Using soap messages for inverse query expressions

Embodiments provide for query expressions to be utilized within a SOAP message for content fragment transfer and document update purposes. In one embodiment an inverse query path within a SOAP message in used conjunction with an operation for modifying a targeted XML document. Mechanisms are also provided that allow transferring of fragments of content for an XML document within a SOAP message. Such fragments are usually by themselves not schematically valid. Nevertheless, by encapsulating the fragmented content within a special wrapper construct, the subset of content suddenly become legal XML; thus passing most any validation test imposed by SOAP processors. More specifically, the wrapper construct is itself schematized as requiring that SOAP processors skip or otherwise suppress processing any child elements within the contained wrapper.