Capabilities of XML in data interchange and presentation: which statement correctly reflects what XML enables?

Introduction / Context:
XML is hierarchical and flexible, supporting multiple nested paths and complex structures. When mapping XML to views or generating XML from data, understanding these capabilities prevents overly restrictive assumptions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• XML views can expose multiple hierarchical paths.
• Generation and extraction can work in both directions (database ↔ XML) with appropriate tools.
• Statements that claim “only” one direction are overly restrictive.

Concept / Approach:
The correct statement is that XML views are not constrained to a single multi-valued path; XML can naturally represent and query multiple repeating structures. Claims that XML documents can be generated only from database data or that database data can be extracted only from XML are false, because both directions are common and supported.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
ETL tools, XSLT, XQuery, SQL/XML, and vendor-specific features (e.g., FOR XML / OPENXML) demonstrate both generation and shredding of XML, and support multiple hierarchical paths.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• (b) and (c): The “only” qualifier is incorrect; XML is used with many sources/targets.
• (d): Since (b) and (c) are false, not all are true.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming a relational mindset where a view must follow a single repeating path; XML can represent multiple independent lists under a root.

Final Answer:
Views are not limited to one multi-valued path only.