I have a few questions about XML that I was hoping could be answered here.

Which is faster MYSQL DB or XML? This is in reference to a basic site like http://www.elijahrevolution.com. They site is DB powered. But if I wanted to make a site like that but instead of DB use XML would the speed of XML be less or greater?

I was planning to create a site that used a MYSQL database to house data but through PHP, generate flat XML files to handle data interaction wtih front end. This way a site would be up if ever the database went down. Could I get some input on this method? Is this an effective use of XML? If so, what would be a more effective use of XML in reference to MYSQL DB's interaction.

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