21. A computer-implemented method for inserting hierarchical data into a relational table, comprising: providing a schema for a hierarchical data structure wherein the schema defines a hierarchical relationship of data elements; inserting data from the hierarchical data structure into a row of the relational table in a relational database; and generating an identification number and inserting the identification number into a field in the row of the relational table when the schema provides an annotation indicative of the insertion of an identification number.
21. A computer-implemented method for inserting hierarchical data into a relational table, comprising: providing a schema for a hierarchical data structure wherein the schema defines a hierarchical relationship of data elements; inserting data from the hierarchical data structure into a row of the relational table in a relational database; and generating an identification number and inserting the identification number into a field in the row of the relational table when the schema provides an annotation indicative of the insertion of an identification number. 22. The method as recited in claim 21 wherein the hierarchical data structure comprises an extensible markup language (XML) document.