SQL statements retrieve, add, delete, and update data in tables, and can be either embedded or interactive. The Embedded SQL statements are coded within an application program, and do not begin until the program is being run. SQL statements that are issued interactively, by comparison, create an immediate program or system response for each statement the user issues at a display terminal. This is interactive processing, and it is the focus of this manual.
You can issue statements or commands from a display terminal through the interactive SQL (ISQL) facility. Using the following ISQL commands, you can work with the database manager from a display terminal to:
You can control the display of data that results from a query in several ways. For example, you can scroll through the results of a query that has more rows than can fit on one display, or look at results that are too wide for the display.
You can create reports that are based on data in tables. You can also modify these reports to fit your needs with titles, page numbers, dates and totals.
You can enter one or more rows of data into an existing table with the ISQL INPUT command.
If online HELP information was loaded during installation, you can obtain reference information on your display for ISQL topics. The topics available include reference information about SQL statements, ISQL commands, and messages.
Online HELP information may also have been installed on your system in other national languages. If you want HELP information in one of these languages, you can specify the language for online HELP by using the SET LANGUAGE command.
You can store SQL statements that are used frequently. A name is assigned to each stored statement to identify it for future use.
You can inquire about operating characteristics that are set using the ISQL SET command. For example, you can see the character that is displayed in null fields.
You can store routines, which consist of a series of ISQL commands, SQL statements, or both, and run them at a later time. A routine is especially useful for a frequently used sequence of commands and statements. Routines are discussed in detail in Chapter 7, Creating and Using Routines.
With the CONNECT statement, you can access other application servers. You can access any application servers that have implemented the DRDA protocol. For more information about the CONNECT statement, see the DB2 Server for VSE & VM SQL Reference manual.