System i
Query for i5/OS
Version 6 Release 1
SC41-5210-05


System i
Query for i5/OS
Version 6 Release 1
SC41-5210-05
 Note
Before using this information and the product it supports, be sure to read the information in
Appendix F, Notices, on page 253.

This edition applies to version 6, release 1, modification 0 of IBM i5/OS (product number 5761-SS1) and to all
subsequent releases and modifications until otherwise indicated in new editions. This version does not run on all
reduced instruction set computer (RISC) models nor does it run on CISC models.
Copyright International Business Machines Corporation 2000, 2008. All rights reserved.
US Government Users Restricted Rights Use, duplication or disclosure restricted by GSA ADP Schedule Contract
with IBM Corp.
Contents
About Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . ix Selecting a library for your Query for i5/OS
Who should read the Query for i5/OS book . . . ix queries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Prerequisite and related information . . . . . . ix Other considerations when you are trying to
How to send your comments . . . . . . . . ix locate or use a particular Query for i5/OS
query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Displaying the format of constants in Query for
Part 1. Introduction to Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Query for i5/OS profile information . . . . . . 18
Handling Query for i5/OS messages and errors . . 18
Chapter 1. What is Query for i5/OS? . . 3 Changing your Query for i5/OS queries . . . . 18
Query for i5/OS fundamentals . . . . . . . . 3
Files, fields, and record formats in Query for Part 2. Defining and using Query
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
for i5/OS query definitions . . . . . 21
Double-byte character set (DBCS) fields in
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 4
UCS2 level 1 character set support in Query for Chapter 3. Creating a Query for i5/OS
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 query definition . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Data definition languages and utilities support Starting Query for i5/OS query definition . . . . 25
in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . 4 Selecting definition steps when defining a Query for
Query for i5/OS definitions . . . . . . . . 5 i5/OS query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Libraries in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . 5 Selecting options for a Query for i5/OS query
Major functions of Query for i5/OS . . . . . . 5 definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Moving through the Query for i5/OS definition
Chapter 2. General operating displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
information for Query for i5/OS . . . . . 7 When you return to the Query for i5/OS Define
the Query display . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Practicing with Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . 7
Considerations for creating Query for i5/OS queries 28
Getting started with Query for i5/OS . . . . . . 7
Selecting files, records, and fields for Query for
When you are finished working with Query for
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Suggested sequence of tasks for creating Query
Telling Query for i5/OS what you want . . . . . 7
for i5/OS queries . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Using prompts and default values in Query for
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Using Query for i5/OS function keys . . . . . 8 Chapter 4. Specifying and selecting
Checking the results before printing the Query files for a Query for i5/OS query . . . . 31
for i5/OS report . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Specifying file selections for a Query for i5/OS
Printing what you see on your Query for i5/OS query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Choosing a file for a Query for i5/OS query . . 32
Using lists in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . 9 Choosing a library for a Query for i5/OS query 32
Displaying a Query for i5/OS list . . . . . 9 Choosing a member or record format for a Query
Selecting items in a Query for i5/OS list . . . 10 for i5/OS query . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Special library names in Query for i5/OS . . 10 Selecting multiple files for a Query for i5/OS
Using Query for i5/OS commands. . . . . . . 11 query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Using the Query Utilities menu . . . . . . . . 11 Using file IDs for a Query for i5/OS query . . 34
Using the Work with Queries display . . . . . . 12 Confirming your options for a Query for i5/OS
Choosing a single Query for i5/OS task . . . . 12 query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Specifying a Query for i5/OS query and its Removing a option for a Query for i5/OS
library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Choosing multiple Query for i5/OS tasks . . . 13 Handling errors on the Query for i5/OS Specify
Working with a list of Query for i5/OS queries 14 File Selections display . . . . . . . . . . 34
Selecting a Query for i5/OS query name from Selecting files on the Query for i5/OS Select File
a list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Using Query for i5/OS list subsets . . . . 14 Selecting file members on the Query for i5/OS
Positioning a list of Query for i5/OS queries 15 Select Member display . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Using F11 to display additional information Selecting record formats on the Query for i5/OS
about Query for i5/OS queries . . . . . . 15 Select Record Format display . . . . . . . . 38

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 iii

Displaying all files selected on the Query for i5/OS Incrementing and decrementing times in
Display File Selections display . . . . . . . . 39 Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Joining files in a Query for i5/OS query . . . . . 40 Timestamp arithmetic operation in Query for
Types of joins in a Query for i5/OS query . . . 41 i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
How to join files in a Query for i5/OS query . . 41 Durations in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . 71
Rules for joining files in a Query for i5/OS query 42 Labeled duration in Query for i5/OS . . . . 71
Examples of joining files in a Query for i5/OS Date duration in Query for i5/OS . . . . . 71
query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Time duration in Query for i5/OS . . . . . 71
Example: Selecting matched records from all Timestamp duration in Query for i5/OS . . . 71
selected files in a Query for i5/OS query . . 45 Date, time, and timestamp functions in Query for
Example: Selecting matched records using a i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
primary file in a Query for i5/OS query . . . 46 CHAR Query for i5/OS function . . . . . . 72
Example: Selecting unmatched primary file DATE Query for i5/OS function . . . . . . 72
records in a Query for i5/OS query . . . . 46 DAY Query for i5/OS function . . . . . . . 73
Sequencing secondary files for a primary join in DAYS Query for i5/OS function . . . . . . 74
a Query for i5/OS query . . . . . . . . . 47 HOUR Query for i5/OS function . . . . . . 74
Example: Sequencing secondary files in a MICROSECOND Query for i5/OS function . . . 75
Query for i5/OS query . . . . . . . . 47 MINUTE Query for i5/OS function . . . . . 75
Displaying all join tests in a Query for i5/OS query 51 MONTH Query for i5/OS function . . . . . 76
Handling missing fields in a Query for i5/OS query 52 SECOND Query for i5/OS function . . . . . 76
Handling missing fields during file selection TIME Query for i5/OS function . . . . . . 77
process of a Query for i5/OS query . . . . . 53 TIMESTAMP Query for i5/OS function . . . . 77
Handling missing fields when starting to change YEAR Query for i5/OS function . . . . . . 78
or display a Query for i5/OS query . . . . . 53 Additional date, time, and timestamp functions
in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Chapter 5. Defining result fields in Converting date formats in Query for i5/OS . . . 78
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Converting date for output to a database file in
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Creating results fields in Query for i5/OS . . . . 55
Converting date for output to a display or
Query for i5/OS result field name . . . . . . 56
printer in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . 79
Query for i5/OS expressions . . . . . . . 56
Example 1: Converting from MMDDYY to
Query for i5/OS numeric expressions . . . . 57
YYDDD format in Query for i5/OS . . . . 79
Query for i5/OS character expressions . . . . 58
Example 2: Converting from MMDDYY to
Query for i5/OS concatenation operation . . 58
YYDDD format in Query for i5/OS . . . . 79
Query for i5/OS character functions . . . . . 59
Example 3: Converting from YYDDD to
SUBSTR Query for i5/OS function . . . . . 59
MMDDYY format in Query for i5/OS . . . 80
DIGITS Query for i5/OS function . . . . . 60
Example 4: Converting from MMDDYY to
VALUE Query for i5/OS function . . . . . 60
YYDD format in Query for i5/OS . . . . . 80
VARCHAR Query for i5/OS function . . . . 61
General considerations when creating an expression
VARGRAPHIC Query for i5/OS function . . 63
in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Date, time, and timestamp expressions in Query
Column headings in Query for i5/OS . . . . . 83
for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Length and decimal positions in Query for i5/OS 83
Query for i5/OS date . . . . . . . . . 65
Example of defining a result field in Query for
Query for i5/OS time . . . . . . . . . 65
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Query for i5/OS timestamp . . . . . . . 66
Adding or removing result fields in Query for
Displaying constants format in Query for i5/OS 67
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Date, time, and timestamp arithmetic operations in
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Date arithmetic operation in Query for i5/OS . . 68 Chapter 6. Selecting and sequencing
Subtracting dates in Query for i5/OS . . . . 68 fields in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . 85
Incrementing and decrementing dates in Letting Query for i5/OS select and sequence fields 85
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Selecting fields and specifying their sequence in
Converting a numeric field to a date field in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Working with numeric dates in Query for Chapter 7. Selecting records in Query
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Example 1: Working with numeric dates in
Letting Query for i5/OS select records . . . . . 89
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . 69
Selecting the records you want in Query for i5/OS 89
Example 2: Working with numeric dates in
Comparison fields in Query for i5/OS . . . . 90
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . 70
Comparison values in Query for i5/OS . . . . 91
Time arithmetic operation in Query for i5/OS . . 70
Fields as values in Query for i5/OS . . . . 92

iv Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Character constants as values in Query for Using the language collating sequence for your
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 country in Query for i5/OS. . . . . . . . 112
Numeric constants as values in Query for Defining your own collating sequence in Query
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Date, time, timestamp constants as values in Selecting a translation table in Query for i5/OS 114
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Selecting a system sort sequence in Query for
Null values in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . 93 i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Comparison tests in Query for i5/OS . . . . . 93
Date, time, or timestamp comparisons in Chapter 10. Specifying report column
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 94 formatting in Query for i5/OS . . . . 117
Testing for equal (EQ) and not equal (NE) in
Formatting the columns of the Query for i5/OS
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 94
query report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Testing for IS Null (IS) and ISNOT Null
Column spacing in Query for i5/OS reports . . 117
(ISNOT) in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . 94
Column headings in Query for i5/OS reports 117
Testing for greater (GT or GE), less (LT or LE),
Length and decimal positions in Query for
and range (RANGE) in Query for i5/OS . . . 94
i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Testing for values in a list (LIST NLIST) in
Omitting fields from a Query for i5/OS report 119
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Editing numeric fields in Query for i5/OS reports 120
Example 1: Testing for values in a list (LIST
Defining numeric field editing in Query for
NLIST) in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . 96
i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Example 2: Testing for values in a list (LIST
Describing numeric field editing in Query for
NLIST) in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . 96
i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Testing for values that are similar (LIKE
Decimal point in Query for i5/OS reports 123
NLIKE) in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . 96
Thousands separator in Query for i5/OS
Testing for DBCS LIKE (like) and NLIKE (not
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
like) in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . 97
Show negative sign in Query for i5/OS
Non-DBCS character LIKE, NLIKE (not
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
like) pattern in Query for i5/OS . . . . 97
Left negative sign in Query for i5/OS reports 123
DBCS-only LIKE, NLIKE (not like) pattern
Right negative sign in Query for i5/OS
in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . 98
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
DBCS-open LIKE, NLIKE (not like) pattern
Show currency symbol in Query for i5/OS
in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . 98
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
DBCS-Graphic LIKE, NLIKE (not like)
Left currency symbol in Query for i5/OS
pattern in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . 98
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Using more than one comparison test in Query
Right currency symbol in Query for i5/OS
for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Adding and removing comparisons in Query for
Print zero value in Query for i5/OS reports 125
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Replace leading zeros in Query for i5/OS
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Chapter 8. Selecting sort fields in Replace with option in Query for i5/OS
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . 103 reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Letting Query for i5/OS determine the order of Single leading zero in Query for i5/OS
records for you . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Selecting the sort fields you want to use in Query Describing date/time field editing display in
for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103 Query for i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . 126
Additional sort considerations in Query for Date/time separator in Query for i5/OS
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Specifying an edit code in Query for i5/OS
Chapter 9. Selecting a collating reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
sequence in Query for i5/OS . . . . . 109 Edit code in Query for i5/OS reports . . . 127
Optional edit code modifier in Query for
Letting Query for i5/OS select a collating sequence 109
i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Setting your default collating sequence in Query
Specifying edit words . . . . . . . . . 129
for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Edit word in Query for i5/OS reports . . . 129
Purpose of a collating sequence in Query for i5/OS 109
Edit word for summary total in Query for
Collating sequence and CCSIDs in Query for
i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . . 131
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
How a collating sequence affects Query for i5/OS 110
Selecting a Query for i5/OS collating sequence . . 111 Chapter 11. Specifying report
Using the hexadecimal collating sequence in summary functions in Query for i5/OS
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 111 reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Contents v
Types of summary functions in Query for i5/OS File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Library in Query for i5/OS reports . . . 155
Summarizing columns in Query for i5/OS reports 135 Member in Query for i5/OS reports . . . 155
Location of column summary values in Query for Data in file in Query for i5/OS reports 156
i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Authority in Query for i5/OS reports . . 157
Text in Query for i5/OS reports . . . . 157
Chapter 12. Defining Query for i5/OS Print definition in Query for i5/OS
report breaks . . . . . . . . . . . 137 reports . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Summary-only output of a Query for i5/OS
Defining a Query for i5/OS report break . . . . 137
report to a database file . . . . . . . . 158
Defining report break formatting in Query for
Using an output database file created by Query
i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Skip to new page in Query for i5/OS reports 141
Suppress summaries in Query for i5/OS reports 141
Break text in Query for i5/OS reports . . . . 142 Chapter 14. Specifying Query for
i5/OS processing options . . . . . . 161
Chapter 13. Selecting output type and Purpose of Query for i5/OS processing options 161
output form in Query for i5/OS reports 143 Rounding numeric field values during Query for
i5/OS processing . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Selecting the output type and form you want in
Ignoring decimal data errors during Query for
Query for i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . 143
i5/OS processing . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Form of output of Query for i5/OS reports . . 144
Ignoring character substitution warnings during
Line wrapping in Query for i5/OS reports . . 144
Query for i5/OS processing . . . . . . . . 163
Wrapping width in Query for i5/OS reports . . 145
Using collating sequence for all character
Record on one page in Query for i5/OS reports 145
comparisons during Query for i5/OS processing 163
Displaying wrapping widths in Query for i5/OS
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Defining output to the printer in Query for Chapter 15. Exiting and running a
i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 Query for i5/OS query . . . . . . . . 165
Printer device in Query for i5/OS reports 147 Ending a Query for i5/OS query definition . . . 165
Form size in Query for i5/OS reports . . . 147 Saving a Query for i5/OS query definition . . 165
Start line in Query for i5/OS reports . . . 148 Storing the Query for i5/OS query definition 165
End line in Query for i5/OS reports . . . . 148 Describing the Query for i5/OS query
Line spacing in Query for i5/OS reports . . 148 definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Print definition in Query for i5/OS reports 148 Giving authority to others to your Query for
Specifying spooled output overrides in i5/OS query . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Query for i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . 148 Running a Query for i5/OS query . . . . . . 167
Spool the output in Query for i5/OS Using function key F5 when running a Query
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . 149 for i5/OS query . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Form type in Query for i5/OS reports . . 149 Running a Query for i5/OS query from the
Copies in Query for i5/OS reports . . . 150 Query for i5/OS menu . . . . . . . . . 167
Hold in Query for i5/OS reports . . . . 150 Running a Query for i5/OS query from the Exit
Defining the printout cover page of Query This Query display . . . . . . . . . . 167
for i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . 150 Running a Query for i5/OS query from the
Print cover page of Query for i5/OS Work with Queries display . . . . . . . . 168
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . 150 Running a Query for i5/OS query using the
Cover page title of Query for i5/OS RUNQRY command . . . . . . . . . . 169
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Defining the page headings and footings in Chapter 16. Working with Query for
Query for i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . 151 i5/OS query definitions . . . . . . . 171
Print standard page headings in Query for
Changing a Query for i5/OS query definition . . 171
i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . 152
Starting changes by copying a Query for i5/OS
Page heading in Query for i5/OS reports 152
query definition . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Page footing in Query for i5/OS reports 152
Changes you can make to a Query for i5/OS
Defining output of Query for i5/OS reports to a
query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
database file . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Considerations for changing Query for i5/OS
Using an existing output file definition in Query
queries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
for i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . . 153
Changing your collating sequence on Query
Building a new output file definition in Query
for i5/OS queries . . . . . . . . . . 174
for i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Copying a Query for i5/OS query definition . . . 175
Specifying an output database file for Query
Renaming a Query for i5/OS query definition . . 176
for i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . 155
Deleting a Query for i5/OS query definition . . . 176

vi Query for i5/OS V6R1

Displaying a Query for i5/OS query definition . . 177 Query for i5/OS query exercise: Creating an
Printing a Query for i5/OS query definition . . . 178 advanced query . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Information printed for a Query for i5/OS
query definition . . . . . . . . . . . 179 Appendix C. Query for i5/OS
Example of printed record format information performance tips and techniques . . . 227
for a Query for i5/OS query definition . . . . 179
Introduction to Query for i5/OS query processing 227
Keyed sequence access paths in Query for
Part 3. Advanced information i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
about Query for i5/OS . . . . . . 183 Select/omit access paths in Query for i5/OS 228
Considerations for creating access paths in
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . 228
Chapter 17. Additional information Access plans in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . 228
about Query for i5/OS for Updating access plans in Query for i5/OS 229
programmers . . . . . . . . . . . 185 File definitions and data in Query for i5/OS . . . 229
Files with different record formats in Query for File definitions in Query for i5/OS . . . . . 229
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 File data considerations for Query for i5/OS 230
File sharing considerations in Query for i5/OS . . 185 Defining queries for Query for i5/OS . . . . . 230
Overriding database files in Query for i5/OS . . . 185 Query for i5/OS performance when designing
DBCS considerations when defining result fields in or changing queries . . . . . . . . . . 230
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . 185 Define result fields in Query for i5/OS . . . . 231
Joining files in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . 186 Select and sequence fields in Query for i5/OS 231
Using *ALL in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . 186 Select records in Query for i5/OS . . . . . 231
Using fields other than sort fields for report breaks Select sort fields in Query for i5/OS . . . . . 232
in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 186 Select collating sequence in Query for i5/OS 233
Result field length and decimal positions in Query Specify report summary functions in Query for
for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186 i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Tips for dealing with presentation length and Select output type and output form in Query for
decimal positions in Query for i5/OS . . . . 186 i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Length and decimal positions used for internal Specify processing options in Query for i5/OS 234
numeric calculations in Query for i5/OS . . . 187 Using join operations in Query for i5/OS . . . . 234
Addition and subtraction in Query for i5/OS 187 Performance tips for join operations in Query
Multiplication in Query for i5/OS . . . . 187 for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Division in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . 187 Miscellaneous tips and techniques for Query for
Example: Increasing the decimal precision for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
result fields in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . 188 Batch processing for Query for i5/OS . . . . 236
Selecting records (ignoring field case) in Query Query for i5/OS performance tuning . . . . 237
for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189 Query for i5/OS migration considerations N to
N-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Appendix A. Differences between Query for i5/OS status messages . . . . . . . 237
Query for i5/OS and Query/36 . . . . 191 Query for i5/OS debug mode messages . . . . 238
Conceptual differences . . . . . . . . . . 191
Operational differences . . . . . . . . . . 191 Appendix D. Preventing users from
Command differences between System/36 and running Query for i5/OS queries
Query for i5/OS commands . . . . . . . . 193 interactively . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Migration differences between System/36 and
Query for i5/OS definitions . . . . . . . . 193 Appendix E. Coded character set
identifiers (CCSIDs) in Query for i5/OS 241
Appendix B. Practice exercise for CCSID marking in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . 242
Query for i5/OS query . . . . . . . . 195 CCSIDs and collating sequences in Query for
Query for i5/OS query exercise: Creating an IDDU i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195 Query for i5/OS language sequences . . . . 244
Query for i5/OS query exercise: Creating a CCSID conversions for Query for i5/OS options
database file . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199 and functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Query for i5/OS query exercise: Entering data . . 199 Displaying a Query for i5/OS query . . . . 245
Query for i5/OS query exercise: Creating and Changing a Query for i5/OS query . . . . . 245
running a query . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 Getting a list of objects with text in Query for
Query for i5/OS query exercise: Creating a i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 Defining a Query for i5/OS query . . . . . 245
Query for i5/OS query exercise: Changing a query 207

Contents vii
 Defining a collating sequence in Query for CCSID and column formatting and editing in
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245 Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Getting a list of formats or members with text CCSID and report breaks in Query for i5/OS 248
in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . 246 CCSID and break and final text in Query for
Saving a Query for i5/OS query definition . . 246 i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Running a Query for i5/OS query . . . . . 246 CCSID and cover page, page headings and
Running a default query in Query for i5/OS 246 footings in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . 249
Selecting records at run time in Query for i5/OS 247 CCSID compatibility considerations in Query for
CCSIDs and Query for i5/OS query definition i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
CCSID and file selections in Query for i5/OS 247 Appendix F. Notices . . . . . . . . 253
CCSID and join tests in Query for i5/OS . . . 247 Programming interface information . . . . . . 254
CCSID and result field expressions in Query for Trademarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
CCSID and result field column headings in
Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 248
CCSID and sort fields in Query for i5/OS . . . 248
CCSID and record selection tests in Query for Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
CCSID and summary functions in Query for
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248

viii Query for i5/OS V6R1

About Query for i5/OS
Query for i5/OS is a decision support utility you can use to obtain information from DB2 for i5/OS.
This book describes how to use Query for i5/OS to select, arrange, and analyze information that is stored
in one or more database files to produce reports and other data files.

You may need to refer to other IBM books for more specific information about a particular topic.

Who should read the Query for i5/OS book

This book is intended for people who create query reports and manage data on the System i platform.

Before you use this book, you must be familiar with the introductory material for using the System i
product. You do not have to understand how to use a high-level programming language to use Query for
i5/OS.

Prerequisite and related information

Use the IBM i5/OS Information Center as your starting point for IBM System i technical information.

You can access the information center two ways:

v From the following Web site:
http://www.ibm.com/systems/i/infocenter/
v From the i5/OS Information Center CD, SK3T-4091. This CD-ROM is included with your new System i
hardware or i5/OS software upgrade order. You can also order the CD-ROM from the IBM
Publications Center:
http://www.ibm.com/shop/publications/order

The i5/OS Information Center contains new and updated system information, such as software and
hardware installation, Linux, WebSphere, Java, high availability, database, logical partitions, CL
commands, and system application programming interfaces (APIs). In addition, it provides advisors and
finders to assist in planning, troubleshooting, and configuring your system hardware and software.

With every new hardware order, you receive the System i Access for Windows DVD, SK3T-4098. This DVD
provides for the installation of the IBM System i Access for Windows licensed program. System i Access
Family offers client and server capabilities for connecting PCs to System i models.

For other related information, see the Bibliography on page 257.

How to send your comments

Your feedback is important in helping to provide the most accurate and high-quality information. If you
have any comments about this book or any other System i documentation, fill out the readers comment
form at the back of this book.
v If you prefer to send comments by mail, use the readers comment form with the address that is
printed on the back. If you are mailing a readers comment form from a country or region other than
the United States, you can give the form to the local IBM branch office or IBM representative for
postage-paid mailing.
v If you prefer to send comments by FAX, use either of the following numbers:
United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico: 1-800-937-3430
Other countries or regions: 1-507-253-5192

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 ix

v If you prefer to send comments electronically, use one of these e-mail addresses:
Comments on books:
[email protected]
Comments on the i5/OS Information Center:
[email protected]
Be sure to include the following:
v The name of the book or i5/OS Information Center topic.
v The publication number of a book.
v The page number or topic of a book to which your comment applies.

x Query for i5/OS V6R1

Part 1. Introduction to Query for i5/OS
Chapter 1. What is Query for i5/OS? . . . . . . 3
Query for i5/OS fundamentals . . . . . . . . 3
Files, fields, and record formats in Query for
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Double-byte character set (DBCS) fields in
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 4
UCS2 level 1 character set support in Query for
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Data definition languages and utilities support
in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . 4
Query for i5/OS definitions . . . . . . . . 5
Libraries in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . 5
Major functions of Query for i5/OS . . . . . . 5

Chapter 2. General operating information for

Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Practicing with Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . 7
Getting started with Query for i5/OS . . . . . . 7
When you are finished working with Query for
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Telling Query for i5/OS what you want . . . . . 7
Using prompts and default values in Query for
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Using Query for i5/OS function keys . . . . . 8
Checking the results before printing the Query
for i5/OS report . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Printing what you see on your Query for i5/OS
display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Using lists in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . 9
Displaying a Query for i5/OS list . . . . . 9
Selecting items in a Query for i5/OS list . . . 10
Special library names in Query for i5/OS . . 10
Using Query for i5/OS commands. . . . . . . 11
Using the Query Utilities menu . . . . . . . . 11
Using the Work with Queries display . . . . . . 12
Choosing a single Query for i5/OS task . . . . 12
Specifying a Query for i5/OS query and its
library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Choosing multiple Query for i5/OS tasks . . . 13
Working with a list of Query for i5/OS queries 14
Selecting a Query for i5/OS query name from
a list . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Using Query for i5/OS list subsets . . . . 14
Positioning a list of Query for i5/OS queries 15
Using F11 to display additional information
about Query for i5/OS queries . . . . . . 15
Selecting a library for your Query for i5/OS
queries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Other considerations when you are trying to
locate or use a particular Query for i5/OS
query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Displaying the format of constants in Query for
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Query for i5/OS profile information . . . . . . 18
Handling Query for i5/OS messages and errors . . 18
Changing your Query for i5/OS queries . . . . 18

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 1

2 Query for i5/OS V6R1
Chapter 1. What is Query for i5/OS?
Query for i5/OS is an IBM licensed program and a decision support utility that can be used to obtain
information from the DB2 for i5/OS database. It can obtain information from any database files that have
been defined on the system using i5/OS data description specifications (DDS), the i5/OS interactive data
definition utility (IDDU), or DB2 for i5/OS Structured Query Language (SQL).

You use Query to select, arrange, and analyze information (data) stored in one or more database files to
produce reports and other data files. You can create your own query definitions and then run them, you
can run existing queries that you did not create, or you can even run a default query against a particular
database file (using an unnamed query). You determine what data the query is to retrieve, the format of
the report, and whether it should be displayed, printed, or sent to another database file.

You can use Query to obtain information from a single file or a combined set of up to 32 files. You can
select all the fields, or a few of the fields and organize them as you want them to appear in the type of
output chosen. You can have all records in the files included in the output, or you can select only a few
to be included, using record selection tests. These and other functions are described in detail later.

This chapter begins by introducing basic information about Query, and then it introduces all the major
tasks (such as creating, displaying, or running query) that can be done using Query.

Query for i5/OS fundamentals

Several elements on your system organize and store information, or data, so that you and other system
users can work with it to get the results that you need. The following topics introduce those elements, tell
you about them and how they relate to you and Query, and direct you to other publications where you
can find more information.

