gtpx1m0dXML User's Guide

DOM versus SAX

The DOM and SAX APIs can each parse documents efficiently given appropriate conditions. The following table summarizes and compares the characteristics of the DOM API with those of the SAX API:

Table 2. Comparing the DOM API with the SAX API

  DOM SAX
Type of Interface Object-based Event-based
Object Model Created automatically Must be created by application
Element Sequencing 1 Preserved Ignored in favor of single events
Use of TPF Memory Higher Lower
Speed of Initial Data Retrieval Slower Faster
Stored Information Better for complex structures Better for simple structures
Validation Optional Optional
Ability to Update XML Document Yes (in memory) No

Notes:

  1. Element sequencing refers to the ability of the API to remember the order of the elements. DOM can traverse the tree structure in memory; SAX locates a specific element and ignores the surrounding elements.

For more detailed information about the two APIs, go to DOM or SAX.