DB2 UDB and SQL Intro

Introduction to DB2 UDB for iSeries and SQL/400

One reason for the success of the iSeries is its integrated database management system, DB2 Universal Database for iSeries (DB2 UDB). SQL/400 is IBM's strategic language for defining and manipulating DB2 UDB databases, and many organizations have adopted it for their application development. It's no overstatement to say that a well-designed database and a solid understanding of SQL/400 are now prerequisites for top-quality AS/400 application software.

The following chapters, excerpted from the book SQL/400 Developer's Guide (29th Street Press, 2000) by NEWS/400 technical editors Paul Conte and Mike Cravitz, give you a basic introduction to the iSeries database and to creating tables in SQL. Chapter 1 introduces DB2 UDB, the iSeries integrated database. Chapter 3 shows you how to use several kinds of Create statements to create the basic building blocks of an SQL database: collections, tables, distinct types, indexes, and aliases.

For more information about SQL on the iSeries, visit these resources:

• SQL/400 & Database Forums



• Club Tech's SQL Resources page



• Club Tech iSeries DB2 UDB and SQL/400 Newsletter

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Chapter 1: Introduction to UDB/400, the AS/400's Integrated Database
This chapter introduces the concept of a database and describes DB2 Universal Database for AS/400 (UDB/400), the database management system that runs on the AS/400. You'll get a general idea of how the AS/400 and its operating system, OS/400, are architected. You'll also get an overview of UDB/400 physical and logical files and how they are used with Structured Query Language (SQL).

Chapter 3: Collections, Tables, and Indexes
In this chapter, you'll learn how to use several kinds of Create statements to create the basic building blocks of an SQL database: collections, tables, distinct types, indexes, and aliases. We'll also look at the Alter Table statement, which lets you change the definition of a table. In addition, the chapter covers various Drop statements to delete SQL objects.

Let us hear from you!
What do you want to know about SQL/400? What's the best way for you to learn about it? E-mail your thoughts to Paul Conte, author of SQL/400 Developer's Guide.