Files, fields, and record formats in Query for i5/OS

Information, or data, is organized and stored on your system in various forms, primarily in objects called
database files (usually referred to as just files). A file contains individual units of information, called
records, that each contain related pieces of data. Each piece of information in a record is called a field,
and how the fields are organized is defined in a record format (often just called a format).

When you run a query to produce a report, Query uses the files, fields, and record formats to get the
information you want from the database, in the form of records, and uses those records to produce a
query report.

For example, an employee name and address file named NAMEADDR might contain a group of records that
identify one employee in each record (see Figure 1). Each record has several fields that contain the name
and address of an employee. The fields in each record might have names like NAME, STREETADDR, CITY,
STATE, and ZIPCODE. This order of the fields might be specified in a record format also named NAMEADDR.

NAME STREETADDR CITY STATE ZIPCODE

Susan P Gantner 907 Abbey Hwy Mushroom Manor OR 67891

Perry C Swenson 19821 Metro Hwy. St. Paul OR 67891

Matt F Thomas 961 S 19th Ave Piney Island OR 67890

Figure 1. Three Records in NAMEADDR File (Using Record Format NAMEADDR)

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 3

Another record format, named ZIPADDRESS, might be defined for a file that might be location-oriented and
contain only the ZIPCODE, STATE, CITY, and STREETADDR fields, in that order (see Figure 2).

ZIPCODE STATE CITY STREETADDR

67891 OR Mushroom Manor 907 Abbey Hwy

67891 OR St. Paul 19821 Metro Hwy.

67890 OR Piney Island 961 S 19th Ave

Figure 2. Three Records in NAMEADDR File (Using Record Format ZIPADDRESS)

Query retrieves the data you want from the files you choose. It uses certain fields (and record formats)
from those files to select, sort, calculate, and summarize that data in the form you want. It also produces
the query reports containing that data.

Double-byte character set (DBCS) fields in Query for i5/OS

Some countries use pictographs or symbolic characters in their language. DBCS fields must be used for
such data. As a general rule, if your national language uses single-byte character set (SBCS) characters,
your files do not contain DBCS data. You can ignore any on-line help information that refers to DBCS
data.
Notes:
1. To properly display DBCS data, you need a DBCS-capable display.
2. In Query, the following naming convention is used for DBCS data:
v Character data refers to both SBCS and DBCS character data.
v DBCS data refers to any type of DBCS data, including bracketed-DBCS and DBCS-graphic data
types.
v Bracketed DBCS refers to DBCS-open, DBCS-either, or DBCS-only data types.

UCS2 level 1 character set support in Query for i5/OS

UCS2 Level 1 is a 16-bit encoding for graphic characters. When doing business in a worldwide
environment you need the ability to enter and process data from more than one national language. For
example, a list of customer names may contain German, Greek, English, and Thai characters that must be
printed or displayed on the same device at the same time.

Query for i5/OS treats UCS2-graphic data the same as GRAPHIC or VARGRAPHIC data. A
UCS2-graphic field is a DBCS-graphic field tagged with a UCS2 CCSID.

The VARCHAR and VARGRAPHIC functions help you write queries that include UCS2 data.

Data definition languages and utilities support in Query for i5/OS

Query for i5/OS can query data in files that are created using different data definition languages or
products. Although the preceding description applies to all the files on your system, the names or
concepts that might be used depend on the programming language or product (such as IDDU, DDS, and
DB2 for i5/OS) that is used to define the files.

If you are not a programmer and you want to create a file that you can query from Query for i5/OS, you
might want to use IDDU to create the file. If a programmer can create the file for you, he might use
IDDU, DDS and control language (CL), or DB2 for i5/OS. Consider the following items:
v IDDU is a menu-driven utility used to define files, fields, and record formats, to store all those
definitions in a data dictionary, and to create the files so they can be used to store data. A file defined
using IDDU can have more than one format. For more information about IDDU, see the IDDU Use
book.

4 Query for i5/OS V6R1

v The data file utility (DFU) is used to add, change, and delete data in a database file. You can use DFU
directly, or you can use some of its function through the Enter data option of the IDDU Work with
Database Files display. For more information about DFU, see the ADTS/400: Data File Utility book.
v CL and DDS use the same terms and descriptions as IDDU, but they provide additional support for
files. Using DDS and CL commands, you can define and create physical files and logical files to
indicate how fields are to be organized in files.
A physical file contains the fields of data, as records, but logical files do not. A physical file contains at
least one record format. The field order in a physical file determines the format of the records.
A logical file gives a different view of the data stored in one physical file or in several physical files. A
logical file does not contain data. That is, a logical file lets you see information in records that are
stored in physical files as though the records actually existed that way. This is accomplished without
having to duplicate and store that data on the system in that logical view (thus, the name logical file).
A logical file can use a subset of the fields in one physical file, a composite of all or some of the fields
in several physical files, or even a mixture of fields from physical and other logical files. Join logical
files can have only one record format, but nonjoin logical files can have more than one record format.
For more information about physical files, logical files, CL, and DDS, refer to the CL Programming
book.,
v DB2 for i5/OS uses a relational model of data; that is, all data is perceived as existing in tables. On the
System i platform, DB2 for i5/OS objects are created and maintained as i5/OS objects. The following
table shows the relationship between i5/OS terms and DB2 for i5/OS relational database terms:

i5/OS term DB2 for i5/OS term

Library Collection. Consists of a library, journal, journal receiver, data dictionary, and DB2 for i5/OS
catalog. A collection groups related objects and allows the user to find the objects by name.
Physical file Table. A set of columns and rows.
Record Row. The horizontal part of a table containing a serial collection of columns.
Field Column. The vertical part of a table of one data type.
Logical file View. A subset of columns and rows of one or more tables.

Query for i5/OS definitions

You use a query to get information from database files to produce a report. The file or files that a query
uses to get the information and what is to be done with that information are defined and stored in a
query definition. A query definition is an object (with type *QRYDFN) and it contains all the details that
Query needs to find and use the files in the way you specify, and to produce the results that you expect.

To create a query definition, you follow a sequence of displays that guide you through the process of
defining and saving a query definition. Once you have defined your query (and even while you are
defining your query), you can run it (as a query) to produce the reports that you need.

Libraries in Query for i5/OS

A library is a place on the system to store objects, including the query definitions and files that you use in
Query for i5/OS. Therefore, when you are working with queries and files, you might need to specify the
library where a query or file is stored.

Major functions of Query for i5/OS

Two primary Query displays, the Query menu and the Work with Queries display, are the starting point
for the major tasks that you can do using Query. (See Figure 3 on page 6.) Another important display is
the Define the Query display, which starts all the tasks in a query definition.
v The Query menu allows you to start working with queries, run a query, or delete a query. It also
allows you to start working with files.

Chapter 1. What is Query for i5/OS? 5

v The Work with Queries display allows you to do specific tasks with one or more queries. You can
create, change, display, copy, delete, or run a query, or print a query definition.

Figure 3. Major Tasks on the Query Menu and the Work with Queries Display

6 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Chapter 2. General operating information for Query for i5/OS
This chapter describes the general operating information for Query for i5/OS, such as getting started
with Query for i5/OS, using prompts and lists, how you can check your query definition before it is
finished, how to use the function keys, and error recovery procedures.

Practicing with Query for i5/OS

Appendix B, Practice exercise for Query for i5/OS query provides practice examples that you can do in
order to quickly become familiar with Query for i5/OS.

Getting started with Query for i5/OS

You can access Query in a variety of ways. To use Query, you can do any of the following:
v Use the Work With Query (WRKQRY) command by typing WRKQRY and pressing the Enter key. This
causes the Work with Queries display to appear.
v Use the Start Query (STRQRY) command by typing STRQRY and pressing the Enter key. This causes the
Query menu to appear. Typing GO QUERY and pressing the Enter key has the same effect.

From the Query menu, you can choose to work with queries, run a query, delete a query, work with files,
or do an office-related task.

From the Work with Queries display you can:

v Create, change, copy, delete, display, print, or run a query if you came from the Query menu or the
WRKQRY command.
v Create, change, copy, delete, or display a query definition.
v Create, change, copy, delete, or display a query definition.

When you are finished working with Query for i5/OS

When you are finished working with Query, you can exit from the Work with Queries display by
pressing either F3 (Exit) or F12 (Cancel).

Telling Query for i5/OS what you want

When you work with a query, Query shows you a series of displays that ask (or prompt) you for:
v What information you want Query to get from a file or files
v Whether you want the information printed or displayed as a report or output as data in another file
v How you want the report to look

Query gathers all of this information from what you enter on the displays.

Using prompts and default values in Query for i5/OS

Prompts are the systems way of asking you what it needs to know in order to fulfill your request. You
need only fill in the blank. Often, the prompt even lists the possible correct choices, so you only need
to type the choice that fits what you are doing. If you are not sure what information you are supposed to
supply at a prompt, you can move the cursor to the prompt and press the Help key.

Also, when a display appears, some of the prompts are already filled in. These values are called default
valuesthey are the values assumed by the system if you do not specify anything yourself. You can

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 7

leave a default value the way it is, or if you want, you can change it to another value by moving the
cursor to the prompt and typing over the default value.

Using Query for i5/OS function keys

Function keys like Enter, Help, and Print can be used at any time with any query display. However, not
all the function keys (such as F3, F4, and F11) apply to all displays. Each display shows, at the bottom of
the display, which function keys are commonly used with that display (all the available keys may not be
shown). If you want to know how all the available keys work on a particular display, move the cursor to
the function key section of that display and press the Help key.

Checking the results before printing the Query for i5/OS report
Function keys F5 (Report) and F13 (Layout) can be used to check the results of your work at many points
in the query definition process. That is, during query definition, you can use these keys to see if you are
getting the output results you expected. If so, you can continue on with confidence; if not, you can make
whatever changes are necessary to get what you want before you move on to the next definition step. In
some situations, looking at the layout may be more useful than looking at the report, and vice versa (for
example, F13 can be used when there is no data in a file that is used by the query).

Before printing a query report, remember the following:

v F5 (Report) uses all the information you have defined so far in this and previous definition steps to run
the query and display the results. The results are shown on the Display Report display in report form.

Note: If Query finds errors in numeric fields when your query is run, an error message might be
displayed or the field value might be shown in the output as plus signs (++++). Plus signs are
also used to indicate division by zero and overflow (when the overflow occurs as data is being
taken from the file). You can specify that Query ignore any numeric field errorssee Ignoring
decimal data errors during Query for i5/OS processing on page 162 for more information.
Asterisks (*****) are shown if the field length and/or number of decimal positions was changed
on the Specify Report Column Formatting display to a size too small for the value to be shown.

When the query is run, if Query finds conversion errors either in the date, time, or timestamp
fields, or in character fields due to the coded character set identifier (CCSID), plus signs (++++)
are shown in the output. Plus signs are also shown if the data is not good or overflows.
Field, break text, minimum, maximum, average, and total values can be null and are represented by a
dash (-) on the display.
v F13 (Layout) uses all the information that you have defined so far to show the column heading and
field layout without actually running the report.

On the Display Report Layout display, Xs show SBCS character data and 9s show numeric data. The
current date, time, or timestamp shows where date, time, or timestamp data is.

If floating-point fields are present:

v 9s and 0s, followed by E +029, represent single-precision data.
v 9s and 0s, followed by E +299, represent double-precision data.
v You may also see 1.00 for a floating-point field if the data is smaller than the size selected by Query
(which is a length of four with two decimal positions).

If you are using a DBCS-capable display and if DBCS fields are present, you may see:
v Double-byte Js, which represent DBCS-only data. DBCS-only fields contain only DBCS data.
v Double-byte Os, which represent DBCS-open (mixed) data. DBCS-open (mixed) fields contain DBCS
data, SBCS data, or a mixture of both types of data.
v Double-byte Es, which represent DBCS-either data. DBCS-either fields contain either all SBCS data or
all DBCS data, but not both in the same field.

8 Query for i5/OS V6R1

v Double-byte Gs, which represent DBCS-graphic data. DBCS-graphic fields contain only DBCS-graphic
data.

DBCS characters take twice the amount of space of SBCS characters. In addition, a shift-out character
precedes DBCS data, and a shift-in character follows the data. The shift-out and shift-in characters are
called DBCS bracket characters. DBCS-graphic data is stored in the database without bracket characters;
however, the bracket characters are present when DBCS-graphic data is displayed or printed.

Although you must use a DBCS display to type or read data contained in DBCS fields, you do not need
to use a DBCS display to display the layout of a report that uses DBCS fields. However, the layout may
not be readable.

You can look at the displayed results and determine whether the spacing between columns, the length of
each field, and the column headings produce the results you want.

Note: The displayed report or report layout contains all the entries or changes that you have made this
far, including those typed just before you pressed F5 or F13.

Printing what you see on your Query for i5/OS display

You can use the Print key to print a copy of what you see on any Query display at any time. You may
find this useful during query definition, for example, when you type many values in the fields on a
display, such as on the Define Result Fields display or on the Select Records display. The printed copy of
the displayed information is printed on the printer that is associated with your display station.

You can also use the Print key, when needed, to print the displayed output of the function keys F5
(Report) and F13 (Layout). However, only what is shown on the display is printed. If your report or
layout is wider than the display and you have not specified that line wrapping be used, the far right side
of the report is cut off and is not printed. In this case, you could use the shift function keys to move text
lines to the right and then press the Print key again to obtain a printout of the remainder (or possibly just
more) of the report.

Using lists in Query for i5/OS

For many displays, Query provides lists of items that can be used to complete the prompts. Those items
might include:
v Libraries you are authorized to use
v Queries you are authorized to use
v Files you are authorized to use
v Record formats for a specified file
v Members for a specified file
v Fields available for your query
v Translation tables

The lists eliminate the need to memorize names, and they also reduce the number of potential typing
errors.

Displaying a Query for i5/OS list

You can obtain a list of an item (for example, a list of files or a list of libraries) by moving the cursor to
the prompt and pressing F4 (Prompt) so that the list appears. Note that you cannot display a list for just
any item on a display; the items for which lists are available are signified by a comment next to the
prompt that you can use F4 to obtain a list.

You can also obtain a particular subset of a list of items by typing a generic name or a special library
name in the prompt or prompts before you press F4. (For more information about special library names,

Chapter 2. General operating information for Query for i5/OS 9

see Special library names in Query for i5/OS.) Typing a generic name (such as ABC*) in a prompt that
allows generic names limits the items to only the items that begin with those characters (ABC).

The number of items shown in the list part of the display varies, depending on what form the list is in
and the amount of space used by the prompt part of the display. Sometimes a new display will appear
that shows the list. If all items in a list do not fit on the display, you can use the page keys to page
forward and backward through the list.

Selecting items in a Query for i5/OS list

You can select an item from a list by doing one of the following:
v Typing the name and an option number in the first position in the list.
v Selecting an item directly from the list by typing a number next to the name in the list. By selecting an
item directly from the list by typing a number next to it, you often can select more than one item and
thus save a lot of time and typing.

You may be able to display, from a list, a long comment about a file, a record format, a file member, or a
field. Long comments may provide extensive information about their content. If a long comment is
defined for a file, a record format, a file member, or a field, you can move the cursor to its name and
press F23 to display the long comment.

Note: If the field is a result field, the entire expression defining the result field is shown as a long
comment.

Special library names in Query for i5/OS

You can specify any of the following special library names to search the associated libraries for query
definitions, files, or translation tables:
Special Library Name
Description
*CURLIB The current library being used for your job. It is the only library searched. If no current
library is found, QGPL is searched.
*LIBL All the libraries in the library list for your job. They are searched in the order they are
listed.
*USRLIBL All the user libraries that are in the user part of the library list for your job. They are
searched in the order they are listed.
*ALLUSR All the user libraries on the system that you have the authority to use and other libraries
that you have authority to use whose names begin with the letter Q. *ALLUSR does not
list certain System/36 libraries that begin with the # character. The libraries are searched
in alphabetical order.
*ALL All the libraries on the system that you have the authority to use. They are searched in
alphabetical order.
GENERIC* All libraries starting with characters that precede an asterisk that you have authority to
use are searched. For example, you can specify STA* to search all libraries starting with
STA.

If you specify *CURLIB in the Library prompt, Query changes it to the name of the library currently being
used in your job. That library name is displayed in place of *CURLIB.

Note: You can use only those libraries for which you have the necessary authority. If you specify a
special library name that contains libraries you do not have authority for, you will see queries in
only those libraries in that list for which you do have the authority.

10 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Using Query for i5/OS commands
A command is a statement used to request a function of the system. This means you need only remember
a command that is a few characters long instead of remembering all the individual instructions or taking
the time to go through a series of menus.

Query has four commands, which can be entered from any command line:
v STRQRY brings up the Query menu.
v WRKQRY brings up the Work with Queries display.
v Run Query (RUNQRY) runs an existing query, or you can use it to run a default query. This command
can also be embedded in CL programs so that you could, for example, run several queries overnight.
v Delete Query (DLTQRY) deletes one or several query definitions.

For detailed information about how you can use these commands, see the Control language topic in the
i5/OS Information Center.

Using the Query Utilities menu

The Query Utilities menu allows you to select Query tasks for working with queries, running queries that
have previously been defined, deleting query definitions, or working with files.
QUERY Query Utilities

Select one of the following:

Query for i5/OS

1. Work with queries
2. Run an existing query
3. Delete a query

DB2 for i5/OS

10. Start DB2 Query Manager for i5/OS

Query management
20. Work with query management forms
21. Work with query management queries
22. Start a query
23. Analyze a Query for i5/OS definition
More...
Selection or command
===>

F3=Exit F4=Prompt F9=Retrieve F12=Cancel F13=Information Assistant

F16=System Main Menu

If you select option 1 (Work with queries) and press the Enter key, the Work with Queries display is
shown. On that display, you can specify which query you want to work with and in what way. The tasks
that can be started using that display (including additional ways for running and deleting queries) are
introduced in Using the Work with Queries display on page 12.

If you select option 2 (Run an existing query) on the Query Utilities menu, you are shown the prompt
displays for the Run Query (RUNQRY) command. You can use this command to run a query and
produce a query report of the data selected from one or more database files. You can use this command
to run an existing query (one that is defined and stored by name on the system) or to run a default
query (one that is unnamed and that uses mostly system-supplied values). If you do not know the name
of a query or library, use option 1 (Work with queries) so that you can get a list of queries and libraries.

Chapter 2. General operating information for Query for i5/OS 11

If you select option 3 (Delete a query) on the Query Utilities menu, you are shown the prompt display
for the Delete Query (DLTQRY) command. You can use this command to delete a query definition. If you
do not know the name of a query or library, use option 1 (Work with queries) so that you can get a list of
queries and libraries.

There are other tasks that you can do that are not part of Query but may be related to it or may be
convenient to get to from the Query Utilities menu:
v If you select option 30 to work with files, the Files (FILE) menu is displayed. From that menu, you can
perform a file-related task (display, copy, delete, save, restore, or edit) or you can use a different
file-related utility such as IDDU or DFU, or a licensed program, such as DB2 for i5/OS. For example,
you can use IDDU to define and create files, and you can use either IDDU or DFU to type data into
the files.
v If you select option 31 to do an office-related task, the Office Tasks (OFCTSK) menu is displayed. From
that menu, you can choose to work with documents or folders, with office security, or with
OfficeVision or Client Access.

Using the Work with Queries display

The Work with Queries display is the major starting point for working with one or more queries at a
time. Using this display, you can select (and, therefore, start) one or more of the following primary tasks:
v Create a new query definition.
v Change, copy, display, or delete an existing query definition.
v Print the definition of a query.
v Run a query to select data from files and produce a report using that data.

Part 2 of this book describes these primary Query tasks. Creating query definitions is described in
Chapters 3 through 14, running queries is described in Chapter 15, and the remaining tasks (changing,
copying, displaying, printing, and deleting query definitions) are described in Chapter 16.

Choosing a single Query for i5/OS task

To work with a query, you need to determine which query you want to work with, and you need to
select the task you want to do. To select a task, you can type the number of the task you want to do in
the Option prompt on the Work with Queries display, or if a list of query names is shown, you can type
the number of the task in the Opt column (as shown in Figure 4 on page 13). These are the tasks that you
can choose from:
Query Task Description of Task
1=Create Creates (defines) a new query. When this option is processed, the Define the Query
display is shown so you can start defining a query.
2=Change Changes an existing query definition. The Define the Query display is shown for this
option also.
3=Copy Copies an existing query definition. The Copy Queries display is shown.
4=Delete Deletes an existing query definition. The Confirm Delete of Queries display is shown.
5=Display Shows the definition of a query without being able to change it. (To change the query,
choose option 2.) The Define the Query display is shown.
6=Print definition
Prints a query definition. For more information, see Printing a Query for i5/OS query
definition on page 178.
8=Run in batch
Runs a query in batch, reducing the resource drain caused by running the query
interactively.

12 Query for i5/OS V6R1

9=Run Runs a query. Query displays a report, prints a report, or puts the data into a database
file, depending on what is specified in the query definition. For information about
running queries, see Chapter 15.

Specifying a Query for i5/OS query and its library

To identify the query you want to work with, you can type the name of the query (in the Query prompt)
and the name of the library (in the Library prompt) in which it is to be stored (or is already stored). Or
you can look at a list of query names or library names and then select the name you want see
Choosing multiple Query for i5/OS tasks.

If you specify the name of a query, Query assumes that it already exists and searches for it in the library
specified in the Library prompt. If you specified a special library name (such as *LIBL) or a generic library
name (such as ABC*), the first query found with the name you specified is used; libraries are searched in
alphabetical order (except for *LIBL and *USRLIBL).

If you are creating a query, you do not need to name it unless you want to save it for later use. For more
information on creating queries, see Chapter 3, Creating a Query for i5/OS query definition.

Choosing multiple Query for i5/OS tasks

If you position the cursor on the Query prompt and press F4 (Prompt) to show a list, the list contains the
names of all the queries that are in the library (or libraries) indicated by the Library prompt. Only the
queries and libraries for which you have the necessary authority are shown. The following display shows
some sample query names.

Work with Queries

Library . . . . . . . . QGPL Name, *LIBL, F4 for list

Subset . . . . . . . . __________ Name, generic*
Position to . . . . . . __________ Starting character(s)

Type options (and Query), press Enter.

1=Create 2=Change 3=Copy 4=Delete 5=Display 6=Print
8=Run in batch 9=Run

Opt Query Opt Query

_ __________
_ ACCTPAYFEB _ PAYROLLMAR
_ ACCTPAYMAR
_ ACCTRECFEB
_ ACCTRECMAR
_ INTFEB
_ INTMAR
_ INVFEB
_ INVMAR
_ PAYROLLFEB

F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Refresh F11=Display text

F12=Cancel F19=Next group

Figure 4. Work with Queries Display (Multiple-Column List)

You can type any option number (except a 1) beside the name of each query that you want to select from
the list. If you need to select multiple queries, you can select and mix the options according to the types
of work you need to do. For example, if you need to run a query, delete another query, and copy a third
query, you can page through the list looking for the query names and select all three options on this
display at one time. You can also type an option number (including 1) and a query name in the top
position of the list as well.

Chapter 2. General operating information for Query for i5/OS 13

You can select as many as 30 queries from the list, as well as type a query name and option in the first
list position of this display. Query processes the requests in the order that they appear in the list, starting
first with the option and query that you typed in the first list position (in the input fields of the Option
and Query columns).

When you select multiple options and the list contains multiple columns of names only (such as in
Figure 4 on page 13), the processing order of the columns is top to bottom and left to right. That is,
Query processes all the selected queries in the leftmost column first, then the second column, and so on.
(However, if the selected options include queries that are to be copied or deleted, Copy Queries or
Confirm Delete of Queries displays are shown when the first query with one of those options is found.
Then Query groups together all others with the same option, by library, for you to verify what you want
done.)

Working with a list of Query for i5/OS queries

When you work with a list (in this case, a list of queries), Query provides several functions to help you.
Here are some possibilities:
v To see all the queries in a different library or group of libraries, you can press the Enter key after
changing the value in the Library prompt and typing blanks or an asterisk (*) in the Subset prompt. You
are shown all the queries that you have the authority to use that exist in that library or group of
libraries. (You indicate which libraries are to be checked by specifying a library name, a special library
name [such as *LIBL], or a generic library name [in the form of ABC*] in the Library prompt.)
v To see a particular subset (a smaller group) of query names, you can type a generic name (in the form
of ABC*) in the Subset prompt and press the Enter key. If you know at least the starting characters in
the name you are looking for, this function can reduce the time needed to locate it.
v To see if more than one library contains a specific query name, you can type that query name in the
Subset prompt and type *ALL in the Library prompt before you press the Enter key. You are shown all
the queries by that name for which you have the authority to use.
v To position the list to a specific name, type the name (or the starting characters in the name) in the
Position to prompt and press the Enter key. This function can also reduce the time needed to locate a
name.
v You can also use a combination of these things at the same time. For example, you could specify a
different library name, generic library name, or special library name in the Library prompt, a subset
value (of query names) in the Subset prompt, a specific query name or the starting characters of a
query name in the Position to prompt, and then press the Enter key to show the desired subset list of
query names.

These functions are described in the following topics.

Selecting a Query for i5/OS query name from a list

If you are working with a list of queries, you can select a query by using one of the following methods:
v You can use the top position in the list to type the name of a query (and library name, if the Library
column is shown) you want to create or use. (To select an existing query, it must be available for
usesee Other considerations when you are trying to locate or use a particular Query for i5/OS
query on page 17.)
If you are creating a query, you can check this list to see what names are already used before you type
a new name. Then, type the new name in the first list position (in its input field) and type a 1 next to
it.
v You can work with a query (or queries) in the list by typing an option next to the query(s). (To select a
query, it must be available for usesee Other considerations when you are trying to locate or use a
particular Query for i5/OS query on page 17.)

Using Query for i5/OS list subsets

You can use the Subset prompt to see a smaller group (subset) of query names. To do so, type the starting
characters (in the form of ABC*) that identify the group of queries that you want to display, and press the

14 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Enter key. All the queries whose names start with those characters in the specified library or library
group are shown. For example, if you typed IN* in the Subset prompt, you might see a list of query
names like: INTEREST, INTFEB, INTMARCH, INVENTORY, INVFEB, INVMARCH, and so on. (The queries are
shown alphabetically for each library.)

