQuery using XML databases like BaseX, eXist-db, or Saxon. Conclusion XQuery is a versatile language for anyone working with XML data, offering powerful querying and transformation capabilities. Whether you're managing XML databases or processing data interchange formats, XQuery can significantly enhance your workflow.