XQuery Selecting and Filtering

We will use the "books.xml" document in the examples below (same XML file as in the previous chapters)

The XML Example Document

We will use the "books.xml" document in the examples below (same XML file as in the previous chapters).

Selecting and Filtering Elements

As we have seen in the previous chapters, we are selecting and filtering elements with either a Path expression or with a FLWOR expression.

Look at the following FLWOR expression:

for $x in doc("books.xml")/bookstore/book
where $x/price>30
order by $x/title
return $x/title
  • for - (optional) binds a variable to each item returned by the in expression
  • let - (optional)
  • where - (optional) specifies a criteria
  • order by - (optional) specifies the sort-order of the result
  • return - specifies what to return in the result
  • The for Clause

    The for clause binds a variable to each item returned by the in expression. The for clause results in iteration. There can be multiple for clauses in the same FLWOR expression.

    To loop a specific number of times in a for clause, you may use the to keyword:

    for $x in (1 to 5)
    return <test>{$x}</test>

    Result:

    <test>1</test>
    <test>2</test>
    <test>3</test>
    <test>4</test>
    <test>5</test>

    The at keyword can be used to count the iteration:

    for $x at $i in doc("books.xml")/bookstore/book/title
    return <book>{$i}. {data($x)}</book>

    Result:

    <book>1. Everyday Italian</book>
    <book>2. Harry Potter</book>
    <book>3. XQuery Kick Start</book>
    <book>4. Learning XML</book>

    It is also allowed with more than one in expression in the for clause. Use comma to separate each in expression:

    for $x in (10,20), $y in (100,200)
    return <test>x={$x} and y={$y}</test>

    Result:

    <test>x=10 and y=100</test>
    <test>x=10 and y=200</test>
    <test>x=20 and y=100</test>
    <test>x=20 and y=200</test>

    The let Clause

    The let clause allows variable assignments and it avoids repeating the same expression many times. The let clause does not result in iteration.

    let $x := (1 to 5)
    return <test>{$x}</test>

    Result:

    <test>1 2 3 4 5</test>

    The where Clause

    The where clause is used to specify one or more criteria for the result:

    where $x/price>30 and $x/price<100

    The order by Clause

    The order by clause is used to specify the sort order of the result. Here we want to order the result by category and title:

    for $x in doc("books.xml")/bookstore/book
    order by $x/@category, $x/title
    return $x/title

    Result:

    <title lang="en">Harry Potter</title>
    <title lang="en">Everyday Italian</title>
    <title lang="en">Learning XML</title>
    <title lang="en">XQuery Kick Start</title>

    The return Clause

    The return clause specifies what is to be returned.

    for $x in doc("books.xml")/bookstore/book
    return $x/title

    Result:

    <title lang="en">Everyday Italian</title>
    <title lang="en">Harry Potter</title>
    <title lang="en">XQuery Kick Start</title>
    <title lang="en">Learning XML</title>