Data3 HK 2017

Abstract: Long time ago, database objects were defined only with DDS (Data Description
Specifications). Data access occurred with native I/O through DDS described (keyed)
physical and logical files. But native I/O is only used in conjunction with RPG and COBOL.
DDS is only known on the IBM i and furthermore stabilized since a few releases. The rest of
the world uses SQL which also has become the strategical product for IBM for accessing and
database data and creating database objects. While DDS provides only a single type of
logical files, with SQL we are faced with two different types, respectively indexes and views.
As far as good! But … Do we really need to move completely to SQL? What is the difference
between these types of logical files? Which type of logical file has to be used in what
situation? … And finally what about native I/O?
Learning Objectives:
In this session the differences between the logical file types are explained. You’ll learn how
to move business logic into the database by generating SQL views. It will be explained why
SQL needs first and foremost access paths, either in SQL indexes or keyed logical files.
You’ll discover that even though an SQL index cannot be specified in an SQL statement, an
SQL index can be used in conjunction with native I/O like any DDS described keyed logical
file.
Audience: IBM i developers, database administrators and everybody who has to access data located in
tables or physical files. This session is also important for companies and the appropriate
responsible persons who plan to modernize their applications and database.