You can also specify a complete name (without an *) in the Subset prompt. Continuing the previous
example, if you want to see which libraries contain queries named INVENTORY, type that complete query
name in the Subset prompt.

If you want to return to the full list previously shown, blank out the subset value (or type an * as the
subset value) and press the Enter key again.

Positioning a list of Query for i5/OS queries

When a list of query names is shown, they are shown in alphabetical order within each library.

You can use the special values *TOP or *BOT to position to the top or bottom of the list. If it is a long list,
you may want to move (change the position within) the list so that it starts with a particular query name.
You can do this by typing one of the following in the Position to prompt:
v All of the characters in an existing query name
v One or more of the starting characters in the name

When you press the Enter key, Query moves the list so that the fully specified name (or, in a list for a
specific library, the first name with the specified starting characters) is now shown at the top of the list.

If there is no Library column present and if there is no query name in the list that starts with those
characters, Query moves the list to the name closest to, and in front of, the position that the name would
have been in. However, if there is a Library column present and there is no query name that exactly
matches the value in the Position to prompt, the list is not repositioned.

Two other methods are also available to move through a long list of queries:
v You can use the page up and page down keys to go forward or backward through the list.
v You can use F19 (Next group) to advance to the start of the next librarys list of query names.

Using F11 to display additional information about Query for i5/OS queries
When a list is displayed, you can use F11 (Display text) to alternate between showing a list of just the
item names (such as queries, fields, and so on) and showing a list of both the items name and the text
that describes each item. When you press F11, the textif any was specified when the item was created
or changedis shown next to each item name in the list. Some additional information may also be
shown; for example, when you display the text for a list of queries, the date that each of the queries was
created or last changed is also displayed.

Following is an example of how the Work with Queries display might appear when F11 is used.

Chapter 2. General operating information for Query for i5/OS 15

 Work with Queries

Library . . . . . . . . QGPL Name, *LIBL, F4 for list

Subset . . . . . . . . __________ Name, generic*
Position to . . . . . . __________ Starting character(s)

Type options (and Query), press Enter.

1=Create 2=Change 3=Copy 4=Delete 5=Display 6=Print
8=Run in batch 9=Run

Opt Query Text Changed

_ __________
_ ACCTPAYFEB Accounts payable for February 02-29-88
_ ACCTPAYMAR Accounts payable for March 03-31-88
_ ACCTRECFEB Accounts receivable for February 02-29-88
_ ACCTRECMAR Accounts receivable for March 03-31-88
_ INTFEB Customer acct interest accumulated - Feb. 02-29-88
_ INTMAR Customer acct interest accumulated - March 03-31-88
_ INVFEB Ending inventory for February 02-29-88
_ INVMAR Ending inventory for March 03-31-88
_ PAYROLLFEB Total payroll, by day, for February 02-29-88
More
F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Refresh F11=Display names only
F12=Cancel F19=Next group

After you press F11, all lists on all the Query displays that use F11 are shown in the form you chose until
you press F11 again.

Selecting a library for your Query for i5/OS queries

The library name indicates where you want to store a new query or where an existing query is already
stored. (If you are creating a query, you do not need to specify a library name if you do not intend to
save the query.) Also, if you decide later during query definition that you do want to save the query, you
are given another opportunity to specify (a query name and) a library name at the end of definition time.

If this is the first time you are using Query, your current library is supplied as the library name. If you
do not have a current library, QGPL is used. When you specify a different library name, a special library
name, or a generic library name, Query supplies that name the next time you use this display. You can
use the same value each time, or you can change it to a different library or library group. (See Query for
i5/OS profile information on page 18 for more information.)

To look at or use a different library, or a list of libraries from which you can choose, do either of the
following:
v Type the name of the library, a generic library name, or a special library name in the Library prompt
and press the Enter key. A list of all the queries in that library or group of libraries for which you have
the authority to use is shown. If there are multiple libraries, the queries are listed in alphabetical order
within each library. The libraries themselves are shown in alphabetical order if *ALL, *ALLUSR, or a
generic library name is specified. If you specify *LIBL or *USRLIBL, the libraries are shown in the order
that they are listed in the library list.
If you specify a library name or special value that contains no query definitions (or none that you have
authority to use), a message is displayed indicating there were no queries.
If the list of queries is not empty but one of the libraries in the group is being used or is damaged, a
message is displayed indicating that the list may be incomplete.
v Move the cursor to the Library prompt and either leave the prompt blank or type a generic name or a
special library name, then press F4 to list the libraries. A list of the libraries that you are authorized to
use is shown.

16 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Other considerations when you are trying to locate or use a particular Query for
i5/OS query
You should be aware of other considerations when you are trying to locate or use a particular query. To
use a query:
v You must have the authority needed to use the query definition. You may need to either ask the owner
of the query, the administrator, or security officer to give you the type of authority that is necessary.
For more information about the types of authority, see Giving authority to others to your Query for
i5/OS query on page 166.
v You must have the authority needed to use the library containing the query definition.
v The query (or the library) must not be in use in such a way that it cannot be shared. For example, if
the owner is making changes to the definition of the query or if the system operator is saving the
library that contains the query, you may need to wait a short time before you can use the query. If the
Text and Changed columns are blank in a query list with the text displayed, the query is being used.

Displaying the format of constants in Query for i5/OS

If you create or change a query and specify a date or time constant in an i5/OS format or a numeric
constant with a decimal separator, that format must match the format description or separator shown on
the Display Constants Format display. To check what i5/OS format or separator you must use, press F17
from either the Select Records display or the Define Result Fields display.

Note: If you are sending queries between countries that use the comma for a decimal separator, put a
blank after each comma separating arguments in a function, such as SUBSTR or VALUE.
Display Constants Format

Query . . . . . . : QRY1 Option . . . . . : CHANGE

Library . . . . : QGPL CCSID . . . . . . : 65535

Use an SAA format to enter a date or time constant, or

use the format described by the following values.

Use the decimal separator shown.

Query definition values

Date format . . . . : *MDY
Date separator . . : /
Time format . . . . : *HMS
Time separator . . : :
Decimal separator . : .

Press Enter to continue.

F12=CANCEL

The Display Constants Format display appears when you:

v Change a query from the Work with Queries display and at least one date or time constant is specified
in the query definition in an i5/OS format other than the date or time format that is specified for your
job.
v Display a query from the Work with Queries display and your job format for the date or time is
different from an i5/OS date or time format constant that is specified in the query definition.
v Use the runtime record selection option of the RUNQRY command and your job format for the date
or time is different from an i5/OS date or time format constant that is specified in the query definition.
v Use the runtime record selection option with the QRYRUN procedure and your job format for the
date or time is different from an i5/OS date or time format constant that is specified in the query
definition.

Chapter 2. General operating information for Query for i5/OS 17

v Change or display a query from the Work with Queries display or use the runtime record selection
option of the RUNQRY command, and the query was defined with a numeric constant and the decimal
separator saved with the query does not match your current decimal separator.
v Press F17 from the Select Records display.
v Press F17 from the Define Result Fields display.

i5/OS date formats are MDY, YMD, DMY, and JUL. The valid i5/OS time format is HHMMSS.

Query for i5/OS profile information

Query creates and maintains a query profile for each user. The profile is automatically created the first
time you use the Query utility program, and its values are updated automatically whenever you specify
certain values or press certain keys. You do not have to worry about creating or changing this profile.

You may notice that some prompts on some of the displays are already filled in when the display is first
presented to you. These values may have been obtained from your profile, because Query uses it to make
your definition tasks easier by providing certain information at the appropriate time.

The values that are stored in your Query profile are:

v The library you last used on the Work with Queries display
v The library you last used to specify your first file selection on the Specify File Selections display
v The library you last used to specify where database file output was to be stored
v Your list column mode (whether displays are to show names and text or just names only)
v Your report/layout display width (80 or 132)
v The current collating sequence option
v Your collating sequence and coded character set identifier (CCSID)
v The collating sequence table and library name

Handling Query for i5/OS messages and errors

You should not worry about making errors while working with Query. Query either prompts you for
needed input or issues an error message. You can correct your errors by responding to either of these. If
you want to obtain help for any message that Query issues to you, move the cursor to the message line
and press the Help key or F1.

Some of the things that may go wrong are:

v You specify a value that is not listed as a possible choice.
v You are not authorized to use a query, file, or table that you specified, or a file is currently being used.
v You change your mind after entering something.

Changing your Query for i5/OS queries

Whether you change your mind about something you have already entered because it was a mistake or
because you thought of a better way to get what you want, you will find it is very easy to change things
in Query.

If you are still creating or changing your query, you can go back to previous displays by using F12. If
you press F12 on a display, all of the new entries or changes you made on that display are ignored.
Pressing F10 on a display keeps all of your new entries or changes and shows you the previous display.
You can also return to the Define the Query display and choose the option(s) that you want to change or
add.

18 Query for i5/OS V6R1

If you define and save the query before you notice that the results are not what you want, just choose
option 2 (Change) on the Work with Queries display and change the query. When changing a query, you
select only the option(s) that need to be changed and then, when you are shown the appropriate display,
you need only type the new choices or change the incorrect ones. Everything else you defined earlier
remains defined; you do not have to redefine the whole query.

If you just want to quit, press F3 (Exit) to go to the Exit This Query display. On the Exit This Query
display, indicate whether you want to save or run the query (or do both), and then press the Enter key.
Afterwards, if you have not selected other options, the Work with Queries display appears. Press F3 to
exit Query.

Chapter 2. General operating information for Query for i5/OS 19

20 Query for i5/OS V6R1
Part 2. Defining and using Query for i5/OS query definitions
Chapter 3. Creating a Query for i5/OS query Example: Sequencing secondary files in a
definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Query for i5/OS query . . . . . . . . 47
Starting Query for i5/OS query definition . . . . 25 Displaying all join tests in a Query for i5/OS query 51
Selecting definition steps when defining a Query for Handling missing fields in a Query for i5/OS query 52
i5/OS query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Handling missing fields during file selection
Selecting options for a Query for i5/OS query process of a Query for i5/OS query . . . . . 53
definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Handling missing fields when starting to change
Moving through the Query for i5/OS definition or display a Query for i5/OS query . . . . . 53
displays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
When you return to the Query for i5/OS Define Chapter 5. Defining result fields in Query for
the Query display . . . . . . . . . . . 28 i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
Considerations for creating Query for i5/OS queries 28 Creating results fields in Query for i5/OS . . . . 55
Selecting files, records, and fields for Query for Query for i5/OS result field name . . . . . . 56
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Query for i5/OS expressions . . . . . . . 56
Suggested sequence of tasks for creating Query Query for i5/OS numeric expressions . . . . 57
for i5/OS queries . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Query for i5/OS character expressions . . . . 58
Query for i5/OS concatenation operation . . 58
Chapter 4. Specifying and selecting files for a Query for i5/OS character functions . . . . . 59
Query for i5/OS query . . . . . . . . . . 31 SUBSTR Query for i5/OS function . . . . . 59
Specifying file selections for a Query for i5/OS DIGITS Query for i5/OS function . . . . . 60
query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 VALUE Query for i5/OS function . . . . . 60
Choosing a file for a Query for i5/OS query . . 32 VARCHAR Query for i5/OS function . . . . 61
Choosing a library for a Query for i5/OS query 32 VARGRAPHIC Query for i5/OS function . . 63
Choosing a member or record format for a Query Date, time, and timestamp expressions in Query
for i5/OS query . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Selecting multiple files for a Query for i5/OS Query for i5/OS date . . . . . . . . . 65
query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Query for i5/OS time . . . . . . . . . 65
Using file IDs for a Query for i5/OS query . . 34 Query for i5/OS timestamp . . . . . . . 66
Confirming your options for a Query for i5/OS Displaying constants format in Query for i5/OS 67
query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Date, time, and timestamp arithmetic operations in
Removing a option for a Query for i5/OS Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Date arithmetic operation in Query for i5/OS . . 68
Handling errors on the Query for i5/OS Specify Subtracting dates in Query for i5/OS . . . . 68
File Selections display . . . . . . . . . . 34 Incrementing and decrementing dates in
Selecting files on the Query for i5/OS Select File Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 69
display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Converting a numeric field to a date field in
Selecting file members on the Query for i5/OS Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Select Member display . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Working with numeric dates in Query for
Selecting record formats on the Query for i5/OS i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Select Record Format display . . . . . . . . 38 Example 1: Working with numeric dates in
Displaying all files selected on the Query for i5/OS Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . 69
Display File Selections display . . . . . . . . 39 Example 2: Working with numeric dates in
Joining files in a Query for i5/OS query . . . . . 40 Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . 70
Types of joins in a Query for i5/OS query . . . 41 Time arithmetic operation in Query for i5/OS . . 70
How to join files in a Query for i5/OS query . . 41 Incrementing and decrementing times in
Rules for joining files in a Query for i5/OS query 42 Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Examples of joining files in a Query for i5/OS Timestamp arithmetic operation in Query for
query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Example: Selecting matched records from all Durations in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . 71
selected files in a Query for i5/OS query . . 45 Labeled duration in Query for i5/OS . . . . 71
Example: Selecting matched records using a Date duration in Query for i5/OS . . . . . 71
primary file in a Query for i5/OS query . . . 46 Time duration in Query for i5/OS . . . . . 71
Example: Selecting unmatched primary file Timestamp duration in Query for i5/OS . . . 71
records in a Query for i5/OS query . . . . 46 Date, time, and timestamp functions in Query for
Sequencing secondary files for a primary join in i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
a Query for i5/OS query . . . . . . . . . 47 CHAR Query for i5/OS function . . . . . . 72

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 21

 DATE Query for i5/OS function . . . . . . 72 Testing for greater (GT or GE), less (LT or LE),
DAY Query for i5/OS function . . . . . . . 73 and range (RANGE) in Query for i5/OS . . . 94
DAYS Query for i5/OS function . . . . . . 74 Testing for values in a list (LIST NLIST) in
HOUR Query for i5/OS function . . . . . . 74 Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 95
MICROSECOND Query for i5/OS function . . . 75 Example 1: Testing for values in a list (LIST
MINUTE Query for i5/OS function . . . . . 75 NLIST) in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . 96
MONTH Query for i5/OS function . . . . . 76 Example 2: Testing for values in a list (LIST
SECOND Query for i5/OS function . . . . . 76 NLIST) in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . 96
TIME Query for i5/OS function . . . . . . 77 Testing for values that are similar (LIKE
TIMESTAMP Query for i5/OS function . . . . 77 NLIKE) in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . 96
YEAR Query for i5/OS function . . . . . . 78 Testing for DBCS LIKE (like) and NLIKE (not
Additional date, time, and timestamp functions like) in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . 97
in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Non-DBCS character LIKE, NLIKE (not
Converting date formats in Query for i5/OS . . . 78 like) pattern in Query for i5/OS . . . . 97
Converting date for output to a database file in DBCS-only LIKE, NLIKE (not like) pattern
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . 98
Converting date for output to a display or DBCS-open LIKE, NLIKE (not like) pattern
printer in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . 79 in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . 98
Example 1: Converting from MMDDYY to DBCS-Graphic LIKE, NLIKE (not like)
YYDDD format in Query for i5/OS . . . . 79 pattern in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . 98
Example 2: Converting from MMDDYY to Using more than one comparison test in Query
YYDDD format in Query for i5/OS . . . . 79 for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Example 3: Converting from YYDDD to Adding and removing comparisons in Query for
MMDDYY format in Query for i5/OS . . . 80 i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Example 4: Converting from MMDDYY to
YYDD format in Query for i5/OS . . . . . 80 Chapter 8. Selecting sort fields in Query for
General considerations when creating an expression i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 Letting Query for i5/OS determine the order of
Column headings in Query for i5/OS . . . . . 83 records for you . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Length and decimal positions in Query for i5/OS 83 Selecting the sort fields you want to use in Query
Example of defining a result field in Query for for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84 Additional sort considerations in Query for
Adding or removing result fields in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Chapter 9. Selecting a collating sequence in
Chapter 6. Selecting and sequencing fields in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Letting Query for i5/OS select a collating sequence 109
Letting Query for i5/OS select and sequence fields 85 Setting your default collating sequence in Query
Selecting fields and specifying their sequence in for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 Purpose of a collating sequence in Query for i5/OS 109
Collating sequence and CCSIDs in Query for
Chapter 7. Selecting records in Query for i5/OS 89 i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Letting Query for i5/OS select records . . . . . 89 How a collating sequence affects Query for i5/OS 110
Selecting the records you want in Query for i5/OS 89 Selecting a Query for i5/OS collating sequence . . 111
Comparison fields in Query for i5/OS . . . . 90 Using the hexadecimal collating sequence in
Comparison values in Query for i5/OS . . . . 91 Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Fields as values in Query for i5/OS . . . . 92 Using the language collating sequence for your
Character constants as values in Query for country in Query for i5/OS. . . . . . . . 112
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Defining your own collating sequence in Query
Numeric constants as values in Query for for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 Selecting a translation table in Query for i5/OS 114
Date, time, timestamp constants as values in Selecting a system sort sequence in Query for
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 93 i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115
Null values in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . 93
Comparison tests in Query for i5/OS . . . . . 93 Chapter 10. Specifying report column
Date, time, or timestamp comparisons in formatting in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . 117
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Formatting the columns of the Query for i5/OS
Testing for equal (EQ) and not equal (NE) in query report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 94 Column spacing in Query for i5/OS reports . . 117
Testing for IS Null (IS) and ISNOT Null Column headings in Query for i5/OS reports 117
(ISNOT) in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . 94

22 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Length and decimal positions in Query for Chapter 13. Selecting output type and output
i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . . . 118 form in Query for i5/OS reports . . . . . . 143
Omitting fields from a Query for i5/OS report 119 Selecting the output type and form you want in
Editing numeric fields in Query for i5/OS reports 120 Query for i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . 143
Defining numeric field editing in Query for Form of output of Query for i5/OS reports . . 144
i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . . . 120 Line wrapping in Query for i5/OS reports . . 144
Describing numeric field editing in Query for Wrapping width in Query for i5/OS reports . . 145
i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . . . 122 Record on one page in Query for i5/OS reports 145
Decimal point in Query for i5/OS reports 123 Displaying wrapping widths in Query for i5/OS
Thousands separator in Query for i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Defining output to the printer in Query for
Show negative sign in Query for i5/OS i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123 Printer device in Query for i5/OS reports 147
Left negative sign in Query for i5/OS reports 123 Form size in Query for i5/OS reports . . . 147
Right negative sign in Query for i5/OS Start line in Query for i5/OS reports . . . 148
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 End line in Query for i5/OS reports . . . . 148
Show currency symbol in Query for i5/OS Line spacing in Query for i5/OS reports . . 148
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 Print definition in Query for i5/OS reports 148
Left currency symbol in Query for i5/OS Specifying spooled output overrides in
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 Query for i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . 148
Right currency symbol in Query for i5/OS Spool the output in Query for i5/OS
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124 reports . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Print zero value in Query for i5/OS reports 125 Form type in Query for i5/OS reports . . 149
Replace leading zeros in Query for i5/OS Copies in Query for i5/OS reports . . . 150
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 Hold in Query for i5/OS reports . . . . 150
Replace with option in Query for i5/OS Defining the printout cover page of Query
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 for i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . 150
Single leading zero in Query for i5/OS Print cover page of Query for i5/OS
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125 reports . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Describing date/time field editing display in Cover page title of Query for i5/OS
Query for i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . 126 reports . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Date/time separator in Query for i5/OS Defining the page headings and footings in
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126 Query for i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . 151
Specifying an edit code in Query for i5/OS Print standard page headings in Query for
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . 152
Edit code in Query for i5/OS reports . . . 127 Page heading in Query for i5/OS reports 152
Optional edit code modifier in Query for Page footing in Query for i5/OS reports 152
i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . . 129 Defining output of Query for i5/OS reports to a
Specifying edit words . . . . . . . . . 129 database file . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Edit word in Query for i5/OS reports . . . 129 Using an existing output file definition in Query
Edit word for summary total in Query for for i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . . 153
i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . . 131 Building a new output file definition in Query
for i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Chapter 11. Specifying report summary Specifying an output database file for Query
functions in Query for i5/OS reports . . . . . 133 for i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . 155
Types of summary functions in Query for i5/OS File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133 Library in Query for i5/OS reports . . . 155
Summarizing columns in Query for i5/OS reports 135 Member in Query for i5/OS reports . . . 155
Location of column summary values in Query for Data in file in Query for i5/OS reports 156
i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135 Authority in Query for i5/OS reports . . 157
Text in Query for i5/OS reports . . . . 157
Chapter 12. Defining Query for i5/OS report Print definition in Query for i5/OS
breaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137 reports . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Defining a Query for i5/OS report break . . . . 137 Summary-only output of a Query for i5/OS
Defining report break formatting in Query for report to a database file . . . . . . . . 158
i5/OS reports . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141 Using an output database file created by Query
Skip to new page in Query for i5/OS reports 141 for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Suppress summaries in Query for i5/OS reports 141
Break text in Query for i5/OS reports . . . . 142 Chapter 14. Specifying Query for i5/OS
processing options . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Purpose of Query for i5/OS processing options 161

Part 2. Defining and using Query for i5/OS query definitions 23

Rounding numeric field values during Query for
i5/OS processing . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Ignoring decimal data errors during Query for
i5/OS processing . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Ignoring character substitution warnings during
Query for i5/OS processing . . . . . . . . 163
Using collating sequence for all character
comparisons during Query for i5/OS processing 163

Chapter 15. Exiting and running a Query for

i5/OS query . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Ending a Query for i5/OS query definition . . . 165
Saving a Query for i5/OS query definition . . 165
Storing the Query for i5/OS query definition 165
Describing the Query for i5/OS query
definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Giving authority to others to your Query for
i5/OS query . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Running a Query for i5/OS query . . . . . . 167
Using function key F5 when running a Query
for i5/OS query . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Running a Query for i5/OS query from the
Query for i5/OS menu . . . . . . . . . 167
Running a Query for i5/OS query from the Exit
This Query display . . . . . . . . . . 167
Running a Query for i5/OS query from the
Work with Queries display . . . . . . . . 168
Running a Query for i5/OS query using the
RUNQRY command . . . . . . . . . . 169

Chapter 16. Working with Query for i5/OS query

definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Changing a Query for i5/OS query definition . . 171
Starting changes by copying a Query for i5/OS
query definition . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Changes you can make to a Query for i5/OS
query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Considerations for changing Query for i5/OS
queries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Changing your collating sequence on Query
for i5/OS queries . . . . . . . . . . 174
Copying a Query for i5/OS query definition . . . 175
Renaming a Query for i5/OS query definition . . 176
Deleting a Query for i5/OS query definition . . . 176
Displaying a Query for i5/OS query definition . . 177
Printing a Query for i5/OS query definition . . . 178
Information printed for a Query for i5/OS
query definition . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Example of printed record format information
for a Query for i5/OS query definition . . . . 179

24 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Chapter 3. Creating a Query for i5/OS query definition
This chapter describes the process of creating a query (that is, defining a query definition object) that can
be used to query one or more files in DB2 for i5/OS. The chapter begins with selecting option 1 (Create)
on the Work with Queries display, and then it introduces the Define the Query display and the 11
possible definition steps you can use to define a query or change part of an existing query definition. The
details for each of the definition steps are described later, in Chapters 4 through 14. The details for each
of the other major tasks then follow in Chapters 15 and 16.

Starting Query for i5/OS query definition

You start query definition by selecting option 1 (Create) on the Work with Queries display and,
optionally, by specifying the name of the query you want to create.

To specify a query name, you can type the name of the query (Query prompt) that you want to define,
and you can specify the name of the library (Library prompt) in which it is to be stored. Or, you can look
at a list of query names or library names to select the query name and the library name you want to use.

For example, you might specify CUSNAMQRY as the name of a query definition that you would use to query
the CUSTNAME file. If you do not specify a library name, the query is stored in the library identified in the
Library prompt (the QGPL library in this example).
Work with Queries

Type choices, press Enter.

Option . . . . . . . _ 1=Create 2=Change 3=Copy 4=Delete

5=Display 6=Print definition
8=Run in batch, 9=Run
Query . . . . . . . __________ Name, F4 for list
Library . . . . . . QGPL Name, *LIBL, F4 for list

F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Refresh F12=Cancel

If you are creating a query (definition), you do not need to name it unless you want to save it for later
use. (The query does not exist as a definition object on the system until you save it.) If you do name it,
use the normal rule for naming objects, which follows:

The query name must begin with an alphabetic character (A through Z, $, #, or @) and can be followed
by no more than 9 alphanumeric characters (A through Z, 0 through 9, $, #, @, ., or _).

Note: To use this query in a multilingual environment, use A-Z or 1-9.

Because most system-supplied objects begin with Q, do not start your query names with a Q.

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 25

If you position the cursor on the Query prompt and press F4 (Prompt) to show a list, it contains the
names of all the queries that are in the library (or libraries) indicated by the Library prompt. You can get a
smaller list by typing a generic name in the Query prompt before you press F4. The generic name shows
in the Subset prompt when the list is shown.

When you are creating a query, you can check this list to see what names are already used before you
choose a new name. Type the new name in the first list position (in its input field) and type a 1 next to it.

For more information on using lists on the Work with Queries display, see Working with a list of Query
for i5/OS queries on page 14.

Selecting definition steps when defining a Query for i5/OS query

When you specify option 1 (Create) on the Work with Queries display, you are shown the Define the
Query display (another key display) where you select one, several, or all of the 11 definition steps
(options) needed to define your query.

The only definition step that you are required to select is Specify file selections. You do not have to select all
of these definition stepsuse only those that you need. Most of these steps do not have to be done in a
specific order (although the order shown is recommended when you need to use most of them). Each
step you select is a separate process that shows you one or more displays as you need them.
Define the Query

Query . . . . . . : Option . . . . . : Create

Library . . . . . : QGPL CCSID . . . . . : 37

Type options, press Enter. Press F21 to select all.

1=Select

Opt Query Definition Option

1 Specify file selections
_ Define result fields
_ Select and sequence fields
_ Select records
_ Select sort fields
_ Select collating sequence
_ Specify report column formatting
_ Select report summary functions
_ Define report breaks
_ Select output type and output form
_ Specify processing options

F3=Exit F5=Report F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F18=Files F21=Select all

The Define the Query display is the primary display from which you start defining your query.

