How to import XML data in SQL Server

In order to import XML data in SQL Server, you can use the BULK keyword with OPENROWSET

Let us explore how to import XML data with an example.

Step 1: Create an independent sample table in the Northwind database or any db of your choice :

USE NORTHWIND
CREATE TABLE CustomerDiscount (ID int NOT NULL, Discount xml)
GO

Step 2: Now create a XML file and save it on your disk. We will call the file 'sample.xml' and save it in C:\

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<Customers>
<Customer ID="1">
<Discount>20</Discount>
</Customer>
</Customers>

Step 3: Let us now import the xml data from C:\sample.xml into our newly created table 'CustomerDiscount'

INSERT INTO CustomerDiscount(ID, Discount)
SELECT 1, Disc
FROM
(
SELECT * FROM OPENROWSET(BULK 'c:\sample.xml',SINGLE_BLOB) as Disc
) AS ImportXML (Disc)

Note: Do not forget to specify the UTF-8 encoding scheme in the XML file.