Making a database query (Option D.Q)

Overview

The database query option D.Q provides access to the systems databases. This option is intended for use in diagnostics on the advice of Beta Systems support staff.

A profound knowledge of the product and basic knowledge of relational database technology are required to make any use of this information.

BQL SELECT command

You will find a detailed description of the SELECT command in the _beta report Manual. This manual includes a comprehensive description of the syntax and provides examples of how to use the command correctly.

Warning

Please use the BQL SELECT command only. Incorrect use of the UPDATE and DELETE commands may damage the databases beyond repair, resulting in a permanent loss of data.

Do not update or delete records except when instructed to do so by Beta Systems personnel.

Database query panel

Select option Q from the "Database Maintenance Menu" to enter a Beta Query Language (BQL) command online. The "Generic Command Interface" panel is called:

PEB5DQ00 ----------------------------------------------------------------------
 Command ===> _________________________________________________________________

 Generic Command Interface Ssid : B93P

 Router : BQRT Router name (*) Input case sensitive
 ===> NO_ (Y)es,(N)o
 Command ===> ______ (S)elect
 Table ===> ________ Table name
 Condition ===> __________________________________________________ (*)
 Fields ===> __________________________________________________
 Values ===> __________________________________________________ (*)

 Command (leave above command field blank): Resources Limit ===> NO_ (Y/N)
 ===> SELECT TABLE VC FIELDS(*)_______________________________________ (*)
 ===> ________________________________________________________________ (*)
 ===> ________________________________________________________________ (*)
 ===> ________________________________________________________________ (*)
 ===> ________________________________________________________________ (*)


 Press the ENTER key to issue the request.
 Press the END key to return to the previous menu.

Database query methods

There are two ways of making the database query:

You can enter the required data in the fields in the upper half of the panel (Command, Table, Condition, Fields, Values).

-OR-

You can enter the database query in BQL format in the multi-line field in the lower half of the panel. The Command field in the upper half of the panel must be left blank in this case.

Fields: Database Query

Parameter	Purpose
Command	If you do not want to use a BQL command in the lower portion of the panel, enter the SELECT command, or simply enter S.
Table	To specify the name of the database table. You can view a complete list of all the available tables under option 1 ("Tables") of the "Dictionary Selection Menu".
Condition	Enables you to use logical operators to define selection criteria.
Fields	Enter all the database fields that are to be selected. You can view a complete list of all the available fields under option 3 (Fields) of the "Dictionary Selection Menu". To select all fields, use "*" as a mask.
Values	Enter the operator value that refers to the contents of a field.
Resources Limit	Set this parameter to YES if you want to limit the storage space. You can specify values in an additional panel (see "Limiting resources for a BQL query"). The default is NO under TSO/ISPF and YES under VDF (VAF/CAF/IAF).
BQL Command	Instead of using the fields Command, Table, Condition, Fields, Values of the upper half half of the panel, you can enter your database query in BQL format in the multi-line field here. The Command field in the upper half of the panel must be left blank in this case. For details on BQL syntax, see the description of the BQL SELECT command in the _beta report Manual.