From this display, you can select options that define, generally speaking, the four major parts of a
complete query definition:
v The first six options define the query itself, including the files you want to query, the fields to be used
in each file, and the records to be selected.
v The next three options define what the report is to look like, including which columns are to be
summarized and when (using report breaks).
v The second to last option defines where the report is to go and what values are to be used when it is
sent there.
v The last option defines how numeric calculation results are processed and if substitution characters
are allowed during the conversion of character fields.

26 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Selecting options for a Query for i5/OS query definition
To select options that you want to use from those listed in the Query Definition Option column, type a 1 in
the Opt (option) column beside each of those options, then press the Enter key. The displays for the
options you select are then shown one after the other so you can create those parts of the query
definition.

Following are brief descriptions of each of the definition steps.

Specify file selections
This option is required, and you use it to specify the file or files from which you want your
query to obtain information. If you specify more than one file, you are shown the displays on
which you specify how you want the files joined.
Define result fields
Use this option to define fields that do not exist in your files but you want to use in your query.
For example, your selected file(s) contains a field representing the number of weeks, but it does
not contain a field representing the number of days, and you want your report to show days, not
weeks. You can define a result field that will hold the results of a calculation that uses the
number of weeks to determine the number of days.
Select and sequence fields
Use this option to select the fields (from your selected file(s) and your result fields) that you want
to appear on your report. You also specify in what order you want them to appear.
Select records
Use this option to select records, from your selected file or files, if you only want particular
records to be included in your report.
Select sort fields
Use this option to specify what fields to sort on so that your output records appear in a
particular order (such as alphabetically or in descending or ascending order).
Select collating sequence
Use this option to select a collating sequence for your query. The collating sequence you select
can affect many different things in your query, including record selection and the order of records
when they are sorted. The collating sequence usually relates to your countrys language. You can
also specify a different language for a particular query. You can set your collating sequence
defaults while defining your first query and thereby never have to change the collating sequence
again.
Specify report column formatting
Use this option to change the column headings, column spacing, numeric editing, length, and
decimal positions for fields that appear in your report.
Select report summary functions
Use this option to specify one or more (or all) of the types of summary functions for each field in
your report: total, average, minimum value, maximum value, and count.
Define report breaks
Use this option to specify how to break your report into groups of records.
Select output type and output form
Use this option to specify if you want your output to be displayed, printed, or sent to a database
file. If you want your output printed, you also specify printer attributes. You also use this option
to specify whether you want detailed or summary-only output.
Specify processing options
Use this option to specify if you want the results of your query calculations to be truncated or
rounded, if you want decimal data errors ignored, or if you want to ignore character substitution
warnings during conversion.

Chapter 3. Creating a Query for i5/OS query definition 27

You can specify one, several, or all of the options shown. To select all of them, press F21.

Moving through the Query for i5/OS definition displays

For each option you select, Query shows you the definition displays for that step. (The words shown for
each option on the Define the Query display match the title of the first display shown for that definition
step.) After you specify your definition values on a display, press the Enter key to have them included in
the query definition and to go to the next display in the sequence. Whenever you need to go backward in
the sequence, press F10 (Process/previous) to keep what you have entered on a display and then show
the previous display, or press F12 (Cancel) to ignore what you have entered on a display and then show
the previous display.

After you go forward through all of the options that you need, press the Enter key to return to the Define
the Query display. Then, you can select more options, change your selections, or end the definition of this
query.

When you return to the Query for i5/OS Define the Query display
When you return to this display, Query displays a > symbol beside all those definition steps that
currently have definition values that are different from the system-supplied (default) values. This is also
true if you are changing or displaying an existing definition.

Also, if you are creating or changing a definition, a message is shown to remind you to press F3 (Exit) to
save the query changes and/or run the query at this time. When you press F3, the Exit this Query
display is shown so you can specify both choices. (If you want to look at or change more definition steps
first, you can type a 1 next to each option as before, and press the Enter key.)

If there are any definition errors in the options you used, they are highlighted in reverse image when you
return to this display; you should correct the errors before you use the Exit key.

Considerations for creating Query for i5/OS queries

The following are reminders, tips, and techniques for creating queries.

Selecting files, records, and fields for Query for i5/OS

Query for i5/OS can use files that are created using IDDU, DDS, or DB2 for i5/OS. For a description of
file organization, see the IDDU Use book.

When you create a query, if you do not select and sequence the fields to be reported by the query, Query
selects the following:
v For reports, the first 500 of the following:
Fields chosen as sort fields on the Select Sort Fields display, in the sequence they appear on that
display
Result fields in the order they are defined on the Define Result Fields display
Fields that can be used by Query in the record format(s), in the sequence they appear in the record
format(s) (those in the first file selection, followed by those from the second, and so on)
v For database output:
All data in the record format
Result fields defined on the Define Result Fields display

For database output, maximum record length is limited to 32 766 bytes (32 740 bytes if variable-length or
null-capable fields are part of the record). In some cases, the maximum record length will be less than
these limits.

28 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Suggested sequence of tasks for creating Query for i5/OS queries
The following is a suggested sequence of tasks to create queries:
1. Define result fields before selecting and sequencing fields.
2. Specify comparisons used for selecting records before selecting and sequencing fields.
3. Select and sequence fields and specify sort fields before you reformat columns.
4. Select sort fields before you define report breaks.
5. Press F5 to view your query results and F13 to view your report layout before and after you reformat
columns.

You can use a query to quickly sort records in a data file. Simply select the sort fields, choose database as
the output device, and specify the output database name.

Chapter 3. Creating a Query for i5/OS query definition 29

30 Query for i5/OS V6R1
Chapter 4. Specifying and selecting files for a Query for i5/OS
query
This chapter describes how you select and use one or more database files that are to be queried for
information. Specifying file selections (the first option on the Define the Query display) is the first of the
11 steps that you can use to define a query. This step includes specifying (or changing) what files you
want to select for your query, seeing what files are already selected, and specifying the join characteristics
when more than one file is selected. This step also allows you to select, when necessary, file members and
record formats for the files.
Notes:
1. Although this chapter discusses this step primarily for the task of creating a query definition, most of
the information also applies to the tasks of changing or displaying an existing definition.
2. If you are creating a query, a 1 is already supplied by the system for the Specify file selection option on
the Define the Query display, and it cannot be removed. This is the only option in the definition
process that you must select when you are creating a query.
3. If you make changes to any of the file selection values in this step, Query attempts to keep whatever
parts of the definition that are still valid. For example, if a field in a file being removed from the
definition also exists in a file being added (as a replacement), the fields uses in other parts of the
definition (such as part of the sort definition) are kept. (However, it is your responsibility to
determine whether the field in the replacement file contains the kind of information you want.)

The displays related to the file selection process are:

v File selection displays (for one or more files):
Specify File Selections
Select Library (optional)
Select File (optional)
Select Member (optional)
Select Record Format (optional)
v File join displays (for multiple files only):
Specify Type of Join
Specify How to Join Files

Specifying file selections for a Query for i5/OS query

The file selection process includes selecting each file from which your query will get data and also
specifying the library containing the file, the file member, and the record format (or using the values
supplied by Query when the display first appears). If you select multiple files, the process also includes
specifying the file join characteristics.

After you have selected your definition steps on the Define the Query display and you press the Enter
key or F21 (Select all), the first display that you see is the Specify File Selections display.

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 31

 Specify File Selections

Type choices, press Enter. Press F9 to specify an additional

file selection.

File . . . . . . . . . . __________ Name, F4 for list

Library . . . . . . . QGPL Name, *LIBL, F4 for list
Member . . . . . . . . . *FIRST Name, *FIRST, F4 for list
Format . . . . . . . . . *FIRST Name, *FIRST, F4 for list

BOTTOM
F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Report F9=Add file
F12=Cancel F13=Layout F24=More keys

The Specify File Selections display is used to specify one or more database files that you want to query
for the data in your report. You can specify as many as 32 files to be queried, and you can assign unique
3-character identifiers to each one. (You can also specify the same file twice, if you need to join it to itself;
if you do, it counts as two files in the query definition. For example, you might specify the same file
twice but use two different record formats.)

If you are creating or changing a query definition, you should complete all the information needed for
one file selection before you start on the next one. Based on the values you enter and the key you press,
Query shows you the displays you need. The order of prompting within each file selection is: file, library,
member, and record format. (If you have not completed all the information in a file selection, several of
the F keys will not work until you supply the needed information.)

The following special values are shown in the prompts for each file selection group when it is first
shown: *FIRST (for members and record formats) and *ID (for file IDs if shown). These and others that
you may specify (like *LIBL for libraries) are changed when you press the Enter key; they are changed to
the actual values that will be used when the query is run. Special values for member names are not
changed.

The initial value shown in the Library prompt of the first file selection group is the value that you used in
the file selection step in a previous query definition. For the remainder of the file selections, the initial
value is the same as is used in the first group.

Choosing a file for a Query for i5/OS query

To choose a file, move the cursor to the File prompt and type the name of a file.

If you want to choose a file from a list of file names, you can press F4 (with the cursor at the File
prompt). The Select File display is shown, and on this display you can choose one or more files for your
query.

Note: If the File prompt is blank before you press F4, you can select multiple files from the Select File
display; if it is not blank, you can select only one file.

Choosing a library for a Query for i5/OS query

Because the files you want to select may be in different libraries, you can specify a different library name,
generic library name, or special library name for each file selection.

32 Query for i5/OS V6R1

v If you type a generic library name (in the form of ABC*) or special library name in this prompt and
press the Enter key, that library group is searched for the file named in the File prompt. If the file is
found in one of the libraries, the name of that library replaces the special library or generic name.
v If you type a generic library name (in the form of ABC*) or a special library name and then press F4
with the cursor in this prompt, the specified list of library names is shown on the Select Library
display. When you select the library you want from the list and press the Enter key, you return to this
display with the selected name filled in. For an explanation of these special library names, see Special
library names in Query for i5/OS on page 10.

If you specify *CURLIB as the library name for a file selection and you do not have a current library, QGPL
replaces the *CURLIB value.

Choosing a member or record format for a Query for i5/OS query

Similarly, for each file selection, if you want to choose from a list of members or record formats, move the
cursor to that prompt and press F4 to see the associated display, and select the member name (or format
name) you want to be used with that file. Then, when you return to the Specify File Selections display,
that name is shown in the prompt. If you did not select a member name, Query supplies *FIRST in the
Member prompt. If you did not select a format name, Query resolves the special default value and
supplies the first format name in the Format prompt.

Selecting multiple files for a Query for i5/OS query

If you want to include additional files for your query, press F9 (Add file) each time you want another file
selection. If you have completed the previous file selections for this query, a new group of prompts is
shown for you to fill in; the File prompt is blank, and the other prompts show default values that you can
change. (However, if you have not filled in a file name for one of the file selections, F9 moves the cursor
to the blank File prompt instead of giving you a new file selection.)
Specify File Selections

Type choices, press Enter. Press F9 to specify an additional

file selection.

File . . . . . . . . . . EXAMPFILE Name, F4 for list

Library . . . . . . . QGPL Name, *LIBL, F4 for list
Member . . . . . . . . . *FIRST Name, *FIRST, F4 for list
Format . . . . . . . . . *FIRST Name, *FIRST, F4 for list
File ID . . . . . . . . T01 A-Z99, *ID

File . . . . . . . . . . __________ Name, F4 for list

Library . . . . . . . QGPL Name, *LIBL, F4 for list
Member . . . . . . . . . *FIRST Name, *FIRST, F4 for list
Format . . . . . . . . . *FIRST Name, *FIRST, F4 for list
File ID . . . . . . . . *ID A-Z99, *ID
Bottom

F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Report F9=Add file

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F24=More keys

If you are working with multiple files on this display, use the page keys to move forward or backward in
the list of file selections. If you press F18 (Files), you can also see this information in a different form. F18
takes you to the Display File Selections display and shows you the names of all the files, libraries, file
members, record formats, and file IDs for all the files currently defined in this query definition.

If you try to leave the Specify File Selections display before you specify how multiple files are to be
joined, Query assumes that the type of join is a 1 (Matched records) and shows you the Specify How to
Join Files display so you can specify the necessary join test specifications.

Chapter 4. Specifying and selecting files for a Query for i5/OS query 33
Using file IDs for a Query for i5/OS query
File IDs are used when you select more than one file. Although Query assigns a file ID value to each file
selection, you can specify your own identifier.

Note: When you are creating a query, the File ID prompt is not shown for your first file selection.
However, if you select more than one file, you will see that Query has assigned the value T01 as
the file ID of your first file. You will have to go back and change the file ID if you want to assign
your own file ID values.

The file ID allows you to uniquely identify fields that have the same name but are in different files. You
can specify from one to three characters; the first character must be alphabetic, $, #, or @, and the last two
can be alphabetic, numeric, or $, #, or @. Examples of valid identifiers are: A, B, B03, AEX, and $99.

Note: If you are creating queries that are distributed to other systems or are used in a multilingual
environment, use only A-Z and 1-9.

If you do not specify a file ID (that is, you do not change the value *ID in the File ID prompt), Query
resolves the value *ID to the number of the file selection, if not already used, or to the lowest possible
value that is available in the range of Tnn, where nn is a number from 1 to 32.

Although file IDs are assigned to each file on the Specify File Selections display, you do not have to use
them in other parts of the query definition unless you need to use a field that has the same name in more
than one of the files in the query. You must use file IDs every time for identical field names, to ensure
that the correct field is used from the files. For all the other field names, (that is, those that occur in only
one file in the query definition), you do not need to use the file IDs.

If you decide to change a file ID, Query keeps any definition values already assigned for field selection,
sort field selection, and so on. (You must change the ID, if used, for join tests, result field expressions,
record selection values, and break text.) However, if you move a file ID to a different selection group, all
the definition values you specified are lost, even if all of the names in the from and to file selections are
the same.

Confirming your options for a Query for i5/OS query

When you are creating a query definition, you see a message that asks you to verify the values you just
defined. This message appears when you press the Enter key after defining file selection values. You
should verify your choices made thus far, then either continue selecting files or end the file selection
process after confirming your choices. To end file selection, press the Enter key again.

When you are changing an existing query definition, you see a different message when you press the
Enter key, and the values that you changed are shown in reverse image. Again, you should verify your
changes and then press the Enter key a second time to actually have them changed in the definition. You
do not have to press the Enter key twice if you make no changes or if you change only member names.

Removing a option for a Query for i5/OS query

Whether you are creating or changing a definition, if you decide you do not want to keep one of the files
in the definition, you can remove it by blanking out the File prompt. When you press the Enter key or F5,
F10, or F13, that file selection is removed.

By removing a file selection, you may cause an error elsewhere in your definition. This occurs if the file
you removed was used in a join test or a field from a removed file was used to define a result field.

Handling errors on the Query for i5/OS Specify File Selections display
An error message is shown when you press the Enter key, F5, F10, or F13.
v If you did not type a file name

34 Query for i5/OS V6R1

v If you typed a file name and left blank any of the Library, Member, or Format prompts for the file
v If there is a problem with one of the values you typed

The cursor is positioned to the blank prompt or the prompt in error, and the message describes the error
for that prompt. For example, you may have typed the name of a file that you do not have the authority
to use.

If there is more than one error, you will see the next one after you have corrected the first one.

Selecting files on the Query for i5/OS Select File display

The Select File display shows you a list of files from which you can select one or more files that your
query is to get data from, or you can select one to receive the output from your query. This display
appears if you position the cursor on the File prompt of a display and then press F4 (Prompt). (This
display appears only when you are creating or changing a query definition.) The following is an example
of how the Select File display might appear.
Select File

File ID . . . . : T01

Library . . . . . . . CUSTINV Name, *LIBL, F4 for list

Subset . . . . . . . __________ Name, generic*
Position to . . . . . __________ Starting character(s)

Type option (and File), press Enter.

1=Select

Opt File
_ FILE1
_ CUSTMAST_1
_ CUSTMAST_2
_ CUSTMAST_3
_ EXAMPFILE1
_ EXAMPFILE2
_ INVMAST
_ TESTFILE_A
_ TESTFILE_B

F4=Prompt F11=Display text F12=Cancel F24=More keys

Bottom

At the top of the display, a field named File ID may or may not appear. The File ID field is shown only if
you came from the Specify File Selections display and pressed F4 (Prompt) in a nonblank File prompt. If
the file ID is shown, it is the file ID of the file selection group that the cursor was positioned to on the
previous display.

If the File prompt was blank and you pressed F4 on the Specify File Selections display, the File ID field is
not shown on this display, and you can then select multiple files here. If the File prompt had a name or a
generic name to get a subsetted list and you pressed F4 on the Specify File Selections display, the File ID
field is shown as Tnn on this display, and you can select only one file.

If you came from the Define Database File Output display or Specify Dependent Value Qualifiers display,
you can select only one file on this display.

The list on this display includes all files (for which you have the needed authority) that are in the library
shown at the top of the display. If you came from the Specify File Selections display, that library is the
one indicated in the Library prompt below the File prompt in which the cursor was positioned when you
pressed F4 for this list. If you specified a generic file name (in the form of ABC*) as a file name on the

Chapter 4. Specifying and selecting files for a Query for i5/OS query 35
Specify File Selections display, it is used as a subset value on this display, and only file names starting
with those generic characters are included in the list. (You can specify another subset value on this
display to change the subset shown.)

You can use the Library prompt to see the files that exist in a different library or group of libraries.

If you want to select a particular library from a list of libraries, press F4 with the cursor positioned in the
Library prompt. The list that is shown contains only the libraries that you have the authority to use.
v If you press F4 when the prompt contains a library name, *LIBL, or blanks, you see the libraries that
are in the *LIBL library list.
v If you press F4 when the prompt contains a generic library name or any of the other special library
names, you see the group of libraries represented by that value.

If you do not want or need to see a list of libraries, type the name of a library, a generic library name (in
the form of ABC*), or one of the following special library names: *CURLIB, *LIBL, *USRLIBL, *ALLUSR, or
*ALL.

Note: If you type *CURLIB and you do not have a current library, QGPL is used.

After you have entered a value in the Library prompt at the top of the display, press the Enter key and a
list of the files that you are authorized to use from that library appears.

If you typed in a generic library name or special library name, a Library column appears on the display
so that you are able to determine in which library a particular file resides.
Select File

Library . . . . . . . CUST* Name, *LIBL, F4 for list

Subset . . . . . . . __________ Name, generic*
Position to . . . . . __________ Starting character(s)

Type option (and File and Library), press Enter.

1=Select

Opt File Library Opt File Library

_ __________ __________
_ CUSTMAST_1 CUSTINV _ CUSTRELFEB CUSTREL
_ CUSTMAST_2 CUSTINV _ CUSTRELJAN CUSTREL
_ CUSTMAST_3 CUSTINV _ CUSTRELMAR CUSTREL
_ EXAMPFILE1 CUSTINV
_ EXAMPFILE2 CUSTINV
_ INVMAST CUSTINV
_ TESTFILE_A CUSTINV
_ TESTFILE_B CUSTINV

Bottom
F4=Prompt F11=Display text F12=Cancel F24=More keys

If a Library column is present, you can specify a library name, generic library name, or special library
name in the Library prompt in conjunction with a typed-in option number and file name to complete a
file selection. If you typed a generic name or special library name in the Library prompt, it will be
resolved to the name of the first library (in the specified group of libraries) that contains a file with that
name.

To see a smaller group of file names, move the cursor to the Subset prompt and type the starting
characters followed by an asterisk (*) to identify the group you want to see, and press the Enter key. All
the files whose names begin with those characters in the specified library or library group are shown. (If
no * is used, only the file(s) with the specified name is shown.)

36 Query for i5/OS V6R1

To return to the complete list of file names, blank out this prompt (or put an * in it) and press the Enter
key.

To move (position) the list of file names so that it starts with a particular name, move the cursor to the
Position to prompt and type all of the characters or one or more of the starting characters in the name you
want, and press the Enter key. (Do not add an * after the starting characters in this prompt.) If a specific
library name is used in the Library prompt, Query moves the list so that the first position shown contains
the first file name that starts with the characters you typed.

If there is no file name in the list that starts with those characters, Query moves the list to the name
closest to, and in front of, the position where the name would have appeared. If a special library name or
generic library name is used in the Library prompt, the list is repositioned only if the Position to prompt
value exactly matches a complete file name.

Use F11 to alternate between showing a list of only file names to showing a list of both file names and
text describing the files.

Once you have located the files you want, type a 1 beside each file name (if more than one is allowed),
including the file name in the top position in the list. If you are selecting multiple files, you can select as
many 32 files, including those previously selected for this query. Note that if join logical files are used,
you are only able to select less than 32 files because each file used in the join logical file is counted as one
of the 32 files. For example, if three physical files were joined into one join logical file, this join logical file
is counted as three files, not one.

After you have made your file selections, press the Enter key to return to the Specify File Selections
display. All the files you selected are added to the file selections, if any, that were there previously. (Any
blanked out file selections are filled in first and new ones are added at the end as needed.) The files are
added, each with its own group of file selection prompts, in the same order as they existed on the Select
File display. They are also assigned file IDs to match the number of the file selection or, if that number is
taken, to the lowest possible value that is available in the range of T01 through T32, which you can
change if you wish.

Selecting file members on the Query for i5/OS Select Member display
The Select Member display appears when you position the cursor on the Member prompt of a display and
press F4 (Prompt). The Select Member display shows you a list of members and allows you to select the
one from which your query can obtain data or the one to which the output from your query is received.
This display appears only when you are creating or changing a query definition.

Chapter 4. Specifying and selecting files for a Query for i5/OS query 37
 Select Member

File ID . . . . . : T01
File . . . . . . . : EXAMPFILE1
Library . . . . : CUSTINV

Type option (and Member), press Enter.

1=Select

Opt Member
_ __________
_ EXAMPMBR1
_ EXAMPMBR2
_ EXAMPMBR3

Bottom

F11=Display text F12=Cancel

If you came from the Specify File Selections display or Specify Dependent Value Qualifiers display, you
can specify which member you want your query to get data from. If you came from the Define Database
File Output display, you can specify which member you want the query data to be put into.

At the top of the display, the File ID field is shown if you came here from the Specify File Selections
display. The file ID is the file identifier of the file that is shown in the File field. This file is the one for
which you want to choose a member. The Library field shows the library in which the file is stored.

The names of the member that currently exist in the file shown at the top of the display are shown in the
Member column. You can choose a member by either typing a 1 in the Opt column to the left of the
member or by typing a member name (and a 1 in the Opt column next to it) in the first position in the
list. If you specify a member name in the top position, that member must also exist at this time. If you
specify *FIRST or *LAST, the member name on the previous display is changed to that value. Then, either
the first or the last member that exists in the file at the time the query is run is the member that is used.
If you came from the Define Database File Output display, you can also specify *FILE in the first position
in the list.

You can use F11 to alternate between showing a list of only member names to showing a list of both
member names and text describing the members.

When you press the Enter key on the Select Member display, the member that you specify is then shown
in the Member prompt on the display that you return to. If you return to the previous display without
selecting or specifying a name, the previous member name or value is not changed.

Selecting record formats on the Query for i5/OS Select Record Format
display
The Select Record Format display appears when you position the cursor on the Format prompt of the
Specify File Selections display and press F4 (Prompt). The Select Record Format display shows you a list
of record formats from which you can select the one you want your query to use with a selected file
member. This display appears only when you are creating or changing a definition.

38 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Select Record Format

File ID . . . . . : T01
File . . . . . . . : EXAMPFILE1
Library . . . . : CUSTINV

Type option (and Format), press Enter.

1=Select

Opt Format
_ __________
_ EXAMPFMT1
_ EXAMPFMT2
_ EXAMPFMT3

Bottom

F11=Display text F12=Cancel F23=Long comment

At the top of the display, the File ID field shows the file ID of the file that appears in the File field. This
file is the one for which you want to choose a record format. The Library field shows the library in which
the file is stored.

The names of the record formats that you can select for the file shown at the top of the display are
shown in the Format column. You can choose a record format by either typing a 1 in the Opt column to
the left of the record format or by typing a record format name (and a 1 in the Opt column next to it) in
the first position in the list.

If you specify a record format name in the top position, that record format must also exist at this time. If
you specify *FIRST, the format name on the previous display is changed to the actual name of the first
record format in the file. It is possible that some record formats cannot be used with certain file members,
but this is not determined until the Specify File Selections display is processed.

You can use F11 to alternate between showing a list of only record format names to showing a list of both
record format names and text describing the record formats.

When you press the Enter key, you return to the Specify File Selections display, and the name of the
format that you selected is shown in the Format prompt that you came from. If you return to the previous
display without selecting or specifying a name, the previous record format name or value is not changed.

Displaying all files selected on the Query for i5/OS Display File
Selections display
The Display File Selections display appears when you press F18 (Files) from a display where F18 is listed
on the bottom of the display. The Display File Selections display shows all the files that you selected for
use in the query. For each file, this display shows you the file ID, the library containing the file, and the
file member and record format that are to be used. The information on this display is for your
information only; it cannot be changed here.

Chapter 4. Specifying and selecting files for a Query for i5/OS query 39
 Display File Selections

ID File Library Member Format

T01 EXAMPFILE1 CUSTINV *FIRST EXAMPFILE1
T02 EXAMPFILE2 CUSTINV *FIRST EXAMPFILE2

Bottom
Press Enter to display the join tests.

F12=Cancel

If multiple file selections are shown, you can press the Enter key to show the join type and all the join
tests for these same files. However, if you came to this display from the Specify File Selections, Change
File Selections, Specify Type of Join, or Specify How to Join Files display, the Enter key returns you to the
previous display. F12 and the Enter key (not F18) can be used to alternate between the Display Join Tests
display and this display.

Joining files in a Query for i5/OS query

Once you have used the Specify File Selections display to select all the files that you want used for your
query, if more than one file was selected, you must tell Query how you want to join the files when they
are used to get data from their fields. You use the following two displays to specify all the join
specifications for your query:
v The Specify Type of Join Files display allows you to specify the type of join you want to use. There are
three ways that you can join the files for selecting the records you want.
v The Specify How to Join Files display allows you to indicate the fields to be used to join the files. You
specify which fields are to be used and how they are to be compared with fields in the other files.

For a record to be selected, the join specifications for all the files are used to determine whether a
matching record exists in each of the files joined in the query. A match occurs when, for each specified
file, the contents of its fields selected for comparison match the test condition(s) given on the Specify
How to Join Files display. Depending on whether there is a match and which type of join is specified on
this display, the records are then selected and used in the output as determined by the other join
specifications given on the Specify How to Join Files display and the record selection specifications given on
the Select Records display.

