158 Chapter 4 " Using XML in the .NET Framework Q: Does it matter which XML classes I use in my project? A:  Yes.You should always use the classes that are most relevant to the problem at hand. If you need to access relational data in XML format, use the XmlDataDocument  class. If you need a simple forward-only, cursor-like access to your XML data, use the XmlTextReader to get your XML data. Q: Im having trouble figuring out when to use XML in my project; where should I use it? A:  XML should be used when the best solution is to use XML.That is vague, but, overall, XML should be used when you need a textual representation of your data.This can include any number of things, including the data store for an address book or when you need to share information between applications. Q: Who should define my XML data format? A:  That is completely up to the developer who is working on the application. There are a number of XML standards already created for various business types. More information can be found at www.oasis-open.org/. Q: When working with the System.Xml classes, should I stick to the DOM-com- pliant methods and properties, or should I use everything available to me? A:  It is important to understand what methods and properties are DOM com- pliant if you ever plan to switch to another XML parser. However, using the additional functionality provided by the System.Xml classes shouldnt hinder you too much if you do switch if you already understand what youre using that isnt DOM compliant. www.syngress.com Frequently Asked Questions The following Frequently Asked Questions, answered by the authors of this book, are  designed  to  both  measure  your  understanding  of  the  concepts  presented  in this chapter and to assist you with real-life implementation of these concepts. To have  your  questions  about  this  chapter  answered  by  the  author,  browse  to www.syngress.com/solutions and click on the Ask the Author form. 155_xml_net_pd_C04.qk  3/6/02  1:57 PM  Page 158