XML Log Files

Using live, eXtensible storage

[NetGrease]

I am considering using a hybrid of my PHP tracking script [webmasterworld.com] to insert captured data into an XML tree.

Reasons For
1) Exstensible - should the spec change or alter, the data needn't be lost.
2) Live, tree-based display - this will allow external clients to view our server activity instantaneously.

Reasons Against
1) a. Server load - I've no idea how well-optimised XML is for this kind of activity.
b. Hectic usage - the requests on the XML file would be very, very high.

So that's the for and against arguments. If anyone could enlighten me as to whether or not XML would be suited to this usage, I'd greatly appreciate their feedback.

[grnidone]

I think this thread didn't get answered because we currently have only one Mod who is *really* good with XML. I am kicking to the top, so, hopefully someone can give you some information.

[NetGrease]

Much obliged.

I'd really appreciate any sort of input on this. Ball park figure for access is around 1,000 sessions on an average-to-good day. SQL is holding up fine at the moment, but I'd much rather use XML and the inherent grouping it offers; I've already completed the template, I'd just like to know if it's worth using for this purpose...

[Brett_Tabke]

I can see pro's and cons. The pro is future compatibility as more and more aps use xml. The cons are that it will require more storage space and potentially increased processing overhead.