Convert flat file to XML document and store into Oracle database

Question

First:
I have a flatfile and created external table to read that file in Oracle
Now I want to create an XML document for each row and insert into Oracle database, I think that XMLtype.
Could you please provide me some information/steps.
Second:
Is there performance issues, because everyday I need to check that XML document stored in the database against the in coming file.
Thank You.

Answer 1

Oracle 11g R2 Sun Solaris
Flat file is | (pipe delimited), so I did create an EXTERNAL Table
row1     a|1|2|3|4
row2     b|2|3|4|5
row3     c|6|7|8|9
I want to store each record as XML document. So it will be easy to compare with next day's load and make insert or update.
The reason is:
     First day the file comes with 5 columns
     after some days, the file may carry on some additional columns more than 5
     In this case I do not want to alter table to capture those values, if I use XML than I can capture any number of columns, CORRECT!. Please make me correct If I am wrong.
     This is the only reason to try to use the XMLType (XML Document)
     On Everyday load we will be matching these XML documents and update it if there is any column's value changes
daily average load will be 10 millions and initial setup will be 60-80 millions
     Do I have anyother option to capture the new values without altering the table.
Please advise!.