SQL Server FOR XML Enclosing Element?

Question

Using SQL Server 2008, I have a query that emits a result set using FOR XML. Right now it is a non-compliant fragment.

How can I wrap my result XML in an enclosing e

Answer 1

It is not possible to have the xml processing instruction in a xml datatype in sql server. See Limitations of the xml Data Type

This code

declare @XML xml =  
  '
   Value'

select @XML

Has the output

Value

You can build the xml as a string with the xml processing instruction in place.

declare @XML xml = 'Value'
declare @XMLStr nvarchar(max) = ''

set @XMLStr = @XMLStr + cast(@XML as nvarchar(max))

select @XMLStr

Output

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Value