Version 4.2.6 for Mainframes
 —  Database Management System Interfaces  —

Natural for DB2

Natural for DB2 is a Natural interface required to access data in a DB2 database. Natural for DB2 is supported under Com-plete, CICS, IMS TM, batch mode, and TSO. In the remainder of this documentation, Natural for DB2 is also referred to as NDB.

In general, there is no difference between using Natural with DB2 and using it with Adabas, VSAM or DL/I. Natural for DB2 allows Natural programs to access DB2 data, using the same Natural DML statements that are available for Adabas, VSAM, and DL/I. Therefore, programs written for DB2 tables can also be used to access Adabas, VSAM, or DL/I databases. In addition, Natural SQL statements are available.

All operations requiring interaction with DB2 are performed by Natural for DB2.

This documentation covers:

General Information Information on how to access DB2 tables, on the integration with Software AG's Data Dictionary Predict, and on error messages related to DB2.

Installing Natural for DB2 Installation of Natural for DB2 and description of the Natural for DB2 parameter module.

Natural Tools for DB2 Various utilities and commands to:
  • maintain application plans and packages

  • maintain the DB2 catalog

  • define and list stored procedures

  • generate and issue interactive SQL statements

  • retrieve data from system tables

  • display and modify environment settings

  • list and explain plan tables

  • display file server statistics

  • issuing DB2 commands from Natural

  • display and explain generated SQL statements

  • display Natural programs that access DB2

DDM Generation Generation of Natural data definition modules (DDMs) using the SQL Services function of the Natural SYSDDM utility.

Dynamic and Static SQL Support Internal handling of dynamic statements, creation and execution of static DBRMs, mixed dynamic/static mode, and application plan switching in the various supported environments.

Statements and System Variables Special considerations on Natural DML statements, Natural SQL statements and Natural system variables with DB2. In addition, the Natural for DB2 enhanced error handling is discussed.

Note:
The information concerning NDB – SELECT – Cursor-Oriented can be found in the SELECT statement documentation.

Natural Stored Procedures and UDFs Processing Natural stored procedures and Natural user-defined functions (UDFs).

Interface Subprograms Several Natural and non-Natural subprograms to be used for various purposes.

Natural File Server for DB2 Description of the Natural File Server for DB2 in the various supported environments.

Environment-Specific Considerations Special considerations on the various environments supported by Natural for DB2.

Incompatibilities and Constraints Known incompatibilities and Constraints against DB2 when using Natural for DB2.

Explanation of Terms Used in this Documentation

Term Explanation
NDB This is the product code of Natural for DB2, also used as a short name in this documentation.
DB2 DB2 refers to IBM's DB2 UDB for z/OS.
SQL/DS SQL/DS refers to IBM's DB2 Server for VSE and VM.
File Server The term "file server" refers to the Natural file server for DB2.

Related Documentation

See also Accessing Data in a Database for various aspects of accessing data in a database with Natural. For information on logging SQL statements contained in a Natural program, refer to DBLOG Utility in the Natural Utilities documentation.

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