Automated SQL documentation using APL2

ABSTRACT

An application programmer working with APL2 and SQL/DS will often want to investigate and/or document the definitions of SQL tables and views, particularly when working with tables created by others. Unlike conventional APL file systems, SQL "knows" quite a bit about the objects it is storing, but this information is scattered throughout several system catalogs. An APL2 tool which combines and neatly formats available information about a table is presented.Interpretation of this information may point out conditions which are causing SQL to perform less than optimally. Some issues which influence SQL performance are considered, and some general guidelines for improving performance are suggested.Some familiarity with APL2 and SQL is assumed."SQL" should be understood to mean IBM's SQL/DS for VM systems. But other SQL-based database managers, such as DB2, are very similar.

REFERENCES

• 1: APL2 Programming: Using Structured Query Language; IBM Order Number SH20-9217.
• 2: Nancy Wheeler, APL2 and SQL: A Tutorial; APL89 Conference Proceedings.
• 3: SQL/DS SQL Reference for IBM VM Systems and VSE; IBM Order Number SH09-8087.
• 4: SQL/DS Database Administration for IBM VM Systems; IBM Order Number GH09-8083.
• 5: SQL/DS System Administration for IBM VM Systems; IBM Order Number GH09-8084.
• 6: SQL/DS Interactive SQL Guide and Reference for IBM VM Systems; IBM Order Number SH09-8085.
• 7: SQL/DS Database Services Utility for IBM VM Systems; IBM Order Number SH09-8088.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  D. Software
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
      D.3.2 Language Classifications

          Nouns: APL

Additional Classification:
  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.7 Distribution, Maintenance, and Enhancement
          Subjects: Documentation

  H. Information Systems
  H.2 DATABASE MANAGEMENT
      H.2.3 Languages

          Nouns: SQL/DS

General Terms:
Documentation, Languages, Performance