- SQL Techniques, Tips, and Tricks
- DB2 Application Development
- DB2 In-Depth (an under the covers look)
- DB2 Perfromance Monitoring
- DB2 Utilities and Commands
- DB2 Tools and Organizational Issues
- Distributed DB2
- and much, much more
Monday, December 15, 2014
The Wizard of Userville and the DB2 Developer's Guide
Friday, November 14, 2014
Database Basics for Beginners
I think a good place to start is an article I wrote several years ago now titled What is a Database? This article breaks down the benefits of a database, outlines the difference between a database and a DBMS, and provides some guidance for further reading (suggested books).
Other questions I am get asked frequently involve database administration. One is: What Does a DBA Do? Follow the link to find my answer to that question. Another is: how can I become a DBA? I wrote an article titled How to Become a DBA to answer that one. And finally, another frequent topic is: How many DBAs do I need? That is a tricky one, but I propose a framework to help answer that question in an article titled DBA Staffing Considerations.
I also get a lot of DB2 for z/OS questions. And I've written a book on that topic, plus a bunch of DB2 articles, too (all of which can be found here).
So I guess what I am saying here is to take a look at what is already "out there" to see if your questions can be answered on the web. But, please, keep the questions coming. If I do not answer your e-mail do not be discouraged. I do read most of them (unless it gets caught in my spam collector). Even if I do not have the time to respond, I keep track of what is asked and use it as input into my writing process... so you may see an answer pop up online in a blog, article, or column I write... eventually.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Top Ten Most Common DB2 Performance Problems
- PEBCAK
The number one cause of DB2 performance problems today, as always, is Problem Exists Between Chair And Keyboard!
- Poorly coded SQL
Many performance problems can be traced back to inappropriately coded SQL Code it correctly from the beginning and tune what is already out there.
- Improper indexing
Optimize performance via indexing by workload, not by object.
- Bad program design
Coding DB2 SQL for Performance in your application programs from the outset can eliminate many future problems.
.
- Bachelor programming syndrome
Yes, the dreaded "Fear of Committing" can cause performance problems due to concurrency issues.
- Improperly defined buffer pools
Defining effective buffer pools for your DB2 workload is important. There are many things you can do to identify the proper settings and sizing of your DB2 buffer pools.
- Index / table space needs to be
reorganized
Reorganization of indexes and table spaces can improve performance. Follow the Five R's to assure optimal DB2 application performance.
- Improperly designed database
structures
Designing database structures correctly -- from the beginning -- is the way to go for efficiency and efficacy.
- Copied code syndrome
- RUNSTATS not up-to-date (or not
even run)
How can you expect for the DB2 Optimizer to do its thing on your SQL without statistics about your data and environment? Again, The Five R's!
And if a Top Ten list does not provide enough detail for you, then splurge for a copy of my book: DB2 Developer's Guide, 6th edition. Recently updated for DB2 10 for z/OS, the book delivers over 1600 pages full of DB2 tips, tricks, guidelines, and details... It rates 5 stars on Amazon!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
DB2 Developer's Guide, 6th edition
The book has been completely updated and is now up-to-date with DB2 10 for z/OS. Just think of the things that have been added to DB2 since the last time the book was updated: Universal table spaces, pureXML, SECADM, hashes, new data types, INSTEAD OF triggers, temporal support, and much, much more.
Consider pre-ordering a copy today so you'll get it as soon as it comes off the presses!
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
DB2 Symposium 2011 – Round Two
Today's blog post is about the DB2 Symposium, a three day training event with one day seminars presented by well-known DB2 consultants. I was fortunate enough to be asked to participate this year by the primary organizer of the event, Klaas Brant. (Klaas is a respected DB2 consultant based in the Netherlands.). Earlier this year, the DB2 Symposium event was held in Dallas, TX and was well-received by attendees. So a second round is planned, this time in Chicago, IL!
What is the difference between DB2 Symposium and events like IDUG and IOD? Well, DB2 Symposium fills the gap between a conference and a multi-day training course. The DB2 Symposium is unique because you can participate for 1, 2, or 3 days, depending on your needs and budget.
Round two of the USA DB2 Symposium is happening soon, so you'll need to act fast if you want to participate. It occurs September 21-23, 2011 in the Chicago, Illinois area. More precisely, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Downers Grove, IL (in the Western suburbs of Chicago). Each day the training sessions start at 9.00am and end at around 5.00pm.
But registration on site is not possible, you must pre-register online... so plan ahead!
My session is on September 23rd and it is called DB2 Developer's Guide Comes Alive! This one day session, covers tips, techniques, and procedures you need to know in order to excel at administering and using DB2 on the mainframe. The material is based upon DB2 Developer's Guide, the best-selling DB2 for z/OS book on the market. Additionally, the course material will contain references to sections of the book for students to find additional material on each topic after the sessions. Topics to be covered will include:
- A performance tuning roadmap for managing DB2 application, database and system performance. You will learn SQL coding and tuning techniques, guidance for database optimization and reorganization, coverage of buffer pool settings and parameters for performance.
- Logical and physical database design recommendations for DB2, so you can build and maintain effective DB2 databases immediately. Includes discussion of standards, logical to physical translation, data types, usage of nulls, and more.
- Information and guidance on BINDing and REBINDing, along with a discussion of the most important parameters.
- Along the way we'll look at locking, access paths, statistics, indexing and more.
- And even though the current edition of the book covers through DB2 V8, this course adds coverage of some of the newer features added to DB2 in versions 9 and 10 that can boost your productivity and performance.
If you own the book already, bring it along and I'll be happy to autograph it for you. And then you can use it along with the course materials... and if you don't own it already, you'll probably want to grab a copy after attending the seminar... you can always find a link to buy my books on the front page of my web site at http://www.craigsmullins.com.
So register for the DB2 Symposium today... and I'll see you in Chicago!
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Updating DB2 Developer's Guide (6th edition)
I am currently working on updating my book, DB2 Developer's Guide, for DB2 versions 9 and 10. This will be the sixth edition of the book and if all goes as planned, it should be available on IBM Press before the end of the year (2011).
Be sure to keep an eye on this blog and my web site (http://www.craigsmullins.com) for further details about the next edition of the book.