The Compatibility set of options are used to define DB2 behavior. They can be set to ensure that other applications are compatible with DB2.
The Data Type set of options are used to define how DB2 reports and handles various data types.
The Enterprise set of options are used to maximize the efficiency of connections to large databases.
The Environment set of options are used to define the location of various files on the server and client machines.
The Optimization set of options are used to speed up and reduce the amount of network flow between the CLI/ODBC Driver and the server.
The Service set of options are used to help in troubleshooting problems with CLI/ODBC connections. Some options can also be used by programmers to gain a better understanding of how their CLI programs are translated into calls to the server.
The Transaction set of options are used to control and speed up SQL statements used in the application.