Semantic XPath query transformation: Opportunities and performance

Abstract

In this paper we identify the opportunities for the semantic transformation of XPath queries using the structural and explicit semantics defined in an XML schema. Our classification of transformation is the semantic path expression where a path can be semantically contracted, expanded or complemented. Among several applications of such transformations, an obvious one is the semantic optimization of XPath queries. The transformation is likely to result in an improved response time for a given system. We empirically evaluate the gain or loss of performance of the identified transformations with two representative off-the-shelf XML data management systems and XPath query processors. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2007.