When Query determines that a record is to be selected from the specified files, it uses the data in all the
fields and files selected for the query to produce a single output record. This output record is included in
the query report or in an output database file.

40 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Types of joins in a Query for i5/OS query
Specify Type of Join

Type choice, press Enter.

Type of join . . . . . . . . 1 1=Matched records

2=Matched records with primary file
3=Unmatched records with primary file

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F18=Files

There are three types of joins, or three ways that you can select matched or unmatched records from the
specified files. You can:
v Select only records that have matching records in all the specified files.
v Select all primary records, and include all matching secondary records. Primary records exist in the
primary file. The primary file is the first file selected on the Specify File Selections display. Secondary
records exist in secondary files. Secondary files are all of the files selected after the primary file on the
Specify File Selections display. After the join is done, the record selection tests, if any, are applied to
determine which records are selected.
v Select only the primary records that have one or more unmatched secondary records, and include all the
secondary records that also match.

All three types of joins use the same join fields and join tests specified on the Specify How to Join Files
display. They also all use the other specifications in the query definition the same way to select records
and produce the output.

Use the second join type (type 2) if you want to use every record in the primary file, whether or not it
has a matching record in the secondary file(s).

Use the third join type (type 3) if you want to see which records in the primary file do not have matching
records in the secondary file(s).

How to join files in a Query for i5/OS query

Use the Specify How to Join Files display to specify the join tests needed when more than one file has
been selected for your query. Use this display to tell Query how to join (combine) the files and record
formats by specifying pairs of fields with a test value; each test value indicates how those fields must
compare before Query can select the record. The result of every test in the join specifications must be true
before the matching records in each of the files are joined as one record for the record selection tests that
follow.

When comparing character values, all values must be marked with compatible CCSIDs. When comparing
SBCS character values, all values and any collating sequence to be applied must be marked with
compatible CCSIDs.

Chapter 4. Specifying and selecting files for a Query for i5/OS query 41
Note: See CCSID and join tests in Query for i5/OS on page 247 for information on how CCSIDs can
affect your join selections.
Specify How to Join Files

Type comparisons to show how file selections related, press Enter.

Tests: EQ, NE, LE, GE, LT, GT

Field Test Field

______________ _____ ______________
______________ _____ ______________
______________ _____ ______________
______________ _____ ______________
______________ _____ ______________
Bottom
________________________________________________________________________

Field Field
A.NBR B.NAME
A.NAME B.PHONE
A.ADDR B.SERIAL#
A.ZIP
B.NBR
Bottom
F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous F11=Display text
F12=Cancel F13=Layout F18=Files F24=More keys

For each test, you specify two fields to be tested and the test value to be used. Look for a field in one file
that contains the same (or similar) information that can be found in a field of the other file, such as a
name or identification number. Specify the names of the fields (including their file identifiers, if needed)
on either side of the test value.

For example, if you specify the EQ (equal) test value between two fields, the test result is true if both
fields contain the same value. (The EQ value is almost always used.)
Field Test Field
A.NAME EQ B.NAME

In this example, both fields are named NAME, so the file identifiers (A and B) are included with the field
names.

Rules for joining files in a Query for i5/OS query

Note: To indicate that you do not want to specify join tests, use the *ALL join. All records from one file
are joined to all records in the secondary file or files without any kind of selection.

The rules for join tests are:

v For two files to be selectively joined, they must have at least one field in common. (Note that having a
field in common does not mean that the field names are the same.) This is also true for logical database
files, even though they may be based on fields with different names in the physical file over which the
logical file is created.
v If you select option 2 (Matched records with primary file) or option 3 (Unmatched records with
primary file) on the Specify Type of Join display, the combined length of fields used in the join test
must be less than or equal to 2000 bytes. For DBCS fields, each DBCS character counts as two bytes. If
fields contain bracketed-DBCS data, the shift characters are counted in the length.
v You can only use the EQ test value to join any of your selected files to a join logical file.
v Fields in each join test must come from different files.
v You can use more than one test for a given pair of files. If you specify option 2 or 3 (both using a
primary file) in the Type of join prompt on the Specify Type of Join display, the test values must be the
same for all the tests used in that pair of files.

42 Query for i5/OS V6R1

v A field name must be preceded by a 1- to 3-character file identifier if that field name is used in more
than one file selected for the query.
v You can specify up to 100 join tests.
v For a matched-record join, if one or both fields in a join test are null, the records are not joined.
v The data in both fields of a join test must be the same type (for example, both character), except that
date, time, or timestamp fields can be compared to SBCS character, DBCS-either, or DBCS-open fields
that contain a correct representation of a date, time, or timestamp. Dates in character fields must be
either in the date format of the query or in an SAA format the SAA format is recommended. Date,
time, and timestamp fields are identified by an L, T, or Z, respectively, in the Dec column of the field
list.

Note: When comparing a date, time, or timestamp field with an SBCS, DBCS-either, or DBCS-open
character field, use a character field for which each value can be recognized as an SAA
formatted date, time, or timestamp. If the character field contains a correct representation of a
date, time, or timestamp but in other than an SAA format, you may get unexpected results.
When you run a query that uses a non-SAA format for date, time, or timestamp values in
character fields, and query has no setting for a non-SAA literal date value, use the CHGJOB
command to make sure your job date format and separator match the format and separator in
the character field values.
If some of the fields contain bracketed double-byte characters, you can use these DBCS fields for both
fields, or you can use an SBCS character field for one field and a DBCS-either or DBCS-open field for
the other field. Bracketed-DBCS fields are identified by a J, O, or E in the Dec column in the list of
fields. Press F11 to see the Dec column if it is not currently shown.
A DBCS-graphic field can be compared only to another DBCS-graphic field. DBCS-graphic fields are
identified by a G in the Dec column. Collating sequence is not applied to DBCS-graphic fields used in
join comparisons.
Valid comparisons for join tests are:
Numeric field with numeric field
SBCS character field with:
- SBCS character
- Date
- Time
- Timestamp
- DBCS-either
- DBCS-open
Date field with:
- Date
- SBCS character
- DBCS-either
- DBCS-open
Time field with:
- Time
- SBCS character
- DBCS-either
- DBCS-open
Timestamp field with:
- Timestamp
- SBCS character
- DBCS-either

Chapter 4. Specifying and selecting files for a Query for i5/OS query 43
 - DBCS-open
DBCS-either field with:
- SBCS character
- Date
- Time
- Timestamp
- DBCS-either
- DBCS-open
- DBCS-only
DBCS-open field with:
- SBCS Character
- Date
- Time
- Timestamp
- DBCS-either
- DBCS-open
- DBCS-only
DBCS-only field with:
- DBCS-either
- DBCS-open
- DBCS-only
DBCS-graphic field with:
- DBCS-graphic
UCS2-graphic field with:
- UCS2-graphic
v Only the data fields specified in the join specifications for each file are used to join the files. For the
purposes of joining the files, the other fields in the files are ignored.
v Character fields of different lengths can be joined.
v A fixed-length character field can be compared to a variable-length character field. Variable-length
fields are identified by a V in the Dec column in the list of fields.
v If you specified option 1, matched records, on the Specify Type of Join display, you can type *ALL in
the first four spaces of the left field, but only in the first field name position, rather than specifying any
join test. If *ALL is used, each record in the first file is joined to every record in the other files. For
example, if a file of 2000 records is joined to a file of 3000 records using *ALL, the result is a joined file
of 6000000 records. Using *ALL can significantly degrade the performance of your query. If join tests
are not specified between each file, those files without a test are joined using the *ALL method.

Note: The fields you use to join the files do not have to be used in selecting the records or included in
the query report. You can use those same fields in other ways in the query definition, such as for
record selection or as part of the output of the query.

Examples of joining files in a Query for i5/OS query

Consider an example where you want to join a master name and address file named RESIDENTS to a name
and telephone number file name PHONELIST.

44 Query for i5/OS V6R1

You can obtain several different results from a file join when you use different combinations of join tests
and options on the Specify How to Join Files display.

Following are some examples of how you might use the three different types of joins. All of the examples
assume that A.NAME EQ B.NAME was specified on the Specify How to Join Files display.

Example: Selecting matched records from all selected files in a Query for i5/OS
query
Type a 1 if you want records selected from each file only if they have a match with at least one record in
each and every one of the other selected files. That is, for a record to be selected, all the files must have a
matching record as determined by the join specification(s). A match occurs when, for each file used in the
query, the contents of its fields selected for comparison match the test condition(s) given on the Specify
How to Join Files display. (This type, option 1, has no primary or secondary files; all files are treated
equally.)

In this example, if you join files A and B using option 1 (Matched records), the query report contains the
following records. (The report fields and layout are not important here.)

Chapter 4. Specifying and selecting files for a Query for i5/OS query 45
Example: Selecting matched records using a primary file in a Query for i5/OS
query
Type a 2 if you want to include in the query output every record in the primary file and all the matching
records from all the other (secondary) files, whenever they exist. Every record in the primary file is
selected whether or not it has a match. (The primary file is always the one that was selected first in your
query definition.) Exception: if a field from the primary file used in a join test is null, the primary record
is not selected.

In this example, the RESIDENTS file is the primary file, so all of its records (numbered 1 through 6) are
included in the query report, assuming all of the records meet the selection tests on the Select Records
display. The PHONELIST file is the only secondary file being used, and it supplies a telephone number for
each primary record that it matches; the NAME field is used as the comparison test field in both files. Note
also that record 4 is included twice in the report, because Richard A Klein has two records, each with a
different telephone number, in the secondary file.

If a secondary file does not have a record that matches the join specifications of the primary files record,
blanks (for character fields), zeros (for numeric fields), or January 1, 0001 (for date fields) are used as
data for that secondary files selected fields. If these fields are included as output fields in the query
report, the substituted characters or values are used in the report. In the example, the PHONE field shows
blanks because it was coded as a character field. In the case where the fields are null-capable, the
specified default values are used as data for that secondary files selected fields. If a default value is not
specified, a null value is shown as a dash (-).

Note: If the secondary file was defined using DDS, values other than blanks zeros, and January 1, 0001
can be used when the DFT keyword defines default values for any of the fields. If the DFT
keyword specifies a default value for a field that is used in the query report, the default value is
substituted in the report when the secondary file does not have a matching record.

Example: Selecting unmatched primary file records in a Query for i5/OS query
Type a 3 if you want to select, in the primary file, only records that lack matches in at least one
secondary file. That is, you want to select every primary record that does not have a matching record in
all the secondary files. For example, if four files were joined and only two of the three secondary files had
matching records, then a record containing the selected information in the primary and two matching
secondary files (and the default data, if any, from the unmatched secondary file) is included as a single
record in the query output.

46 Query for i5/OS V6R1

This type of join is typically used to list records that are missing in one or more secondary files.

In our example, the RESIDENTS file is still the primary file, so only its records that do not have a matching
secondary record are included in the query report. The PHONELIST file has two such unmatched records;
the residents identified in records 2 and 6 do not have a telephone number, so there are no records for
them in the secondary file. (The NAME field is used again as the comparison test field in both files.)

As with the previous type of join, blanks (for character fields) or zeros (for numeric fields) are used as
the data for a missing record in a secondary files selected fields. Or, if the DDS DFT keyword was used
to define default values, those default values are used instead. (In our example, the PHONE field shows
blanks, since it was coded as a character field and no DFT value was defined for the PHONE field.)

Sequencing secondary files for a primary join in a Query for i5/OS

query
The order in which you specify secondary files on the Specify File Selections display is important for
some joins.

Specifically, the order of secondary files is important if all of the following are true:
v The join type is 2 (primary matched) or 3 (primary unmatched). Both types have one primary file,
followed by secondary files.
v The query specifies three or more files in all.
v One or more secondary files do not have join tests connecting them to the primary file.

If these points apply to your query, then follow the secondary file sequence rule:

Use join tests to connect each secondary file to a file listed above it on the Specify File Selections display.

For instance, when joining four files, use a join test to connect the second file to the first, and use another
test to join the third file to the first or second file. The fourth file can be connected to any of the other
files.

Example: Sequencing secondary files in a Query for i5/OS query

To show how the secondary file sequence rule ensures that you get the desired results when you join
more than two files, the following example uses three files in two ways, correctly and incorrectly. The
first method, the correct method, produces five records when the files are joined. The incorrect method
produces 15 records. The only difference between the methods is that the order of the second and third
files is changed. For primary joins, Query joins files in the order indicated on the Specify File Selections
display, not in the order indicated by the join tests.

Three files named CUSTOMER, PURCHASE, and ITEM are to be joined so that a report can be produced that
lists each customers name and city, the item purchased (one item per line in the report), and a

Chapter 4. Specifying and selecting files for a Query for i5/OS query 47
description of the item. (For example, if Monique Pottier bought three items, the report should have three
lines for her, with each line listing her name, city, one item, and the item description.) If the customer did
not make any purchases, the report should include the customer once in the list with blank item and
description fields.

Correct method:

On the Specify File Selections display, type the CUSTOMER file first, the PURCHASE file second, and the ITEM
file third. Specify the file IDs A, B, and C, respectively. The join type is 2 (Matched records with primary
file). The join tests are:
A.NAME EQ B.NAME
B.ITEM EQ C.ITEM

Query performs the file join in two steps:

Step 1: Join the first two files, A and B.

Query joins the files in the order listed, starting with file A (CUSTOMER), and file B (PURCHASE). Query joins
each record in file A to any record in file B for which the NAME field in A is equal to the NAME field in B.
Because this query is join type 2 (primary matched), every record in the primary file A is included in the
join. If a record in file A (such as Martinez) has no match in B, Query joins it to a default record for file B,
which has blank values for fields. The result of step 1 in our example is a file called AB. (Note that AB is a
working file used to build the joined file that you want in your report. You cannot see file AB.)

Step 2: Join file AB to file C.

48 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Query joins each record in file AB to every record in ITEM file C for which B.ITEM equals C.ITEM. If a
record in AB (such as Martinez) has no match in file C, Query joins it to a default record for file C, which
is also blank. This completes the join operation. Each record in primary file A is represented one or more
times in the five records.

Incorrect method:

On the Specify File Selections display, type the CUSTOMER file first, and specify the file ID as A. Type the
ITEM file second (file C), and the PURCHASE file third (file B), which is in the opposite order from the correct
method. Note that each file has the same file ID as before. Specify the join type and join tests the same as
before. This method does not follow the secondary file sequence rule because file C is not connected by a
join test to the file (A) listed above it.

Chapter 4. Specifying and selecting files for a Query for i5/OS query 49
Query performs the file join in two steps:

Step 1: Join the first two files, A and C.

Query joins the files in the order listed, starting with file A (CUSTOMER), and file C (ITEM). But there is no
join test that compares a field in A to a field in C. Query joins every record in file A (one record at a time)

50 Query for i5/OS V6R1

to every record in file C. Because there are three records in A and five records in C, the result is 15 records.
The join tests are not used in this step. The result of step 1 this time is a working file called AC.

Step 2: Join file AC to file B.

Query joins each record in file AC to every record in PURCHASE file B for which A.NAME equals B.NAME and
B.ITEM equals C.ITEM. If a record in AC (such as Martinez) has no match in B, Query joins it to a default
record for file B, which is blank. This completes the join operation.

The incorrect method produces 15 records, which is 10 too many. Each customer has five records, one for
each item description, even if the customer made no purchases. Note that if the ITEM file has 1000 records
instead of five, the correct method still selects five records, but the incorrect method selects 3000 records.
Also, the ITEM and DESCRIPT values for Martinez are not blank as they should be.

In summary, this problem does not affect queries with join type 1 (matched), queries with just two files,
or queries that use the primary file in each join test. In this example, the logical order to specify files is
CUSTOMER, PURCHASE, and ITEM, with PURCHASE in the middle because it is the connection between the
CUSTOMER and ITEM files. This logical order is also the correct order.

Displaying all join tests in a Query for i5/OS query

When you press the Enter key on the Display File Selections display (see Displaying all files selected on
the Query for i5/OS Display File Selections display on page 39), the Display Join Tests display is shown.
The information on this display is for your information only; none of the entries can be changed here.
(The following display shows some sample information.)
Display Join Tests

Type of join . . . . . . : Matched Records

Field Test Field

A.NAME EQ B.NAME

Bottom
Press Enter to continue.

F12=Cancel

The Display Join Tests display shows:

v The type of join being used to join all the files in the query. One of three join types can be specified:
Matched records
Matched records with primary file
Unmatched records with primary file
The primary file, used in the last two types, is the first file listed on the Display File Selections display.
For more information, press F11 (Search index), type joining files as the index search words, then press
the Enter key.
v The join tests being used to join the files.

Chapter 4. Specifying and selecting files for a Query for i5/OS query 51
 The Field columns show the fields being used to join the files. Each field name can have two parts: the
file ID and the actual name of the field, separated by a period. For example, if a field named CUSTNUM
exists in files T01 and T02 used in this query, they would be shown as T01.CUSTNUM and T02.CUSTNUM.
To find the files associated with the file IDs (such as T01), press F12 to show the Display File Selections
display.
The Test column shows the test values that determine how the files are to be joined.

Handling missing fields in a Query for i5/OS query

The Fields Missing from File Definition display is shown when report fields (that is, fields used in the
report) that were in a file selection used by the query are now missing from that file selection. Fields that
are missing from files originally selected in a query can cause errors or give you bad results when the
query is run. They may have been used, for example, to define result fields or to select or sort records in
addition to being selected for output.
Fields Missing from File Definition

Query . . . . . : QRY1 Option . . . . . : Change

Library. . . . : LIB1
File . . . . . . : FILEA
Library. . . . : LIBA
Format . . . . . : FMT1
File ID . . . . : T01

The following fields may have been used in the query, and were expected
in this file definition, but were not found.

Field
NAME
ADDR
PHONE
SERIAL#

Press Enter to continue recovery of query definitions.

F12=Cancel

This display is shown at least once for each file selection that has missing fields. Once you are aware that
fields are missing, you may want to press F12 (Cancel) to bypass seeing any additional displays of
missing fields. Or, if you want to see which of the other file selections may have missing fields, use the
Enter key to see each display, one after the other. You might also want to return to a previous display
and use F5 (Report) to run the query and see how the report is affected by the missing fields.

Either you must remove the fields from wherever they are used in the query definition, or you must
select different files or formats that contain those fields. Or, you can leave Query and check the files or
formats themselves. If this display appeared when you first started to change or display a query,
something may have changed in the files or formats since the query was created or last changed. For
example, a record format definition may have had one or more of its fields deleted, or an IDDU-defined
file may have been linked to a dictionary definition but is now unlinked or is linked to a different
definition.

The situations that can cause this display to appear are:

v When you specify a different file selection. This can occur while you are changing a query or are
defining a new query that already has file selections specified.
v When you start to change or display an existing query definition.

52 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Handling missing fields during file selection process of a Query for
i5/OS query
While you were changing a query, or were defining a new query that already had file selections specified,
you chose the Specify file selections option on the Define the Query display. Then, on the Specify File
Selections display, you selected a file or format that does not have all of the report fields that your first
selection contained. As a result, this display was shown with the missing fields.

For this situation, when you press F12 or the Enter key, you return to the Specify File Selections display
without affecting your previous file (and format) selections. Once there: you can still confirm the file
selections and continue by pressing the Enter key (even though Query found fields missing in the current
file selections); you can specify a different file on the display and then press Enter; or you can press F12
to leave the file selections unchanged and then leave Query to go do something about the file (or format)
definitions.

If you press the Enter key as soon as you return to the Specify File Selections display, confirming that
you want to use the current file selections, Query for i5/OS uses as much of the file, format, and field
information as it can for the file selections now in this query. It removes all the missing fields from the
query definition for some of the definition steps, such as Select and sequence fields and Select sort fields.
When you select a logical file for use with Query for i5/OS or DB2 for i5/OS without specifying any sort
fields, unpredictable results might occur. For example, you might not receive the logical view of the
physical file.

After Query has done all it can, it shows the Specify How to Join Files display if the query uses multiple
files and there are errors caused by missing fields; otherwise, it continues with the definition steps
selected on the Define the Query display, or it returns you to the Define the Query display. On the Define
the Query display, any other field-related definition steps affected by the missing fields are shown in
reverse image. You must select each of these definition steps, such as Define result fields and Select records,
and correct the problems caused by the missing fields. On the definition displays for the affected steps,
the expressions or selection tests that use fields that are now missing are highlighted.

Handling missing fields when starting to change or display a Query for

i5/OS query
When you started to change or display an existing query (by specifying option 2 or 5 on the Work with
Queries display), one of the following occurred:
v Query determined that one or more report fields are no longer in a file or format used by the query;
the fields have been removed since the query was defined or was last changed.
v Query found a file that was unusable (for example, the query may have been migrated from another
system but a file containing the fields was not) and showed the Change File Selections display. On that
display, you selected a different file to correct that problem, but its record format does not have all of
the fields that your first selection contained.

For these two situations, when the Fields Missing from File Definition display is shown, you can either
press F12 or press the Enter key:
v If you press the Enter key, you might see the Fields Missing from the File Definition display again if
there are additional missing fields to be displayed for this or another file. If not, Query for i5/OS uses
as much of the file, format, and field information as it can for the file selections now in this query. It
removes all the missing fields from the query definition for some of the definition steps, such as the
Select and sequence fields and Select sort fields steps. When you select a logical file for use with Query for
i5/OS or DB2 for i5/OS without specifying any sort fields, unpredictable results might occur. For
example, you might not receive the logical view of the physical file.
After Query has done all it can, it shows the Define the Query display. On it, other field-related
definition steps affected by the missing fields are shown in reverse image. You must select each of
these definition steps, such as Specify file selections, Define result fields, and Select records, and correct the

Chapter 4. Specifying and selecting files for a Query for i5/OS query 53
 problems caused by the missing fields. You must also ensure that none of the fields were used in break
test values on the Format Report Break display. On the definition displays for the affected steps, the
expressions or selection tests that use fields that are now missing are highlighted.
v If you press F12 (Cancel), you return to the Work with Queries display without affecting your previous
file (and field) selections. You can press the Enter key to go again (assuming you were there once) to
the Change File Selections display and select another file. Or, you can press F3 (Exit) to stop working
with queries, leave Query, and then work with the files or formats.

54 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Chapter 5. Defining result fields in Query for i5/OS
This chapter describes how you define result fields. They need to be defined in your query if the
information that you want to present in your report does not exist as a field in your selected file(s). For
example, you want your report to show the number of days, but your database file only has a field
containing the number of weeks. You can define a result field that contains the number of days by
creating an expression that performs a calculation on the number of weeks.

After you have defined a result field, you can use it like any other field that exists in your selected file(s).
You can include the result field in your output, you can use it to define another result field, you can use
it as a sort field, and so on.

While you are defining result fields, a list in the lower part of the display assists you by showing the
names of fields in the files selected for your query. If you want to see additional information about each
field such as descriptive text, length, and decimal positions, use F11 (Display text) to switch between the
multiple-column list and the single-column list. This information is very useful when you are deciding on
a result field name and when you are building your expressions. The page keys will present all the fields
available, four at a time. For more information on using F11, see Using F11 to display additional
information about Query for i5/OS queries on page 15.

In most cases, the result fields that you define appear in your query output, but selecting them for output
is optional since some result fields are only needed as an intermediate step to obtain a final result. For
example, you might define a result field only for the purpose of selecting records, and you do not want
the result field to appear on the report.

Creating results fields in Query for i5/OS

The Define Result Fields display appears if you typed a 1 next to the Define result fields option on the
Define the Query display. You use the Define Result Fields display to create the result fields that you
need for your query. (The following display has some sample fields listed in the bottom part.)
Define Result Fields

Type definitions using field names or constants and operators, press Enter.
Operators: +, -, *, /, SUBSTR, ||, DATE...

Field Expression Column Heading Len Dec

__________ _________________________________ ____________________ _____ __
_________________________________ ____________________
_________________________________ ____________________

__________ _________________________________ ____________________ _____ __

_________________________________ ____________________
_________________________________ ____________________
Bottom
_________________________________________________________________________
Field Field Field Field
ACCTNUMBER STREETADDR TELENUMBER DATELASTPD
LASTNAME CITY CRLIMIT
INIT STATE BALDUE
COMPANY ZIPCODE PASTDUE
Bottom
F3=Exit F5=Report F9=Insert F11=Display text
F12=Cancel F13=Layout F20=Reorganize F24=More keys

To define a result field, you specify a unique name for the result field by entering a name in the Field
column on the Define Result Fields display. You cannot specify the name of a field that exists in your
selected file(s)the list in the lower part of the display shows you these field names. To page through the

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 55

field list, position the cursor in the list part of the display and use the page keys. (A one-word indicator
always appears below and to the right of the list to tell you where you are in the list. More... means that
there are more items after, and possibly before, the items currently shown. Bottom means that you are at
the end of the list, but there may be more items before those currently shown.) Use F19 (Next group) to
reposition the list at the beginning of the next logical group of fields (the cursor can be anywhere when
you use F19). (The first group is selected fields, if any, and the second group is sort fields, if any. If there
are not selected fields, then the fields are grouped by file, and within each file grouping, the fields are
listed in the order in which they appear in the file definition.)

You can specify the length and number of decimal positions for a numeric result field by filling in the Len
and Dec prompts on this display, or you can have Query determine the length and decimal positions for
you by leaving the prompts blank.

You can specify a column heading for any result field. If you leave the prompt blank, the result field
name is used as the column heading for the result-field definition.

Query for i5/OS result field name

Since Query result field names are similar to database field names, create them according to the
following:
v Start the name with an alphabetic character (A through Z, $, #, or @) and use no more than 9
alphanumeric characters (A through Z, 0 through 9, $, #, @, or _) for the remaining characters. Do not
use blanks within the name.

Note: Use A-Z or 1-9 if this query is sent to other systems or used in a multilingual environment.
v Do not use any names from the list on the lower part of the display or the names of other result fields.

Enter an expression that creates the desired value for your result field.

