Db2 for z/OS and its ecosystem

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Modern interfaces for Db2 for z/OS

By M. Sueli Almeida posted Fri March 04, 2022 04:27 PM

  

By Sueli Almeida & Jørn Thyssen

 

As you integrate Db2 for z/OS into your enterprise pipeline, you might ask yourself what tooling is available. The list is not meant to be exhaustive and covers only IBM and Zowe solutions. The products and tools on this list might provide other functions, which are also available via APIs or other interfaces, but this list is focused on APIs to administer, manage, and use Db2 for z/OS.

Considerations:

  • What kind of Db2 services do you need?
  • Do you want a supported vendor solution, to use open source, or do you want to roll your own?
  • What is your preferred API? The most common interfaces used in pipelines are REST or CLI

For example, if you want a supported solution that offers APIs for self-service provisioning of Db2 objects and supports agile development with DBA oversight, then IBM Db2 DevOps Experience would be the right solution. It offers over 100 REST APIs and includes an intelligent engine that handles all aspects of DDL deployment to minimize impact, like leveraging Db2 for z/OS enhancements, running required utilities like REORG to materialize pending changes, and much more.   

However, if you just want to run an SQL statement, then the Db2 CLP or CLPPLUS, which are part of Db2 Connect or the Db2 plugin for the Zowe CLI might be the right solution. Note that Zowe is open source and is actively being extended by individuals and community members, so we encourage you contribute enhancements.

 

Solution

Interface type

Services

Comments

IBM Db2 Administration Foundation

REST

Run SQL

Reverse-engineer DDL for single object

Discovery

Catalog navigation

Db2 commands

BIND/REBIND/FREE

And much more

No charge product with support being available for a fee.

Strategic platform for administrative functions.

 

Also has Zowe based UI.

IBM Db2 DevOps Experience

REST

DevOps-related DBaaS functions: provisioning, deployment, DDL-as-code managed in git, DDL quality checks, developer self-service with DBA oversight and controls, and much more

License required.

 

Also has Zowe based UI.

IBM SQL Tuning Service

REST

Visual Explain

RUNSTATS advisor

Capture query environment

Format Query

Maintain explain tables

Part of Db2 Accessories Suite (no charge).

 

It can be integrated with IBM Db2 Administration Foundation

Zowe CLI

(Db2 plugin)

CLI

Run SQL

Call SP

Export data

Requires Db2 Connect license

Db2 CLP and Db2 CLPPLUS

CLI

Run SQL

Call SP

Export/import data and many other features

Included with certain IBM Data Server Drivers

Requires Db2 Connect license.

 

A trimmed down version of the Db2 CLP runs in USS. It does not require a Db2 Connect license.

IBM Db2 for z/OS

Stored procedures

Db2, DSN, MVS commands

Run Db2 utilities

Maintain explain tables

And many more

Part of the Db2 for z/OS engine.

Can be wrapped into a REST service using the native REST support in Db2 for z/OS (see next row)

IBM Db2 for z/OS

REST

Run SQL

Call stored procedure

Part of the Db2 for z/OS engine.

 

Requires defining a REST service before usage. 

Legacy tools

JCL

Submit JCLs using z/OSMF REST APIs, Zowe CLI, IBM Z Open Automation Utilities

Roll your own solution using existing tooling with batch interfaces like Db2 Object Comparison Tool, Db2 Cloning Tool, and many more.

Ansible

ansible.builtin.command

Ansible module that provides the ability to run commands in USS to invoke CLP

Requires Python on z/OS, and Db2 CLP running in USS

ibm_zos_core.zos_mvs_raw

Ansible module that provides the ability to invoke z/OS programs directly

Requires Python and ZOAU on z/OS.

Run a z/OS program

ibm_zos_core.zos_job_submit

Ansible module that provides the ability to submit JCL

Requires Python and ZOAU on z/OS.

Submit JCL

ansible.builtin.uri

Ansible module that provides the ability to invoke REST requests to run SQL

Call stored procedure

Requires use of Ansible URI module, and defining a REST service before usage.

 

REST

Published sample Db2 Collection of Playbooks invoking IBM Db2 DevOps Experience APIs

Requires IBM Db2 DevOps Experience

Ansible-Db2-collection

UrbanCode Deploy

REST

Published sample plugin for CI/CD pipeline

Requires IBM Db2 DevOps Experience

UCD-DOE plugin

 


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