In addition to the compact syntax, database commands can also be formulated in specified via XML. : <pre class="brush:xml"><create-index type='text'/></pre> Multiple commands can must be specified by surrounding them surrounded with a {{Code|<commands/>}} root element:
<pre class="brush:xml">
<commands>
</pre>
Both string and XML scripts can be stored in a text file and executed via the [[Startup Options#BaseX Standalone|command-line option -Cc]].