Query for i5/OS expressions

In Query for i5/OS, an expression is a representation of a value with field names, constants, functions, or
keywords appearing alone or in combination with operators. It can be either a numeric, character (SBCS
or DBCS), date, time or timestamp expression:
v A numeric expression assigns numbers or performs an operation (calculation) on them. Numeric
expressions can contain the following operators:
+ (Addition)
(Subtraction)
* (Multiplication)
/ (Division)
v A character expression assigns characters or performs an operation on them. Character expressions can
contain the following operators or functions:
|| (Concatenation operator)
SUBSTR (Substring function)
VALUE (Value function)
DIGITS (Digits function)

Note: See CCSID and result field expressions in Query for i5/OS on page 247 to see how CCSIDs
are handled for the concatenation symbol.
v A date expression performs an operation on a date. Date expressions can contain the following
operators or functions:
+ (Addition)
(Subtraction)

56 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 CHAR
DATE
DAY
DAYS
MONTH
YEAR
v A time expression performs an operation on a time. Time expressions can contain the following
operators or functions:
+ (Addition)
(Subtraction)
CHAR
TIME
HOUR
MINUTE
SECOND
MICROSECOND
v A timestamp expression performs an operation on a timestamp. Timestamp expressions can contain
the following operators or functions:
+ (Addition)
(Subtraction)
CHAR
TIMESTAMP

If any argument can be null, the result field can be null. If any argument is null, the result is null.

Query for i5/OS numeric expressions

To define a numeric result field (that is, a result field that contains numbers) for your query, you need to
follow the rules for creating numeric expressions. A numeric expression for a result field can contain the
following, alone or in combination:
v Numeric field names (names of fields that contain numbers). You can use the names of numeric fields
listed on the lower part of the display (numeric fields have numbers shown in the Len and Dec
columns) and the names of previously defined numeric result fields. For example, you can multiply
two numeric fields and put the total in a result field named AMOUNT:
AMOUNT = QUANTITY * PRICE
v Numeric constants (any numbers such as 4 or 12.5). The rules for using numeric constants are:
The total length can be no more than 31 digits. (For a single-precision floating-point constant, the
total length can be no more than nine digits. For a double-precision floating-point constant, the total
length can be no more than 17 digits.) This includes the digits both to the left and right of the
decimal point but does not include the decimal point. All the digits can be to the right of the
decimal point.
Use the correct decimal separator. Press F17 to show the decimal separator that must be used (see
Displaying the format of constants in Query for i5/OS on page 17).
Do not use a currency symbol (like $5000), and do not use thousands separators (like 5,000).
v Numeric functions. The VALUE function returns the first value that is not null. See VALUE Query for
i5/OS function on page 60.

Other examples of numeric expressions for a field named AMOUNT are:

Chapter 5. Defining result fields in Query for i5/OS 57

 QUANTITY
5
5 + 6
5 + QUANTITY

When you do more than one calculation within a numeric expression, use parentheses to tell Query in
what order to do the calculations and to make the expression easier to understand. If you use nested
parentheses for example, 60 * (A (B + C)), the calculations are done for the innermost pair first (in the
example, B + C), then the next innermost pair, and so on. If you do not use parentheses, Query first does
multiplication and division, left to right, and then addition and subtraction, left to right. For example, (5
+ 4) * 2 equals 18, but 5 + 4 * 2 equals 13.

Be aware that the result of a numeric expression, especially one containing division and multiplication
operations, is truncated or rounded depending on what you specify on the Specify Processing Options
display (see Chapter 14, Specifying Query for i5/OS processing options). If you divide by zero, your
query may not run.

Query for i5/OS character expressions

To define a character result field (that is, a result field that contains SBCS or DBCS characters) for your
query, you need to follow the rules for creating character expressions. A character expression for a result
field can contain the following, alone or in combination:
v Character field names (names of fields that contain SBCS or DBCS characters). You can use the names
of SBCS- or DBCS-character fields listed on the lower part of the display (in the Dec column,
SBCS-character fields have blanks or Vs (if variable length), DBCS-only fields have Js, DBCS-open
fields have Os, DBCS-either fields have Es, and DBCS-graphic fields have Gs) and the names of
previously defined SBCS- or DBCS-character result fields.
v Character constants (SBCS or DBCS characters enclosed in apostrophes, such as ABCdef123 or This
text includes blanks and special characters **$$). The rules for using character constants are:
The character constant must be enclosed in apostrophes.
Any combination of letters, numbers, or special characters (for example, $ or #) can be used.
If two apostrophes are used within a character string, the two apostrophes become a single
apostrophe in the output. For example, Octobers Profits becomes Octobers Profits.
Words with lowercase and uppercase letters are used exactly as typed.
If a character constant represents a valid date, time, or timestamp, and is used with a date, time, or
timestamp field, it is considered a date, time, or timestamp constant.
A DBCS character constant must include DBCS shift-out and shift-in characters, represented by the
characters < and > in the following example: <D1D2D3>. A DBCS-graphic character constant must
be preceded by an uppercase or lowercase G, for example, G<D1D2D3>.
v Character operators and functions (one or more concatenation operations and character functions
SUBSTR, DIGITS, and VALUEsee Query for i5/OS character functions on page 59).

Query for i5/OS concatenation operation

Character expressions can include one or more concatenation operations. Concatenation operations must
be specified in the form:

 value-1 || value-2 

v Value-1 and Value-2 are the character fields or character constants that are to be concatenated. You can
use SBCS- and DBCS-character field names (including character result fields) and character constants
(including DBCS-open, DBCS-only, and DBCS-graphic constants). A DBCS-graphic field can be
concatenated only with another DBCS-graphic field or constant.

58 Query for i5/OS V6R1

v Two logical OR symbols (||) make up the concatenation operator used to join the two values. (See
CCSID and result field expressions in Query for i5/OS on page 247 to see how CCSIDs are handled
for the concatenation symbol.)

For example, if a character constant Dr. and a character field named LASTNAME containing the value
Smith are concatenated, the result is a field containing the value Dr. Smith. Other examples of character
expressions are:
NAME
Mr.
Mr. || NAME
FIRSTINIT || MIDINIT

If any field is null-capable, the resulting field is null-capable. If any field used in a concatenation is null,
the resulting expression is null.

Except for the case of two DBCS-open fields, if all concatenated values are either fixed-length fields or
constants, the result is a fixed-length field. The concatenation of two DBCS-open fields results in a
DBCS-open field that allows for the varying lengths that can result from concatenating DBCS-open fields.
If any field is variable-length, the result is a variable-length field.

A UCS2-graphic field can only be concatenated with another UCS2-graphic field.

The CCSID of the result is as follows:

v CCSID 65535 if any field or constant has CCSID 65535.
v Mixed CCSID if any field has a mixed CCSID.
v CCSID of a file field has precedence over result fields or constants.
v CCSID of result fields has precedence over constants.
v CCSID assigned to the result will be the CCSID of the first of the two values if both concatenated
values are fields from the file, or both are result fields.
v CCSID 65535 is assigned to a DBCS-graphic constant if the job CCSID is a single-byte CCSID with no
associated DBCS CCSID.

Query for i5/OS character functions

Character expressions can include the character functions SUBSTR, DIGITS, and VALUE.

SUBSTR Query for i5/OS function

The SUBSTR function returns part of a character value. The form is:

 SUBSTR ( value , offset ) 

,length

v Value is the name of a character field (including result fields that are already defined), a character
expression, or a character constant. It can be an SBCS or DBCS field, an SBCS constant, a DBCS-open
constant, a DBCS-only constant, or a DBCS-graphic constant. A SUBSTR operation on a DBCS-only or
DBCS-either field produces an SBCS character data type. A SUBSTR operation on a DBCS-open field
produces a DBCS-open data type. A SUBSTR operation on a DBCS-graphic field produces a
DBCS-graphic data type. If Value is a field, the CCSID of the result is the CCSID of the field. If Value is
a constant, the CCSID of the result is the associated CCSID of the job of the user who creates the query
(or of the user who changes the query, if the original CCSID was 65535).
v Offset is the starting character position within the field or character constant. An expression can also be
used for the offset.
v Length is the number of characters that make up the substring. An expression may be used for length.
You do not need to specify a length. If you do not, the resulting substring is the entire field or
character constant from Offset to the end.

Chapter 5. Defining result fields in Query for i5/OS 59

You must use commas between the substring elements; blanks are allowed after the commas. If you are
sending queries between countries that use the comma for a decimal point, put a blank after the comma
separating the offset and length.

Example of a character field substring: If a character field named ALPHA containing the value ABCDEFGHI is
used in SUBSTR(ALPHA,4,3), the result is a character field containing DEF. If you do not specify a value for
Length, the result is DEFGHI.

If the Offset and Length values cause the substring to exceed the right end of the field, you will receive an
error message. If any argument can be null, the result field can be null. If any argument is null, the result
is null.

If a variable-length field is used for Value, the result is a variable-length field. If either Offset or Length is
an expression, the result is a variable-length field.

For SBCS, DBCS-open, DBCS-only, and DBCS-either fields, Offset and Length refer to bytes, including
shift-out and shift-in characters. For example, if FIELD1 contains string <A1B1C1D1E1F1>, the operation
SUBSTR(FIELD1,2,3) results in a character field containing A1B.

For DBCS-graphic fields, Offset and Length refer to the number of double-byte characters. Shift-out and
shift-in characters in a graphic constant are ignored. For example, the operation
SUBSTR(G<A1B1C1D1E1F1>,2,3) results in a graphic field containing B1C1D1.

DIGITS Query for i5/OS function

The DIGITS function returns a character representation of a number. The form is:

 DIGITS ( expression ) 

The argument must be an integer or decimal value. The result of the function is a fixed-length character
string. The CCSID of the string is the default SBCS CCSID at the application server. If the argument can
be null, the result can be null. If the argument is null, the result is a null value.

The result is a string of digits that represents the absolute value of the argument without regard to its
scale. The result does not include a sign or a decimal point. The result includes any necessary leading
zeros so that the length of the string is:
v 5, if the argument is a small binary value with no decimal positions.
v 10, if the argument is a large binary value with no decimal positions.
v The length of the argument, if the value is a packed, zoned, or binary field with decimal positions.

Example:
DIGITS(JOBCODE)

VALUE Query for i5/OS function

The VALUE function can be used in any type of expression: character, numeric, date, time, or timestamp.
The VALUE function, VALUE(x,y), returns the first argument that is not null. The arguments are
evaluated in the order in which they are specified. The arguments must be compatible; character string
arguments are not compatible with numbers. X is a field and Y can be a field, value, or a list of fields or
values. X can be any data type and may be a previously defined result field or any file field.

The result can be null only if all arguments can be null; the result is null only if all arguments are null.
The X value is not checked to determine if it is null-capable.

Example:
VALUE(commission, 0)

60 Query for i5/OS V6R1

If commission is null, the result is 0.

Note: If you are sending queries between countries that use the comma for a decimal point, put a blank
after each comma separating values in a list of numeric values.

The selected argument is converted, if necessary, to the attributes of the result. The attributes of the result
are determined as follows:
v If the arguments are dates, the result is a date. If the arguments are times, the result is a time. If the
arguments are timestamps, the result is a timestamp.
v If the arguments are constants, the CCSID of the result is the CCSID that would result if the arguments
were concatenated.
v If all arguments are fixed-length, the result is a fixed length of n, where n is the length of the longest
argument.
v If any argument is variable length, the result is variable-length with length attribute n, where n is the
length attribute of the argument with the greatest length attribute.
v If the arguments are numbers, the data type of the result is the data type that would result if the
arguments were added.
v If all arguments are DBCS-only, the result is DBCS-only.
v If the arguments are any combination of bracketed-DBCS, the result is DBCS-open.
v If the arguments are DBCS-graphic, the result is DBCS-graphic.

If X is a DBCS-graphic field, Y fields and constants must all be DBCS-graphic. If X is not a DBCS-graphic
field, no Y fields or constants may be DBCS-graphic.

The CCSID of the result is as follows:

v CCSID 65535 if any field or constant has CCSID 65535.
v Mixed CCSID if any field has a mixed CCSID.
v CCSID of a file field has precedence over result fields or constants.
v CCSID of result fields has precedence over constants.
v CCSID assigned to the result will be the CCSID of the first of the two values if both concatenated
values are fields from the file, or both are result fields.
v CCSID 65535 is assigned to a DBCS-graphic constant if the job CCSID is a single-byte CCSID with no
associated DBCS CCSID.

VARCHAR Query for i5/OS function

The VARCHAR function returns a varying-length character string representation of a string. VARCHAR
supports conversion from CHARACTER to VARCHAR and UCS-2 GRAPHIC to VARCHAR. Conversion
of numeric type data is not supported. VARCHAR supports conversion from CHARACTER to
VARCHAR and UCS-2 GRAPHIC to VARCHAR. Conversion of numeric type data is not supported.

 VARCHAR ( expression ) 
, length
DEFAULT , ccsid

The first argument must be a string expression; it must not be DBCS-graphic data.

The second argument, if specified as a length, is the length attribute of the resulting varying-length string.
The second argument must be an integer constant between 1 and 32740 if the first argument is not
nullable or between 1 and 32739 if the first argument is nullable. If the first argument is mixed data, the
second argument cannot be less than 4. If the second argument is not specified or DEFAULT is specified,
the result length is determined as follows, where n is the length attribute of the first argument.
v If the first argument is SBCS or mixed data, the result length is n.
Chapter 5. Defining result fields in Query for i5/OS 61
v If the first argument is UCS2 graphic data and the result is SBCS data, the result length is n.
v If the first argument is UCS2 graphic data and the result is mixed data, the result length is (2.5*(n-1)) +
4.

The third argument, if specified, must be a valid SBCS or mixed CCSID. If it is a SBCS CCSID, the first
argument cannot be a DBCS-either or DBCS-only string.

The result of the function is the character string that would result if the character string expression was
assigned to a varying-length host variable with a length attribute of n, where n is the length attribute of
the result. If the length attribute of the argument is greater than the length attribute of the result,
truncation is performed and no warning is returned.

The result data type is VARCHAR.

If the ccsid (third argument) is not specified:

v If the first argument is SBCS character, then the result is SBCS character. The CCSID of the result is the
same as the CCSID of the first argument.
v If the first argument is mixed (DBCS-open), DBCS-only, or DBCS-either then the result is mixed. The
CCSID of the result is the same as the CCSID of the first argument.
v If the first argument is non-UCS2 graphic, then the result is mixed. The CCSID of the result is the
associated mixed CCSID of the DBCS CCSID.
v If the first argument is UCS2 then the CCSID of the result is the job CCSID. If the job CCSID is mixed,
then the result type is mixed. If the job CCSID is SBCS, then the result is SBCS character.

If the ccsid is specified:

v The result is dependent on the specified CCSID. If ccsid is a SBCS CCSID, then the result type is SBCS
character. If ccsid is a mixed CCSID, then the result type is mixed character.
v The CCSID of the result is the ccsid.

If the first argument can be null, the result can be null; if the first argument is null, the result is the null
value.

Following are examples of using VARCHAR to convert from CHARACTER to VARCHAR and UCS-2
GRAPHIC to VARCHAR:
RESCHAR varchar(char1,10,37)

where char1 is a character field to be converted

10 is the length of the output variable
37 is the ccsid of the output variable
RESUCS2 varchar(ucs2,8,37)

where ucs2 is a UCS-2 graphic field to be converted

8 is the length of the output variable
37 is the ccsid of the output variable

Following are examples of using VARCHAR to convert from CHARACTER to VARCHAR and UCS-2
GRAPHIC to VARCHAR:

RESCHAR varchar(char1,10,37) where char1 is a character field to be

converted, 10 is the length of the
output variable, and 37 is the CCSID
of the output variable

62 Query for i5/OS V6R1

RESUCS2 varchar(ucs2,8,37) where ucs2 is a UCS-2 graphic field
to be converted, 8 is the length of the
output variable, and 37 is the ccsid of
the output variable

VARGRAPHIC Query for i5/OS function

The VARGRAPHIC scalar function provides a way to convert:
v character data (SBCS and Mixed) to DBCS graphic.
v character data (SBCS and Mixed) to UCS2 graphic.
v UCS2 graphic to UCS2 graphic.
v DBCS graphic to UCS2 graphic.

 VARGRAPHIC ( expression ) 
,
length DEFAULT ,ccsid

The VARGRAPHIC function returns a graphic string representation of a string expression.

The first argument must be a string expression and must not be bit data.

The second argument, if specified as length, is the length attribute of the result and must be an integer
constant between 1 and 16370 if the first argument is not nullable or between 1 and 16369 if the first
argument is nullable.

If the second argument is not specified or DEFAULT is specified, the length attribute of the result is the
same as the length attribute of the first argument.

In the following rules, S denotes one of the following:

v If the string expression is a host variable containing data in a foreign encoding scheme, S is the result
of the expression after converting the data to a CCSID in a native encoding scheme.
v If the string expression is data in a native encoding scheme, S is that string expression.

If the third argument is specified, the CCSID of the result is the third argument. It must be a DBCS or
UCS2 CCSID. The CCSID cannot be 65535.

If the third argument is not specified, the CCSID of the result is determined by a mixed CCSID, let M
denote that mixed CCSID. M is determined as follows:
v If the CCSID of S is a mixed CCSID, M is that CCSID.
v If the CCSID of S is an SBCS CCSID:
If the CCSID of S has an associated mixed CCSID, M is that CCSID.
Otherwise the operation is not allowed.

DBCS Substitution
M Result CCSID Description Character
930 300 Japanese EBCDIC XFEFE
933 834 Korean EBCDIC XFEFE
935 837 S-Chinese EBCDIC XFEFE
937 835 T-Chinese EBCDIC XFEFE
939 300 Japanese EBCDIC XFEFE
5026 4396 Japanese EBCDIC XFEFE
5035 4396 Japanese EBCDIC XFEFE

Chapter 5. Defining result fields in Query for i5/OS 63

The result of the function is a varying-length graphic string. If the expression can be null, the result can
be null. If the expression is null, the result is the null value. If the expression is an empty string or the
EBCDIC string X0E0F, the result is an empty string.

The actual length of the result depends on the number of characters in the argument. Each character of
the argument determines a character of the result. Regardless of the CCSID, every double-byte code point
in the argument is considered a DBCS character, and every single-byte code point in the argument is
considered an SBCS character with the exception of the EBCDIC mixed data shift codes X0E and X0F.
v If the nth character of the argument is a DBCS character, the nth character of the result is that DBCS
character.
v If the nth character of the argument is an SBCS character that has an equivalent DBCS character, the
nth character of the result is that equivalent DBCS character.
v If the nth character of the argument is an SBCS character that does not have an equivalent DBCS
character, the nth character of the result is the DBCS substitution character.

The equivalence of SBCS and DBCS characters depends on M.

If the result is UCS2 then, each character of the argument determines a character of the result. The nth
character of the result is the UCS2 equivalent of the nth character of the argument.

Date, time, and timestamp expressions in Query for i5/OS

Date, time, and timestamp data types and values can be assigned to result fields. A date, time, or
timestamp expression for a result field can contain the following, alone or in combination:
v Date, time, or timestamp field names (names of fields that contain date, time, or timestamp values)
v Character constants (SBCS or DBCS characters enclosed in apostrophes see examples and rules
under Query for i5/OS character expressions on page 58.)
v Date, time, and timestamp functions and operations (one or more of the following functions and
arithmetic operations):
+ (Addition)
(Subtraction)
CHAR
CURRENT
VALUE
DATE
DAY
DAYS
MONTH
YEAR
TIME
HOUR
MINUTE
SECOND
MICROSECOND
TIMESTAMP
v Durations (a length of time, represented by a labeled duration, date duration, time duration, or
timestamp duration see Durations in Query for i5/OS on page 71.)

Character constants can represent date, time, or timestamp values when used with date, time, or
timestamp fields or functions. They can be used in expressions and treated like a date, time or timestamp.
For example, a date constant may be subtracted from a date field.

64 Query for i5/OS V6R1

A date, time, or timestamp expression for a result field can contain the following either alone or in
combination:

Query for i5/OS date

A date expression is a three-part value (year, month, and day) designating a point in time under the
Gregorian calendar, which is assumed to have been in effect from the year 1 A.D. 1 The year range is 0001
to 9999. The month range is 1 to 12. The day range is 1 to x, where x is 28, 29, 30, or 31, depending on
the month.

A date starts with a digit and has a length of at least 6 characters. Trailing blanks can be included.
Leading zeros can be omitted from the month and day portions. Valid formats allowed for dates are
listed in Table 1. Each format is identified by name and includes an associated abbreviation (used by the
CHAR function) and an example of its use.
Table 1. Formats for Representations of Date Data Types
Format Name Abbreviation Date Format Example
International Standards ISO yyyy-mm-dd 1987-10-12
Organization
IBM USA Standard USA mm/dd/yyyy 10/12/1987
IBM European Standard EUR dd.mm.yyyy 12.10.1987
Japanese Industrial JIS yyyy-mm-dd 1987-10-12
Standard Christian era
i5/OS format DMY DD/MM/YY 12/10/87
YMD YY/MM/DD 87/12/10
MDY MM/DD/YY 12/10/87
JUL YYDDD 87/344
YYYYDDD 1987/344

The date separator can be either

a period (.), slash (/), comma (,),
dash (-), or blank space for the
i5/OS date format data types.

Note about using SAA date format: To prevent confusion about the date value, use the Systems
Application Architecture (SAA) date formats (ISO, USA, EUR, or
JIS) when specifying date constants in a multilingual environment
or when a query is to be displayed or changed by different people.

If the i5/OS two-digit year format is used, the range of dates is from 1940 through 2039. Any year from
40 through 99 is assumed to have a century of 19. Any year from 00 through 39 is assumed to have a
century of 20. If a value outside of that range is in a field with a two-digit year format, it is shown on a
report as +s. Use the CHAR function on that field specifying an SAA date format, and then select the
result field for the report.

Query for i5/OS time

A time expression is a three-part value (hour, minute, and second) that designates the time of day using a
24-hour clock. The hour range is 0 to 24, while the minute and second range is 0 to 59. If the hour is 24,
the minute and second specifications are both zero.

1. Historical dates do not always follow the Gregorian calendar. Dates between 1582-10-04 and 1582-10-15 are accepted as valid
dates although they never existed in the Gregorian calendar.

Chapter 5. Defining result fields in Query for i5/OS 65

A time data type starts with a digit and has a length of at least 4 characters. Trailing blanks can be
included; a leading zero can be omitted from the hour part of the time, and seconds can be omitted
entirely. If you choose to omit seconds, 0 seconds is assumed. Thus, 13.30 is equivalent to 13.30.00.

Valid formats for times are listed in Table 2. Each format is identified by name and includes an associated
abbreviation (for use by the CHAR function) and an example of its use.
Table 2. Formats for Representations of Time Data Types
Format Name Abbreviation Time Format Example
International Standards Organization ISO hh.mm.ss 13.30.05
IBM USA Standard USA hh:mm am or pm 1:30 pm
IBM European Standard EUR hh.mm.ss 13.30.05
Japanese Industrial Standard JIS hh:mm:ss 13:30:05
Christian era
i5/OS format - HMS 13:30:05

Note: Time separators can be either a period (.), slash (/), comma (,), dash (-), or a blank space. Use the
CHGJOB command to change the i5/OS date or time format separators.

In the USA time format, the hour must not be greater than 12 and cannot be 0 except for the special case
of 00:00 AM. Using the International Standards Organization (ISO) format of the 24-hour clock, the
correspondence between the USA format and the 24-hour clock is as follows:
USA Format
24 Hour-Clock
12:01 am through 12:59 am
00.01.00 through 00.59.00
01:00 am through 11:59 am
01.00.00 through 11.59.00
12:00 pm (noon) through 11:59 pm
12.00.00 through 23.59.00
12:00 am (midnight)
24.00.00
00:00 am (midnight)
00.00.00

The system always uses 00.00.00. Only the user can enter 24.00.00.

Query for i5/OS timestamp

A timestamp expression is a seven-part value (year, month, day, hour, minute, second, and microsecond)
that designates a date and time as previously defined. The time part includes a fractional specification of
microseconds.

A timestamp data type starts with a digit and has a length of at least 16 characters. The complete
representation of a timestamp has the form yyyy-mm-dd-hh.mm.ss.nnnnnn. Trailing blanks can be included.
Leading zeros can be omitted from the month, day, and hour part of the timestamp. Trailing zeros can be
truncated or omitted entirely from microseconds. You do not need to specify microseconds. A timestamp
of yyy-mm-dd-hh.mm.ss is acceptable. If you choose to omit any digit of the microseconds portion, an
implicit specification of 0 is assumed. Thus, 1990-3-2-8.30.00.10 is equivalent to 1990-03-02-08.30.00.100000.

A timestamp expression with a time of 24.00.00.000000 can be accepted.

66 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Displaying constants format in Query for i5/OS
The Display Constants Format display shows you what date or time format you must use if you specify a
date or time constant and do not use an SAA format.
Display Constants Format

Query . . . . . . : QRY1 Option . . . . . : CHANGE

Library . . . . : QGPL CCSID . . . . . . : 65535

Use an SAA format to enter a date or time constant, or

use the format described by the following values.

Use the decimal separator shown.

Query definition values

Date format . . . . : *MDY
Date separator . . : /
Time format . . . . : *HMS
Time separator . . : :
Decimal separator . : .

Press Enter to continue.

F12=CANCEL

The Display Constants Format display appears when you:

v Change a query from the Work with Queries display and at least one date or time constant is specified
in the query definition in an i5/OS format other than the date or time format specified for your job.
v Display a query from the Work with Queries display and your job format for the date or time is
different from an i5/OS date or time format constant that is specified in the query definition.
v Use the run-time record selection option of the RUNQRY command and your job format for the date
or time is different from an i5/OS date or time format constant specified in the query definition.
v Use the run-time record selection option with the QRYRUN procedure and your job format for the
date or time is different from an i5/OS date or time format constant specified in the query definition.
v Press F17 from the Select Records display.
v Press F17 from the Define Result Fields display.

i5/OS date formats are MDY, YMD, DMY, and JUL. The valid i5/OS time format is HHMMSS.

Date, time, and timestamp arithmetic operations in Query for i5/OS

Addition and subtraction operations can be performed on date, time, and timestamp values to determine
the result-field value.

Note: If an addition operand is a date, time, or timestamp value, the other operand must be a duration.

The following rules apply to date, time, and timestamp addition:

v If one operand is a date, the other operand must be either a date duration or a labeled duration of
years, months, or days.
v If one operand is a time, the other operand must be either a time duration or a labeled duration of
hours, minutes, or seconds.
v If one operand is a timestamp, the other operand must be a duration. Any duration type is valid.

