eXist-db is a native XML database management system and application platform designed for storing, processing and querying structured documents. It retains the hierarchical structure of XML rather than requiring documents to be converted into relational tables.
The database is particularly suited to applications where XML is the principal data format. Common uses include digital archives, publishing systems, document management and research collections containing extensive structured information.
XQuery provides the main interface for working with stored content. Developers can search document collections, manipulate XML nodes and build application logic using the same technologies employed to describe the data.
eXist-db also provides tools for developing web applications around its database engine. HTTP services can be created directly from XQuery code, allowing the database to function as both a content store and an application backend.
Documents can be organised into collections with access restrictions and indexing rules. The database also supports non-XML resources, enabling applications to manage related files alongside their structured documents.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Native XML document storage with hierarchical collections.
- XQuery processing and XPath navigation.
- XQuery Update facilities for modifying documents.
- Configurable range indexes and Lucene-based full-text search.
- Keyword searching, indexed fields and faceted queries.
- XSLT processing for document transformation.
- REST and RESTXQ interfaces for HTTP services.
- Browser-based development tools for editing XQuery code.
- Application packaging using EXPath packages.
- User and group permissions with access control lists.
- External authentication integration, including LDAP.
- Database triggers and scheduled jobs.
- Optional document versioning facilities.
- Storage of binary and other non-XML resources.
- Cross-platform support – runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Website: www.exist-db.org
Support:
Developer: Pierrick Brihayne, Leif-Jöran Olsson, Adam Retter, Dmitriy Shabanov, Dannes Wessels and contributors
License: GNU Lesser General Public License v2.1
eXist-db is written in Java. Learn Java with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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