Where to find DB2 for IBM i documentation
It’s not always easy to locate the official documentation for all features of DB2 for IBM i. Using Google Search is hit or miss, with full-text searches often bringing irrelevant results from other varieties of DB2 or from older versions. Many people don’t know that complete reference manuals are available for almost every aspect of DB2 on i.
Here are my favorite references for DB2 on IBM i:
- The first place to look for many, but not all, manuals: DB2 for i Manuals. Find the manuals for your current release by selecting the “Change version or product” drop-down menu as shown below.
- The grandma of all DB2 for i manuals is the DB2 for i SQL Reference. IBM’s description: “It contains reference information for the tasks of system administration, database administration, application programming, and operation. This manual includes syntax, usage notes, keywords, and examples for each of the SQL statements used on the system.”
- Ever need to find a stored procedure or user-defined function on your IBM i, or get a list of tables or columns? Look no further than the IBM i catalog: IBM i Catalog Tables and Views
- For example: Find all table functions using this SQL:
select * from qsys2.sysfuncs where FUNCTION_TYPE = ‘T’;
- For example: Find all table functions using this SQL:
- IBM has begun an ambitious effort to provide an SQL interface for many system services, in “IBM i Services.” These services are documented here: IBM i Services
What are your favorite DB2 for IBM i references? Let me know and I’ll add them to this list.
Just in case you were not aware – At common after taking your class I learned that the ACS client has MANY SQL examples easily accessible, but in my opinion well hidden.
If you use the ACS client, Select the system you want to connect to, then select “Run SQL Scripts”
On the menu bar you will find:
file-edit-view-run-VisualExplain-options-Connection
Select the “EDIT” menu option
scroll down to the second to the last line
Select “Insert from examples”
This brings up an ‘Examples windows’
Please note, that the first screen shows you a menu of menus of examples.
For a systems Administrator (like me) Select “IBM i Services”
These are WORKING EXAMPLES with some text descriptions thrown in.
Have you ever seen any reference to the great resource in any of IBM documentation? I have not. THIS IS A GREAT but well hidden RESOURCE.
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Raymond, thank you for this great tip about working SQL examples included in the ACS client.
Alan
Hi Alan: I use Midrange Wiki’s SQLSTATE page as a quick reference to look up SQLSTATE values/reasons.
https://wiki.midrange.com/index.php/SQLSTATE_Codes
Hi, Russ. Thanks for posting the SQLSTATE reference.
Alan