Chapter 5. Defining result fields in Query for i5/OS 67

Subtraction rules are different from addition rules because a date, time, or timestamp value cannot be
subtracted from a duration. Also, subtracting two date, time, or timestamp values is not the same as
subtracting a duration from a date, time, or timestamp value.

The following rules apply to date, time, and timestamp subtraction:

v If the first operand is a date, the second operand must either be a:
Date
Date duration
Character representation of a date
Labeled duration of years, months, or days
v If the second operand is a date, the first operand must either be a:
Date
Character representation of a date
v If the first operand is a time, the second operand must either be a:
Time
Time duration
Character representation of a time
Labeled duration of hours, minutes, or seconds
v If the second operand is a time, the first operand must either be a:
Time
Character representation of a time
v If the first operand is a timestamp, the second operand must either be a:
Timestamp
Character representation of a timestamp
Duration
v If the second operand is a timestamp, the first operand must either be a:
Timestamp
Character representation of a timestamp

Date arithmetic operation in Query for i5/OS

Dates can be subtracted, added to (incremented) or subtracted from (decremented).

Subtracting dates in Query for i5/OS

The result of subtracting one date (DATE2) from another (DATE1) is a date duration that specifies the
number of years, months, and days between the two dates. The data type of the result is a
packed-decimal numeric. If DATE1 is greater than or equal to DATE2, DATE2 is subtracted from DATE1.
However, if DATE1 is less than DATE2, DATE1 is subtracted from DATE2, and the sign of the result is
made negative. The following procedural description clarifies the steps involved in the operation RESULT
= DATE1 - DATE2.
If DAY(DATE2) < = DAY(DATE1)
then DAY(RESULT) = DAY(DATE1) - DAY(DATE2).

If DAY(DATE2) > DAY(DATE1)

then DAY(RESULT) = N + DAY(DATE1) - DAY(DATE2)
where N = the last day of MONTH(DATE2).
MONTH(DATE2) is then incremented by 1.

If MONTH(DATE2) < = MONTH(DATE1)

then MONTH(RESULT) = MONTH(DATE1) - MONTH(DATE2).

If MONTH(DATE2) > MONTH(DATE1)

68 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 then MONTH(RESULT) = 12 + MONTH(DATE1) - MONTH(DATE2).
YEAR(DATE2) is then incremented by 1.

YEAR(RESULT) = YEAR(DATE1) - YEAR(DATE2).

For example, the result of DATE(3/15/2000) - 12/31/1999 is 215, or a duration of 0 years, 2 months,
and 15 days.

Incrementing and decrementing dates in Query for i5/OS

The result of adding a duration to or subtracting a duration from a date is itself a date. It must be
between January 1, 0001 and December 31, 9999 inclusive. If a duration of years is added or subtracted,
only the year portion of the date is affected.

If a duration of months is added or subtracted, only the months and years are affected. The day portion
is unchanged unless the result is not valid (September 31, for example).

Adding or subtracting a duration of days affects the day portion and possibly the month and year.

Date durations, either positive or negative, may be added to and subtracted from dates. The result is a
date that has been incremented or decremented by a specified number of years, months, and days.

When adding durations to dates, adding one month to a given date gives the same date one month later
unless that date does not exist. Then, the date is set to the last day of the later month. For example,
January 28 plus one month gives you February 28. But January 29, 30, or 31 plus one month results in
February 28 or in a leap year, February 29.

Note: If one or more months is added to a given date and the same number of months is subtracted
from the result, the final date is not necessarily the same as the original date.

Converting a numeric field to a date field in Query for i5/OS

The following is a way to convert a numeric field that contains a date to a date data-type field.

In this example, the job date format is YMD and the job date separator is /. A file contains a numeric date
field call NUMDATE, length 6, which contains dates in the format MDY (month day year). The first value
in NUMDATE is 011392.

Create the following result fields:

CHARDATE DIGITS(NUMDATE)
CHARDAT2 SUBSTR(CHARDATE,5,2)||/||
SUBSTR(CHARDATE,1,2)||/||
SUBSTR(CHARDATE,3,2)
NEWDATE DATE(CHARDAT2)

NEWDATE contains the internal representation of year 1992 month 01 day 13. If the date is shown on the
report, it shows as 92/01/13.

Note: If the date value resulting is outside the range of 1940 through 2039, it will show as +s on the
report. Use the CHAR function to see the correct value.

Working with numeric dates in Query for i5/OS

If you are using numeric fields to represent dates, you can use arithmetic operations to manipulate the
dates without using the Query date functions. Example 1 shows a method of converting a numeric field
containing a date from MMDDYY format to YYMMDD format. Example 2 shows the reverse conversion:
YYMMDD format to MMDDYY format.

Example 1: Working with numeric dates in Query for i5/OS: The following query defines a MMDDYY
numeric field conversion to a YYMMDD numeric field, which is more suitable for sorting and for
Chapter 5. Defining result fields in Query for i5/OS 69
selection on specific year, month, and day values. The marked (*) lines are necessary and a sample report
follows. If you require rounding for fields in the report (instead of truncation), you can add to each of the
intermediate expressions a minus one half, as follows: MM = (MMDDYY/10000)-0.5.
Example 1

Query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YYMMDD02
Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CRP
Query text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MMDDYY to YYMMDD
Collating sequence . . . . . . . . . . Hexadecimal
Processing options
* Use rounding . . . . . . . . . . . . No
Ignore decimal data errors . . . . . No (default)

Selected files
ID File Library Member Record Format
T01 MMDDYY QTEMP MMDDYY MMDDYY
Result fields
Name Expression Column Heading Len Dec
* MM (mmddyy/10000) 2 0
* DD (mmddyy/100 - (mm * 100)) 2 0
* YY (mmddyy - (mm*10000 + dd*100)) 2 0
* YYMMDD (yy*10000)+(mm*100)+dd 6 0

* * * * * E N D O F Q U E R Y P R I N T * * * * *

MM DD YY YYMMDD MMDDYY
02 15 08 080215 021508
* * * E N D O F R E P O R T * * *

Example 2: Working with numeric dates in Query for i5/OS: This example shows the reverse in
formatting converting a numeric YYMMDD to MMDDYY. The marked (*) lines are necessary and a
sample report follows.
Example 2

Query . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YYMMDD01
Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CRP
Query text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . YYMMDD to MMDDYY
Collating sequence . . . . . . . . . . EBCDIC
Processing options
* Use rounding . . . . . . . . . . . . No
Ignore decimal data errors . . . . . No (default)
Special conditions
*** All records selected by default ***

Selected files
ID File Library Member Record Format
T01 YYMMDD QGPL JUNK YYMMDD
Result fields
Name Expression Column Heading Len Dec
* YY (yymmdd/10000) 2 0
* MM (yymmdd/100 - (yy * 100)) 2 0
* DD (yymmdd - (yy*10000 + mm*100)) 2 0
* MMDDYY (mm*10000)+(dd*100)+yy 6 0

* * * * * E N D O F Q U E R Y P R I N T * * * * *

MM DD YY MMDDYY YYMMDD
08 31 90 083190 900831
* * * E N D O F R E P O R T * * *

Time arithmetic operation in Query for i5/OS

Times can be subtracted, incremented, or decremented. The result of subtracting one time (TIME2) from
another (TIME1) is a time duration that specifies the number of hours, minutes, and seconds between the
two times.

70 Query for i5/OS V6R1

For example, the result of TIME(11:02:26) (10:32:56) is 2930; a duration of 0 hours, 29 minutes,
and 30 seconds.

Incrementing and decrementing times in Query for i5/OS

The result of adding or subtracting a duration from time is itself a time. If a duration of hours is added
or subtracted, only the hours portion of the time is affected. The minutes and seconds remain unchanged.
If a duration of minutes is added or subtracted, only the minutes and hours if necessary are affected.
Adding or subtracting a duration of seconds affects the seconds portion and possibly the minutes and
hours.

Timestamp arithmetic operation in Query for i5/OS

Timestamps can be subtracted, incremented, or decremented. The result of adding or subtracting a
duration from a timestamp is a timestamp. Date and time arithmetic is the same as previously defined,
except that an overflow or underflow of hours is carried into the date portion of the result.

Durations in Query for i5/OS

A duration represents a length of time. There are four types: labeled, date, time, and timestamp.

Labeled duration in Query for i5/OS

A labeled duration represents a specific unit of time expressed as a number followed by one of the
following duration keywords:
YEAR, YEARS
MONTH, MONTHS
DAY, DAYS
HOUR, HOURS
MINUTE, MINUTES
SECOND, SECONDS
MICROSECOND, MICROSECONDS

A labeled duration can only be used as an operand if the other operand is of type date, time or
timestamp. For example:
HIREDATE + 2 MONTHS + 14 DAYS

is a valid expression.
HIREDATE + (2 MONTHS + 14 DAYS)

is not a valid expression. In both expressions, the labeled durations are 2 MONTHS and 14 DAYS.

Date duration in Query for i5/OS

A date duration represents years, months, and days expressed as a DECIMAL (8,0) number. To be
properly interpreted, the number must have the formatyyyymmdd where yyyy represents the number of
years, mm the number of months, and dd the number of days. The result of subtracting one date value
from another, as in the expression HIREDATE BIRTHDATE, is a date duration. Example:
HIREDATE - BIRTHDATE

Time duration in Query for i5/OS

A time duration represents hours, minutes and seconds expressed as a DECIMAL (6,0) number. To be
properly interpreted , the number must have the format hhmmss where hh represents the number of
hours,mm the number of minutes, and ss the number of seconds. The result of subtracting one time value
from another is a time duration.

Timestamp duration in Query for i5/OS

A timestamp duration represents a number of years, months, days, hours, minutes, seconds, and
microseconds expressed as a DECIMAL (20, 6) number. To be properly interpreted, the number must

Chapter 5. Defining result fields in Query for i5/OS 71

have the format yyyymmddhhMMsszzzzzz , where yyyy , mm , dd , hh, MM , ss and zzzzzz represent,
respectively, the number of years, months, days, hours, minutes, seconds and microseconds. The result of
subtracting one timestamp value from another is a timestamp duration.

Date, time, and timestamp functions in Query for i5/OS

The following functions can be performed on date, time, and timestamp values:

CHAR Query for i5/OS function

The CHAR function returns a character representation of a date, time, or timestamp value. An optional
second argument dictates the SAA format for the result string. The first argument must be a date, time,
or timestamp. The second argument, if used, is the name of a character format. The form is:

 CHAR ( expression ) 
,ISO
,USA
,EUR
,JIS

The result of the function is a fixed-length character constant. If the first argument can be null, the result
can be null. If the first argument is null, the result is null. Other rules depend on the data type of the first
argument as follows:
v If the first argument is a date:
A format should be specified, especially if:
- The query is to be used by different users.
- The query is to be sent to a different machine.
- A date has a two-digit year format attribute and the values may not be in the range of 1940
through 2039. Use this function to see the date in a four-digit year SAA format.
If the second argument is omitted, the string format is the job format.
The result is the character string representation of the date in the format specified by the second
argument.
The result length is 10 if a format is specified, 8 if no format is specified.
v If the first argument is a time:
If the second argument is omitted, the string format is the job format.
The result is the character string representation of a time in the format specified by the second
argument.
The result length is 8.
v If the first argument is a timestamp:
The second argument is not applicable and must not be specified.
The result is the character string representation of a timestamp.
The result length is 26.

Example:
CHAR(HIREDATE,USA)

DATE Query for i5/OS function

The DATE function returns a date from a value. The form is:

 DATE ( expression ) 

72 Query for i5/OS V6R1

The argument must be either a:
v Timestamp
v Date
v Positive number or expression less than 3 652 059
v Valid character representation of a date
v Character representation with a length of 7

If the argument is a character representation of length 7, it must represent a valid date in the form
yyyynnn where yyyy represents the year digits and nnn represents digits between 001 and 366, signifying
a day in that year.

The result of this function is a date. If the argument can be null, the result can be null. If the argument is
null, the result is null.
v If the argument is a timestamp, the result is the date part of the timestamp.
v If the argument is a date, the result is that date.
v If the argument is a number, the result is the date that is n1 days after January 1, 0001.
v If the argument is a character value, the result is the date represented by the character string.

Note: If the i5/OS two-digit year format is used, the range of dates is 1940 through 2039. Any year from
40 through 99 is assumed to have a century of 19. Any year 00 through 39 is assumed to have a
century of 20. If a value outside of that range is in a field with a two-digit year format, it is shown
on a report as +s. Use the CHAR function on that field specifying an SAA date format, and then
select the result field for the report.

Example:
DATE(STRDATE)

DAY Query for i5/OS function

The DAY function returns the day part of a value. The form is:

 DAY ( expression ) 

The argument must be either a:

v Date
v Timestamp
v Date duration
v Timestamp duration

The result of the function is a binary field. If the argument can be null, the result can be null. If the
argument is null, the result is null.

If the argument is a date or a timestamp, the result is the day part of the value, which is a binary field
with a value between 1 and 31.

If the argument is a date duration or a timestamp duration, the result is the day part of the value, a
binary field with a value between 99 and 99. A nonzero result has the same sign as the argument.

Example:
RESULT(DAY) = DAY(HIREDATE)

RESULT(DAY) would equal a value between 1 and 31.

Chapter 5. Defining result fields in Query for i5/OS 73

DAYS Query for i5/OS function
The DAYS function returns a numeric representation of a date. The form is:

 DAYS ( expression ) 

The argument must be either a:

v Date
v Timestamp
v Valid character representation of a date

The result of the function is a binary field. If the argument can be null, the result can be null. If the
argument is null, the result is null.

The result is one more than the number of days from January 1, 0001 to D, where D is the date that
would occur if the DATE function were applied to the argument.

Example:
RESULT(DAY) = DAYS(CURRDATE) - DAYS(HIREDATE)

RESULT(DAY) equals a number representing the number of days between these two dates.

HOUR Query for i5/OS function

The HOUR function returns the hour part of a value. The form is:

 HOUR ( expression ) 

The argument must be either a:

v Time
v Timestamp
v Time duration
v Timestamp duration

The result of the function is a binary field. If the argument can be null, the result can be null. If the
argument is null, the result is null.

If the argument is a time or a timestamp, the result is the hour part of the value, which is a binary field
with a value between 0 and 24.

If the argument is a time duration or a timestamp duration, the result is the hour part of the value, which
in a binary field with a value between 99 and 99. A nonzero result has the same sign as the argument.

Example:
HOUR(TIME) where time = 12:11:22

The resulting value of HOUR would equal 12.

74 Query for i5/OS V6R1

MICROSECOND Query for i5/OS function
The MICROSECOND function returns the microsecond part of a value. The form is:

 MICROSECOND ( expression ) 

The argument must be either a:

v Timestamp
v Timestamp duration
v Valid character representation of a timestamp

The result of the function is a binary field. If the argument can be null, the result can be null. If the
argument is null, the result is null.

If the argument is a timestamp, the result is the microsecond part of the timestamp, which is a binary
field with a value between 0 and 999999.

If the argument is a timestamp duration, the result is the microsecond part of the timestamp duration,
which is a binary field with a value between 999999 and 999999.

Example:
MICROSECOND(TIMESTAMP) where TIMESTAMP = 1991-10-22-12.15.23.123456

The resulting value of MICROSECOND equals 123456.

MINUTE Query for i5/OS function

The MINUTE function returns the minute part of a value. The form is:

 MINUTE ( expression ) 

The argument must be either a:

v Time
v Timestamp
v Time duration
v Timestamp duration

The result of the function is a binary field. If the argument can be null, the result can be null. If the
argument is null, the result is null.

If the argument is a time duration or a timestamp duration, the result is the minute part of the value,
which is a binary field with a value between &minus 99 and 99. A nonzero result has the same sign as
the argument.

Example:
MINUTE(TIMESTAMP) where TIMESTAMP = 1991-10-22-12.15.23.123456

The resulting value of MINUTE equals 15.

Chapter 5. Defining result fields in Query for i5/OS 75

MONTH Query for i5/OS function
The MONTH function returns the month part of a value. The form is:

 MONTH ( expression ) 

The argument must be either a:

v Date
v Timestamp
v Date duration
v Timestamp duration

The result of the function is a binary field. If the argument can be null, the result can be null. If the
argument is null, the result is null.

If the argument is a date duration or a timestamp duration, the result is the month part of the value,
which is a binary field with a value between &minus 99 and 99. A nonzero result has the same sign as
the argument.

Example:
MONTH(TIMESTAMP) where TIMESTAMP = 1991-10-22-12.15.23.123456

The resulting value of MONTH equals 10.

SECOND Query for i5/OS function

The SECOND function returns the seconds part of a value. The form is:

 SECOND ( expression ) 

The argument must be either a:

v Time
v Timestamp
v Time duration
v Timestamp duration

The result of the function is a binary field. If the argument can be null, the result can be null. If the
argument is null, the result is null.

If the argument is a time or timestamp, the result is the seconds part of the value, which is a binary field
with a value between 0 and 59.

If the argument is a time duration or a timestamp duration, the result is the seconds part of the value,
which is a binary field with a value between 99 and 99. A nonzero result has the same sign as the
argument.

Example:
SECOND(TIMESTAMP) where TIMESTAMP = 1991-10-22-12.15.23.123456

The resulting value of SECOND equals 23.

76 Query for i5/OS V6R1

TIME Query for i5/OS function
The TIME function returns a time from a value. The form is:

 TIME ( expression ) 

The argument must be either a:

v Time
v Timestamp
v Valid character representation of a time

The result of the function is a time value. If the argument can be null, the result can be null. If the
argument is null, the result is null.
v If the argument is a timestamp, the result is the time part of the timestamp.
v If the argument is a time, the result is that time.
v If the argument is a character string, the result is the time represented by the character string.

Example:
TIME(TIMESTAMP) where TIMESTAMP = 1991-10-22-12.15.23.123456

The resulting value of TIME equals 12.15.23.

TIMESTAMP Query for i5/OS function

The TIMESTAMP function returns a timestamp from a value or a pair of values. The form is:

 TIMESTAMP ( expression ) 
expression

The rules for the arguments depend on whether or not the second argument is specified.
v If only one argument is specified, it must be either a:
Timestamp
Valid character representation of a timestamp
Character string of length 14

Note: A character string of length 14 must be a string of digits that represents a valid date and time in
the form yyyyMMddhhmmss where yyyy is the year, MM is the month, dd is the day, hh is the
hour, mm is the minute, and ss is the seconds.
v If both arguments are specified, the first argument must be a date or a valid character representation of
a date. The second argument must be a time or a valid character representation of a time.

The result of the function is a timestamp. If either argument can be null, the result can be null. If either
argument is null, the result is null.

If both arguments are specified, the result is a timestamp with the date specified by the first argument
and the time specified by the second argument. The microsecond part of the timestamp is zero.

If only one argument is specified and it is a timestamp, the result is that timestamp. If only one argument
is specified and it is a character string, the result is the timestamp represented by that character string.
The timestamp represented by a string of length 14 has a microsecond part of zero.

Example:

Chapter 5. Defining result fields in Query for i5/OS 77

RESULT(x) = TIMESTAMP(DATEFRNK,TIMEFRNK)

YEAR Query for i5/OS function

The YEAR function returns a numeric representation of the year part of a value. The form is:

 YEAR ( expression ) 

The argument must be either a:

v Date
v Timestamp
v Date duration
v Timestamp duration

The result of the function is a binary field. If the argument can be null, the result can be null. If the
argument is null, the result is null.

If the argument is a date or a timestamp, the result is the year part of the value, which is a binary field
with a value between 1 and 9999.

If the argument is a date duration or a timestamp duration, the result is the year part of the value, which
is a binary field with a value between 9999 and 9999. A nonzero result has the same sign as the
argument.

Example:
YEAR(TIMESTAMP) where TIMESTAMP = 1991-10-22-12.15.23.123456

The resulting value of YEAR is the numeric value 1,991.

Additional date, time, and timestamp functions in Query for i5/OS

Based on the system clock, the CURRENT function used with DATE, TIME, TIMESTAMP, or TIMEZONE
returns the current system value corresponding to the function used. The TIMEZONE function is used to
allow an easy conversion to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) by subtracting CURRENT(TIMEZONE) from a
local time value.

Note: If these functions are used more than once within a Query definition, all values are based on a
single clock reading.

If your job date format is different than the format used in the query, Query for i5/OS uses the job date
format. If you use CURRENT(DATE) as a break field, you might get unexpected results when the job and
query date format are different.

Example:
CURDAT = CURRENT(DATE)
CURTSP = CURRENT(TIMESTAMP)

Converting date formats in Query for i5/OS

You may sometimes encounter circumstances in which you want to generate a report with the date in a
format other than the one defined when the file was created.

78 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Converting date for output to a database file in Query for i5/OS
To convert a date field to a format different from the input file, you must externally define the output file
with DDS specifying the date format for the output date field. This conversion occurs automatically.

Converting date for output to a display or printer in Query for i5/OS

You can use the date functions to convert an input date field to a different format. Examples 1 and 2
show two methods of converting a date field from the MMDDYY format to the YYDDD format.
Examples 3 and 4 show the reverse conversions, from YYDDD to MMDDYY format.

Note: For ease of reading, multiple panel views are merged into single screen images.

Example 1: Converting from MMDDYY to YYDDD format in Query for i5/OS

The following Define Result Fields panel defines an MMDDYY to YYDDD date conversion. The
conversion is done completely within the panel.
Define Result Fields

Type definitions using field names or constants and operators, press Enter.
Operators: +, -, *, /, SUBSTR, ||, DATE...

Field Expression Column Heading Len Dec

YY________ SUBSTR(CHAR(MMDDYY),7,2)_________ ____________________ _____ __
_________________________________ ____________________
_________________________________ ____________________

CHARJAN01_ 01/01/ || YY___________________ ____________________ _____ __

_________________________________ ____________________
_________________________________ ____________________

JAN01_____ DATE(CHARJAN01)__________________ ____________________ _____ __

_________________________________ ____________________
_________________________________ ____________________

DDD_______ SUBSTR(DIGITS(DAYS(MMDDYY)-DAYS(J ____________________ _____ __

AN01)+1),10,3)___________________ ____________________
_________________________________ ____________________

YYDDD_____ YY_||_/_||_DDD_________________ ____________________ _____ __

_________________________________ ____________________
_________________________________ ____________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Field Text Len Dec
MMDDYY Date field in MMDDYY format 8 L

Bottom
F3=Exit F5=Report F9=Insert F11=Display names only
F12=Cancel F13=Layout F20=Reorganize F24=More keys

Example 2: Converting from MMDDYY to YYDDD format in Query for i5/OS

This examples shows an alternative method for the same conversion done in example 1. The conversion
is done completely within the panel. This method requires that the date format for the current job must
be set to YYDDD. When this circumstance exists, the DATE function automatically does the conversion.

Chapter 5. Defining result fields in Query for i5/OS 79

 Define Result Fields

Type definitions using field names or constants and operators, press Enter.
Operators: +, -, *, /, SUBSTR, ||, DATE...

Field Expression Column Heading Len Dec

YYDDD_____ DATE(MMDDYY)_____________________ ____________________ _____ __
_________________________________ ____________________
_________________________________ ____________________

__________ _________________________________ ____________________ _____ __

_________________________________ ____________________
_________________________________ ____________________

Bottom
_______________________________________________________________________________
Field Text Len Dec
MMDDYY Date field in MMDDYY format 8 L

Bottom
F3=Exit F5=Report F9=Insert F11=Display names only
F12=Cancel F13=Layout F20=Reorganize F24=More keys

The commands to run the query in example 3 are:

CHGJOB DATFMT(*JUL)
RUNQRY QRY(YYDDD)

Example 3: Converting from YYDDD to MMDDYY format in Query for i5/OS

The following Define Result Fields panel defines a YYDDD to MMDDYY date conversion. The conversion
is done completely within the panel.
Define Result Fields

Type definitions using field names or constants and operators, press Enter.
Operators: +, -, *, /, SUBSTR, ||, DATE...

Field Expression Column Heading Len Dec

YY________ SUBSTR(DIGITS(YEAR(YYDDD)),9,2)__ ____________________ _____ __
_________________________________ ____________________
_________________________________ ____________________

MM________ SUBSTR(DIGITS(MONTH(YYDDD)),9,2)_ ____________________ _____ __

_________________________________ ____________________
_________________________________ ____________________

DD________ SUBSTR(DIGITS(DAY(YYDDD)),9,2)___ ____________________ _____ __

_________________________________ ____________________
_________________________________ ____________________

MMDDYY____ MM_||_/_||_DD_||_/_||_YY_____ ____________________ _____ __

_______________________________________________________________________________
Field Text Len Dec
YYDDD Date field in YYDDD format 6 L

Bottom
F3=Exit F5=Report F9=Insert F11=Display names only
F12=Cancel F13=Layout F20=Reorganize F24=More keys

Example 4: Converting from MMDDYY to YYDD format in Query for i5/OS

This example shows an alternative method for the same conversion done in example 3. The conversion is
done completely within the panel. This method requires that the date format for the current job must be
set to MMDDYY. When this circumstance exists, the DATE function automatically does the conversion.

80 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Define Result Fields

Type definitions using field names or constants and operators, press Enter.
Operators: +, -, *, /, SUBSTR, ||, DATE...

