Determining how to process data when using the Loader

The Loader offers the following options for processing data using the Load command:

Before loading data, you should determine which method of processing would produce the best results.

When to choose the load method

Consider the load method in the following situations:

iSeries With the load method, data is loaded into the database. If the data already exists, the command fails as a result of a duplicate-key error and a duplicate-error message displays.

When to choose the import method

AIXLinuxSun Solaris Operating EnvironmentWindows With the import method for DB2, data is also loaded into the database. If the data already exists, it is not deleted but is updated with new values. Consider this method in any of the following situations:

iSeries With the import method, data is also loaded into the database. If the data already exists, it is not deleted but is updated with new values. Consider this method in any of the following situations:

When to choose the SQL import method

With the SQL import method, JDBC or SQL statements are used to update or insert data into the database. Data is inserted if it does not already exist, and existing data is updated. Consider this method in any of the following situations:

AIXLinuxSun Solaris Operating EnvironmentWindows When to choose the createonly method

To improve performance during instance creation, use the createonly method. Use the createonly method to create mass-load data (MLD) files without loading the data into the database. You can later use your native database load utility to load the MLD files that you created into a WebSphere Commerce database by running the Load command using the loadonly method.

AIXLinuxSun Solaris Operating EnvironmentWindows When to choose the loadonly method

Use the loadonly method to load MLD files that were created using the createonly method. Use the loadonly method only for instance creation. If you use it at any other time, the result may not be desirable.

Other considerations