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Query Challenge is a way to learn XML and query language (related to DB2) and to put the knowledge into practice. Having had a preliminary understanding of XML and DB2 through the Quick Quiz, your next challenge is to apply the knowledge to real life through writing queries to find multiple choice answers in an XML version of CIA World Factbook.

Prizes will be given to winners at both the country and ASEAN level.

Disclaimer:
The data is derived from an XML version of the CIA World Factbook by automated content extraction. The data is neither guaranteed to be accurate nor complete. Not all countries are represented in the data set, only IBM countries as per the official IBM country list.

More information on The World Factbook and a free download is available at https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook.


Rules & Regulations

•  This contest is opened to both students and professional developers.
  
•  This contest consists of five randomly-selected SQL/pureXML query questions which will be generated accordingly for the two categories: Students and Professional Developers.
  
•  Any logged in member who has completed the Quick Quiz may enter this contest.
  
•  Each participant is only allowed to enter this contest once.
  
•  Contestants will have to follow the below instructions before starting the challenge in order to answer the questions.
 
1.  To practice and test your queries, you may either use the online DB2 Query Console – http://db2xmlcontest.morphexchange.com/ or download and install DB2 Express-C on your local machine.
2.Download the contest package.
3.Follow the steps in the contest document.
  
•  Contestants are encouraged to access any resources on the contest website, developerWorks website (www.ibm.com/developerWorks) or any IBM website to complete the queries.
  
• Contestants have 48 hours (which will be timed by an online time counter) to provide the answers and have them submitted.
  
• Contestants are allowed to leave the site during the 48 hours interim but will have to save a draft of the answers in order to return to the page with the same questions and answers before leaving the contest site. Upon leaving the site, the time counter will be paused. Upon returning to the page, the time counter will resume.
  
• Contestants are given three attempts to complete this contest, under the condition that answers are not submitted within 48 hours.
  
• Closing date for Query Challenge is 28 February 2009.



Winners

•  Grading will be automated and is based on the number of correct answers, followed by a manual analysis of query quality and efficiency for the queries submitted.
  
•  There will be one winner each for the student and professional developer categories at the country level. There will be one winner at the ASEAN level.
  
•  Winners will be announced on the contest site in March/April 2009.