Doubt on xml..

Question

I am using apex.. and fetchiNG data in xml format..
Now in plsql ..There are functions ..like extract which can be used to extract the values..
But i find it difficult to understand
since i find making a function which shall use substring and instr to find the value .. .
Wait let me show you the example of xml..data
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="WINDOWS-1252"?>
<CraftyResponse>
<address_data_paf_compact>
<thoroughfare_count>1</thoroughfare_count>
<thoroughfare>
<delivery_point_count>5</delivery_point_count>
<delivery_point>
*<organisation_name>THE BAKERY</organisation_name>*
<department_name/>
<po_box_number/>
<building_number>1</building_number>
<sub_building_name/>
<building_name/>
<udprn>12345678</udprn>
</delivery_point>
<delivery_point>
*<organisation_name>FILMS R US</organisation_name>*
<department_name/>
<po_box_number/>
<building_number>3</building_number>
<sub_building_name/>
<building_name/>
<udprn>12345679</udprn>
</delivery_point>
<delivery_point>
*<organisation_name>FAMILY BUTCHER</organisation_name>*
<department_name/>
<po_box_number/>
<building_number>7</building_number>
<sub_building_name/>
<building_name/>
<udprn>12345680</udprn>
</delivery_point>
<delivery_point>
<organisation_name/>
<department_name/>
<po_box_number/>
<building_number/>
<sub_building_name/>
<building_name>BIG HOUSE</building_name>
<udprn>12345681</udprn>
</delivery_point>
<delivery_point>
<organisation_name/>
<department_name/>
<po_box_number/>
<building_number>17</building_number>
<sub_building_name/>
<building_name>LITTLE COTTAGE</building_name>
<udprn>12345682</udprn>
</delivery_point>
<dependent_thoroughfare_name/>
<dependent_thoroughfare_descriptor/>
<thoroughfare_name>HIGH</thoroughfare_name>
<thoroughfare_descriptor>STREET</thoroughfare_descriptor>
</thoroughfare>
<double_dependent_locality/>
<dependent_locality>CRAFTY VALLEY</dependent_locality>
<town>BIG CITY</town>
<postal_county>POSTAL COUNTY</postal_county>
<traditional_county>TRADITIONAL COUNTY</traditional_county>
<postcode>AA1 1AA</postcode>
</address_data_paf_compact>
</CraftyResponse>
Now how do i extract values of town, postal_country building_name,
I know we can use extract to get the result ..But how exactly to use  extract here I dotn know..
The other method is a easier method.. which involves creating your own function which uses substr ..and instr
It shal lsearch for <organisation_name> and find the orgonizatio..
I dont know which approch is betTER .. I find making my own customised function a easier and better way..
But any one has idea on extract function ..please let me know..
Any information shall be appreciated
Thanks

Answer 1

No Database Version specified. Anyway take a look at http://docs.oracle.com/cd/E11882_01/server.112/e26088/functions253.htm#SQLRF06232
Maybe peeking into XML_DB Forum FAQ would give you the answer you're looking for. {forum:id=34}
Regards
Etbin