Field Expression Column Heading Len Dec

MMYYDD_____ DATE(YYDDD)_____________________ ____________________ _____ __
_________________________________ ____________________
_________________________________ ____________________

__________ _________________________________ ____________________ _____ __

_________________________________ ____________________
_________________________________ ____________________

Bottom
_______________________________________________________________________________
Field Text Len Dec
YYDDD Date field in YYDDD format 6 L

Bottom
F3=Exit F5=Report F9=Insert F11=Display names only
F12=Cancel F13=Layout F20=Reorganize F24=More keys

The commands to run the query in example 4 are:

CHGJOB DATFMT(*MDY)
RUNQRY QRY(MMDDYY)

General considerations when creating an expression in Query for

i5/OS
Following are some general rules you should use when you are creating expressions:
v Character constants that represent dates are evaluated using the date format stored in the query
definition.
v Your expression can have a single value, or it can use as many operands and operators needed to fit in
the three lines provided on the Define Result Fields display.
v Do not use a result field in select records tests or as a sort field if it may have a division by zero or
overflow result.
v You can avoid dividing by zero by doing one of the following:
When you select records, either by means of a select/omit logical file or by means of record
selection tests on fields other than the result field, select only records that will not cause a division
by zero.
If a dividend for the definition of a result field will always be zero, try the following change to the
expression:
Original expression--> FIELD = P / X

Revised expression---> S = .00001

FIELD = P / (X + S)

Note: In the expression S, the number of zero digits before the 1 digit should be two more than the
decimal precision of the original expression.
If a dividend for the definition of the result field will not be zero when the divisor is, the following
change to the expression prevents an overflow condition.
Original expression--> FIELD = P / X

Revised expression---> S = .00001

FIELD = (P*X) / ((X*X) + S)

Chapter 5. Defining result fields in Query for i5/OS 81

 If your expression performs a division operation, avoid dividing by zero by defining the
denominator as the result field just before the result field with a division. Then, for all logical OR
groupings of record selection, add a logical AND test stating the denominator must not equal zero.
v On the three lines provided, you can split a field name, numeric constant, or character string at the end
of one line and continue it at the beginning of the next. When you split a field name or a numeric
constant, do not put spaces at the end of the first line or at the beginning of the next line because
Query then treats it as two field names or numeric constants. Character constants (that is, characters
enclosed in apostrophes) can be split at any point. A DBCS character constant can be split by placing a
shift-in character in the last position of the upper line and a shift-out character in the first position of
the lower line.
v When using a field to divide, you must also select that field not equal to zero as the first selection
before any other result fields are processed, as in the following example:
v
1. AND/OR Field Test Value
2. ODQYSD NE 0
3. AND OMCRMM EQ 0
4. AND OMSTAT EQ 50
5. AND ODSTAT NE 99
6. AND PCT LT 90
7. AND PCT LT 90
8. AND OMUSOR LIST DT ET SR RT
v To make your expressions easier to read, you can use blanks between field names and operators.
v You can create up to 100 result fields.
v Substring and concatenation operations are not allowed with date, time, timestamp or numeric fields.
To circumvent this, use the CHAR function around the date, time, or timestamp field and the DIGITS
function for numeric fields.

Query determines the data type of the result field according to the following:
If the first value in the expression is a numeric field name, a numeric constant (like the number 7 or
3.14), or a function that returns a numeric value, then the result field is numeric.
If the SUBSTR function is used, the result field is an SBCS character field if the value is SBCS,
DBCS-only, or DBCS-either. The result field is a DBCS-open field if the value is DBCS-open. The result
field is a DBCS-graphic field if the value is DBCS-graphic. A substring of a fixed-length field can be
either a variable- or fixed-length field, depending on how you define the length and offset.
If the expression is a constant, field, or function, the data type of the result field is the data type of the
constant, field, or value returned by the function.
If the concatenation operation is used and all of the values being concatenated are DBCS-only, the
result field is DBCS-only.
If the concatenation operation is used and all of the values being concatenated are DBCS-graphic, the
result field is DBCS-graphic.
If the concatenation operation is used and one of the values being concatenated is DBCS-either, or if
the expression contains a mixture of SBCS and bracketed-DBCS fields or constants, the result field is
DBCS-open.
If a variable-length field is concatenated to either a fixed or variable-length field, the result is a
variable-length field.
If two or more fixed-length fields are concatenated, the result is a fixed-length field.
If two fixed-length DBCS fields are concatenated, the result is a variable-length field.

82 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Column headings in Query for i5/OS
If you want to specify a column heading to be used for a result field, type the heading you want on the
three lines (up to 20 characters each) of the display that correspond to your result field. The heading will
appear in your query output exactly as you enter it on the three lines.

If you do not want any heading for a result field, type *NONE in the first five positions on the first line for
that field. (You must use all capital letters, and the remainder of the line and the next two lines must be
blank.) If you do not specify either a heading or *NONE, Query uses the result field name as the column
heading.

Length and decimal positions in Query for i5/OS

For character (SBCS and DBCS), date, time, and timestamp result fields, you must leave the Len and Dec
values blank. If you do not specify anything in the Len and Dec columns when you define a result field,
Query determines the length of the result field. When Query determines these values, you have fewer
things to consider when changing expressions. If you want to know the length of the result field, press
F13 to see the layout of the report and count the number of 9s (numeric fields) and Xs (SBCS character
fields). If you are using a DBCS-capable display and have DBCS data, count the number of:
Double-byte Js, which represent DBCS-only data
Double-byte Os, which represent DBCS-open (mixed) data
Double-byte Es, which represent DBCS-either data
Double-byte Gs, which represent DBCS-graphic data

For date, time, or timestamp fields, look at the length of the current date, time, or timestamp in the result
field.

For numeric result fields, length is the total number of digits in the field. It includes the number of digits
to the left and right of the decimal point but not the decimal point itself. Decimal is the number of
decimal positions to the right of the decimal point. If you want to type your own value for the length, to
prevent unexpected results, you should first read Length and decimal positions in Query for i5/OS
reports on page 118 and Result field length and decimal positions in Query for i5/OS on page 186.
Also, observe the following:
v If you specify a value for Len, you must also specify a value for Dec (decimal positions).
v If you increase or decrease the value in Dec, you should increase or decrease the value in Len the same
amount. Also, you may need to change these values later if you make changes to the numeric
expression.
v If you leave Len and Dec blank, Query changes the value if the expression changes.

If you are creating result fields by using multiplication and division operations, you may be able to
reduce the length value if the actual data in your files will not require the maximum field size as
established by Query. For example, an inventory master file would typically have a PRICE field and a
QUANTITY field. Both fields would have to have sufficient length to handle the largest value possible.
When these two fields are multiplied to create a result field called AMOUNT, the maximum length would be
the sum of the sizes of both fields. Since items with high prices are usually stocked in low quantities, the
maximum field size for AMOUNT would probably be too large for practical use (for example, in a report).

Note: If you want to decrease the field length because you only want a certain number of positions
shown on a report, you should not change the field length on the Define Result Fields display.
Change the field length on the Specify Report Column Formatting display instead. If you specify a
field length on the Define Result Fields display, the result of an numeric expression may be
truncated or rounded, depending on what you specify on the Specify Processing Options display.

Chapter 5. Defining result fields in Query for i5/OS 83

Example of defining a result field in Query for i5/OS
An example of how you would create a numeric result field called DAYS using the expression WEEKS * 7
and using the report column heading Total Days is shown on the following display. The second input
area shows how you would define a character result field called GREETING with a value of Have a nice
day and no column heading.
Define Result Fields
Type definitions using field names or constants and operators, press Enter.
Operators: +, -, *, /, SUBSTR, ||, DATE...

Field Expression Column Heading Len Dec

DAYS WEEKS * 7 Total _____ __
Days

GREETING Have a nice day *NONE _____ __

Bottom
_________________________________________________________________________
Field
MONTHS
WEEKS
YEAR

Bottom
F3=Exit F5=Report F9=Insert F11=Display text
F12=Cancel F13=Layout F20=Reorganize F24=More keys

Note: See CCSID and result field expressions in Query for i5/OS on page 247 for information on how
CCSIDs affect result fields.

Adding or removing result fields in Query for i5/OS

Adding a result field to your query definition requires positioning the cursor to the top half of the
display and using F9 to insert a blank set of result field definition lines. After you have entered the
information necessary to define your new result field or fields, they are inserted after the set where the
cursor was positioned when you pressed F9. Note that a result field must be defined before it can be
used as part of an expression to create another result field.

Once you have positioned the cursor in the top half of the display, the page down key will continue to
show you the next two field definitions until you reach the last nonblank definition in the list. Page up
shows you the previous two definitions until you reach the beginning of the list.

To remove a result field, blank out all references to the field and its definition on the Define Result Fields
display. You must remove all other occurrences of it from your query, but Query leads you to any
occurrence of that result field in other expressions or in other parts of the query definition.

84 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Chapter 6. Selecting and sequencing fields in Query for i5/OS
This chapter describes how you select fields that you want to include in your query output and how you
indicate in what sequence the fields are to appear. They appear in a query report from left to right based
on the sequence number that you enter for each field. Query gives you the opportunity to select fields
from all your selected files and from all the result fields defined in your query.

Letting Query for i5/OS select and sequence fields

If you did not type a 1 next to the Select and sequence fields option on the Define the Query display,
Query selects and sequences up to the first 500 fields available in your query. If the file(s) you have
selected contains only a few small fields that would all easily fit in 132 positions (the standard width of
printed output) and you do not care about the sequence of the output, letting Query select and sequence
fields for you makes good sense and may save you some time. Selecting only the fields you want in your
query may, however, improve the performance when the query is run.

The Select and Sequence Fields display is shown during query definition if you typed a 1 next to the
Select and sequence fields option on the Define the Query display. You can press F12 (Cancel) to return you
to the previous display if you have changed your mind and now want Query to select and sequence
fields for you. (Anything you typed on the display is ignored.)

Selecting fields and specifying their sequence in Query for i5/OS

The Select and Sequence Fields display is shown below with some sample fields from a customer master
file shown in the Field column.
Select and Sequence Fields

Type sequence number (0-9999) for the names of up to 500 fields to

appear in the report, press Enter.

Seq Field Seq Field

____ ACCTNUMBER ____ PASTDUE
____ COMPANY ____ DATELASTPD
____ FIRSTNAME ____ CURRENTDAT
____ MIDDLEINIT ____ YEAR
____ LASTNAME ____ MONTH
____ STREETADDR
____ CITY
____ STATE
____ ZIPCODE
____ TELENUMBER
____ CRLIMIT
____ BALDUE
Bottom

F3=Exit F5=Report F11=Display text F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F20=Renumber F21=Select all F24=More keys

You make your selections by specifying a sequence number from 0 through 9999 in front of each field
you want to select. Use the numbers in ascending sequence. The lowest numbered field is positioned on
the far left of your output (or is the first field in your database file). If you change your mind about the
fields you have selected, you can delete a field from the output by removing the number you specified in
front of it. To change the sequence of the selected fields, just change the numbers.

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 85

After making new selections or changing old ones, press the Enter key to rearrange them on the display
in the new sequence. You can then renumber them with new sequence numbers in added amounts of 10
(10, 20, 30, and so on) by pressing F20. Renumbering can make it easier to add a field within the
sequence later.

Only those fields that you have selected so far appear in your output. If you want the remaining fields
(those with no numbers to the left of them) to appear in your output and you do not particularly care
how they are arranged, press F21 (Select all). Query arranges the list beginning with those fields that you
already selected, and then it supplies sequence numbers for all of the remaining fields in the order that
they appeared in the list. (F21 is available only if you are creating or changing a query definition.)

When you make selections or change the sequence and press the Enter key, Query rearranges the fields to
match the sequence you specified and displays the message Press Enter to confirm. If you are satisfied
with the selections and sequence, press the Enter key again to end field selection. If you make any
changes before you press the Enter key, the message is shown again, and you must press the Enter key
once more to continue.

The fields are shown on the display in the following order:

1. All fields selected on this display, in the sequence specified. If no fields are selected, the fields chosen
as sort fields (if any) for this query are listed first, in the order they were given priority on the Select
Sort Fields display. (See Chapter 8, Selecting sort fields in Query for i5/OS.)
2. Any result fields that have been defined for this query but have not been selected.
3. All other fields, in the order they exist in the record format definitions for the selected files. Fields
that are not selected from the first file are listed first, followed by those in the second file, and so on.

Following is an example of how you might select and sequence fields so that a query of the customer
master file produces a report that shows COMPANY, ACCTNUMBER, and PASTDUE in that order.
Select and Sequence Fields

Type sequence number (0-9999) for the names of up to 500 fields to

appear in the report, press Enter.

Seq Field Seq Field

2 ACCTNUMBER 3 PASTDUE
1 COMPANY ____ DATELASTPD
____ FIRSTNAME ____ CURRENTDAT
____ MIDDLEINIT ____ YEAR
____ LASTNAME ____ MONTH
____ STREETADDR
____ CITY
____ STATE
____ ZIPCODE
____ TELENUMBER
____ CRLIMIT
____ BALDUE
Bottom

F3=Exit F5=Report F11=Display text F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F20=Renumber F21=Select all F24=More keys

If you then pressed the Enter key, the Query would rearrange the fields so that COMPANY is in the first
position in the list, ACCTNUMBER is in the second position, and PASTDUE is in the third position. You could
also press F20 so that the selected fields are renumbered in added amounts of 10.

86 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Select and Sequence Fields

Type sequence number (0-9999) for the names of up to 500 fields to

appear in the report, press Enter.

Seq Field Seq Field

10 COMPANY ____ BALDUE
20 ACCTNUMBER ____ DATELASTPD
30 PASTDUE ____ CURRENTDAT
____ FIRSTNAME ____ YEAR
____ MIDDLEINIT ____ MONTH
____ LASTNAME
____ STREETADDR
____ CITY
____ STATE
____ ZIPCODE
____ TELENUMBER
____ CRLIMIT
Bottom

F3=Exit F5=Report F11=Display text F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F20=Renumber F21=Select all F24=More keys

You could then select the remaining fields for output on the report by pressing F21 (Select all). Query
would then select and supply sequence numbers for the remaining fields in the order that they appeared
in the list.
Select and Sequence Fields

Type sequence number (0-9999) for the names of up to 500 fields

to appear in the report, press Enter.

Seq Field Seq Field

10 COMPANY 130 BALDUE
20 ACCTNUMBER 140 DATELASTPD
30 PASTDUE 150 CURRENTDAT
40 FIRSTNAME 160 YEAR
50 MIDDLEINIT 170 MONTH
60 LASTNAME
70 STREETADDR
80 CITY
90 STATE
100 ZIPCODE
110 TELENUMBER
120 CRLIMIT
Bottom

F3=Exit F5=Report F11=Display text F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F20=Renumber F21=Select all F24=More keys

Another way of making your selections is to first specify the same sequence number (a 1, for example) for
all of the fields you want to select. Press the Enter key, and Query pulls all of those fields to the top of
the list. You can then specify new sequence numbers to arrange the fields in the order you want for your
report. This is particularly useful when there are too many fields to appear on a single display.

Query has the ability to show you additional information about the fields in the list area of the display. If
only the field names are shown in the list and you press F11, you see the descriptive text, the length, and
the decimal positions for the fields. For more information on using F11, see Using F11 to display
additional information about Query for i5/OS queries on page 15. You can also display a long comment
(if one exists) for a field (or display the expression defining a result field) by moving the cursor to that
field and pressing F23.

Chapter 6. Selecting and sequencing fields in Query for i5/OS 87

After you have confirmed the fields you want by pressing the Enter key a second time without making
any changes to your sequence choices, Query completes this step and takes you back to the Define the
Query display so that you can continue with other query tasks. If you previously selected more options
on the Define the Query display, Query shows you the first display for the next option.

88 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Chapter 7. Selecting records in Query for i5/OS
This chapter describes how you can perform record selection tests so that your query output contains
only selected records, such as records in which the value of a field is equal to a specified value. For
example, you want to obtain information from an employee master file about all employees whose age is
equal to or greater than 21. By using certain tests, you can select only these records from your file (and
thus exclude those who are less than 21).

This selection process involves creating comparison tests that Query uses to select the desired records.
You can specify one test or as many as 100 tests. If the result of the test or the combined result of several
tests is true, the record being tested is selected and included in your query output.

Letting Query for i5/OS select records

If you did not type a 1 next to the Select records option on the Define the Query display, all of the records
from your selected files are included in your query output.

The Select Records display is shown during query definition if you typed a 1 next to the Select records
option on the Define the Query display. Press F12 (Cancel) to return to the previous display if you have
changed your mind and now want all records in your output. (Anything you typed on this display is
ignored.)

Selecting the records you want in Query for i5/OS

Usually your reports are based on records that have something in common, such as a report that lists
only those items in an inventory that are in short supply. Selecting records by creating comparison tests
gives you the ability to specify that the records must contain (or not contain) particular informationin
the case of the inventory items that are in short supply, you would want in your report only those items
for which the quantity on hand is below a certain level. This type of report is usually more meaningful
and easier to use than a report that contains all of the records from a file.

To select a record, you compare the contents of one or more fields (including result fields) with one or
more specified values to see if a condition, or test, is true. For example, you want all persons with the
last name (LASTNAM) equal to Clarke to appear in your output.
Test
|
Field | Value
| | |
| | |
LASTNAM EQ Clarke

The Select Records display lists fields you can use (including result fields) and asks you to specify your
comparisons. This display is shown below with some sample fields from a customer master file shown in
the Field column.

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 89

 Select Records

Type comparisons, press Enter. Specify OR to start each new group.

Tests: EQ, NE, LE, GE, LT, GT, RANGE, LIST, LIKE, IS, ISNOT...

AND/OR Field Test Value (Field, Number, or Characters)

______________ _____ ______________________________
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
Bottom
________________________________________________________________________
Field Field Field Field
ACCTNUMBER STREETADDR CRLIMIT YEAR
COMPANY CITY BALDUE MONTH
FIRSTNAME STATE PASTDUE
MIDDLEINIT ZIPCODE DATEPAID
LASTNAME TELENUMBER CURRENTDAT
Bottom
F3=Exit F5=Report F9=Insert F11=Display text
F12=Cancel F13=Layout F20=Reorganize F24=More keys

Note: The value is not limited to the length of the line on the input display. If you need more space,
continue on to the next line. You must separate all values with blanks. If one value ends at the end
of the line and you continue on to the next line, you must include a blank space before the value
on the next line. You can split DBCS character constants by placing a DBCS shift-in character in the
last position of the first line and a DBCS shift-out character in the first position of the next line.

A comparison has all of the following:

v A field to be compared
v A test
v One or more values to compare the field with

You can specify up to a maximum of 100 comparisons. Each comparison can use as many lines (up to 30
characters per line) as needed, up to a maximum of 100 lines total for all comparisons.

The Select Records display provides six input lines at a time for you to enter comparisons. If you need
more than this, press the Page Down key to get more blank input lines. If the cursor is positioned on any
of the input lines (whether you have typed a comparison on it or not), you can use the page keys to view
all of the comparisons that you have entered.

Comparison fields in Query for i5/OS

In order to be tested, the field must be one of the following:
v A field that exists in your selected file(s). This can be any field, including a field that you have not
chosen to include in your output.
v A result field defined for this query.

When you specify a field in a comparison, you must put the file identifier followed by a period in front
of any field name that appears in more than one selected file in the list. For example, if the field
ACCTNUMBER exists in two of your selected files that have file IDs T01 and T02, you would have to specify
T01.ACCTNUMBER or T02.ACCTNUMBER. If you did not include the file identifier, Query would not know from
which file to get the account number needed for the comparison test. You can press F18 (Files) to see a
list of the files that you selected and the file ID associated with each file.

90 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Comparison values in Query for i5/OS
The value you compare the field with can be:
v Another field
v A numeric constant
v A character constant (SBCS or DBCS)
v A date constant
v A time constant
v A timestamp constant

The field and the value you are comparing must be compatible data types. The following are valid
comparisons for record selection tests:
v SBCS character field with:
SBCS character
DBCS-either
DBCS-open
v DBCS-either field with:
SBCS character
DBCS-either
DBCS-open
DBCS-only
v DBCS-open field with:
SBCS character
DBCS-either
DBCS-open
DBCS-only
v DBCS-only field with:
DBCS-either
DBCS-open
DBCS-only
v DBCS-graphic field with:
DBCS-graphic
v UCS2-graphic field with:
UCS2-graphic
v Numeric field with a numeric field
v Date field with:
SBCS character
Date
DBCS-either
DBCS-open
v Time field with:
SBCS character
Time
DBCS-either
DBCS-open
v Timestamp field with:

Chapter 7. Selecting records in Query for i5/OS 91

 SBCS character
Timestamp
DBCS-either
DBCS-open
v Any field can be compared to the keyword NULL using the IS or ISNOT test to determine if a field
value is or is not null.

Note: When comparing a date, time, or timestamp field with an SBCS, DBCS-either, or DBCS-open
character field, use a character field for which each value can be recognized as an SAA formatted
date, time, or timestamp. If the character field contains a correct representation of a date, time, or
timestamp, but in other than an SAA format, you may get unexpected results. When you run a
query that uses a non-SAA format for date, time, or timestamp values in character fields, and
query has no setting for a non-SAA literal date value, use the CHGJOB command to make sure
your job date format and separator match the format and separator in the character field values.

Usually you specify only one value per comparison. The exceptions are discussed in Comparison tests in
Query for i5/OS on page 93.

Fields as values in Query for i5/OS

If you use a field as a value (that is, in the Value column on the display), the field can be any field from
the list in the lower part of the display.

An example of a situation where you might use a field as a value is if you want only the recordsfrom a
customer master filewith a balance due (in a field named BALDUE) greater than their credit limit (in a
field named CRLIMIT). In this example, you are comparing a field (BALDUE) with a value which is also a
field (CRLIMIT).

The fields being compared do not have to be the same length, and numeric fields do not have to have the
same number of decimal positions.

Character constants as values in Query for i5/OS

A character constant is simply characters enclosed in apostrophes (for example, xxx). The apostrophes
are important, because Query assumes that any group of characters not enclosed by apostrophes is a field
name. In DBCS character constants, shift-out and shift-in characters must surround DBCS data within the
apostrophes. DBCS-graphic character constants must be preceded by an uppercase or lowercase G.

For example, if you want only the records for Jan Alison, you compare the NAME field with Jan Alison.
Also, note that if you do not use the apostrophes, Query tells you: Only one value is allowed for test.

The characters in the constant can be any combination of letters, numbers, or special characters (such as *,
?, #, $, @) that might be found in the tested field. You must use apostrophes around a character constant,
even if it contains only numbers. You must also type uppercase and lowercase letters exactly as you want
them. The special characters underscore (_) and percent (%) have certain meanings when used in a LIKE
test.

If the character constant you specify contains an apostrophe, you must enter it as two apostrophes, so
Query does not think it has reached the end of the constant. For example, if you are looking for records
that list the street address as Grangers Circle, you type the constant as Grangers Circle. Query
counts two apostrophes within a constant as a single apostrophe.

Numeric constants as values in Query for i5/OS

You must not enclose a numeric constant in apostrophes. A numeric constant can be from 1 to 31 digits
long.

92 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Do not use a currency sign (to indicate a monetary value) or a thousands separator (to indicate
thousands, millions, and so on) within a numeric constant.

Note: If you are sending queries between countries that use the comma for a decimal separator, put a
blank after each comma separating the offset and length in the SUBSTR function and between
numeric values in a list in the VALUE function. Press F17 to show which decimal separator to use
in the query (see Displaying the format of constants in Query for i5/OS on page 17).

Date, time, timestamp constants as values in Query for i5/OS

Date, time, or timestamp constants are the same as the constants used on the Define Result Fields display.
See Date, time, and timestamp expressions in Query for i5/OS on page 64. You can see what is allowed
for i5/OS date and time formats and separators by pressing F17 (see Displaying the format of constants
in Query for i5/OS on page 17).

Null values in Query for i5/OS

Null is a valid value for all data types on record selection. IS and ISNOT are valid tests for the keyword
NULL.

Comparison tests in Query for i5/OS

You can specify these tests in comparisons:
Test Description
EQ Equal. Use this test to determine if the contents of the field and the value are equal.
NE Not equal. Use this test to determine if the contents of the field and the value are not equal.
GT Greater than. Use this test to determine if the contents of the field is greater than the value.
LT Less than. Use this test to determine if the contents of the field is less than the value.
GE Greater than or equal. Use this test to determine if the contents of the field is greater than or
equal to the value.
LE Less than or equal. Use this test to determine if the contents of the field is less than or equal to
the value.
RANGE
Range. Use this test to determine if the contents of the field is within a range that you have
specified for the value.
LIST List. Use this test to determine if the contents of the field is equal to one of the values in a list.
NLIST
Not List. Use this test to determine if the contents of the field is not equal to any of the values in
a list.
LIKE Like. Use this test to determine if the contents of the field has a pattern similar to the value.
NLIKE
Not Like. Use this test to determine if the contents of the field has a pattern that is not similar to
the value.
IS Is. Use this test to determine if a field is null. The only valid value is NULL or null.
ISNOT
Is not. Use this test to determine if the contents of the field is not null.

Character fields and constants are compared character by character for all tests except LIKE, NLIKE, IS,
and ISNOT.
v If two fields or a field and a constant being compared are not the same length, Query treats the shorter
field as if it has enough blanks at the end to make both fields the same length.

Chapter 7. Selecting records in Query for i5/OS 93

v The collating sequence determines greater than and less than conditions (for GT, GE, LT, LE, and
RANGE comparisons). For more information on collating sequences, see Chapter 9, Selecting a
collating sequence in Query for i5/OS.

Date, time, or timestamp comparisons in Query for i5/OS

A date, time, or timestamp value may be compared either with another value of the same data type or
with a character representation of that data type. All comparisons are chronological. The farther a point
in time is from January 1, 0001, the greater the value of that point in time.

Comparisons of time values and character representations of time values always include seconds. If the
character representation omits seconds, zero seconds are assumed. A time or timestamp value that
includes 24:00:00 is not the same as 00:00:00.

Testing for equal (EQ) and not equal (NE) in Query for i5/OS
You use the equal and not equal tests to determine if the contents of a field is equal or not equal to the
value you specify.

If the test is EQ, records are selected only if the field contains data that is exactly the same as the
specified value. For example, if the only comparison is:
INTRAT EQ 18

records are selected only if INTRAT, a numeric field, contains a value equal to 18. For example, INTRAT
could contain 18., 18.00, 00018, and so on.

If the test is NE, records are selected only if the field contains data that is different than the specified
value. For example, if you want to select records that contain anything other than a value of SMITH in the
field NAME, you specify:
NAME NE SMITH

It does not matter to Query if the field called NAME is defined to be longer than five characters. Query
looks for all records that do not exactly match SMITH. SMITHSON, Smith, and NEISMITH would all be selected
as names that are not equal to SMITH.

Testing for IS Null (IS) and ISNOT Null (ISNOT) in Query for i5/OS
You use the IS and ISNOT tests to determine if the contents of any field is or is not null. Any field can be
compared to null using the IS or ISNOT test. Some examples of IS and ISNOT are:
NAME IS NULL

Records are selected if the field NAME contains a null value.

NAME ISNOT NULL

Records are selected if the field NAME does not contain a null value.

Testing for greater (GT or GE), less (LT or LE), and range (RANGE) in Query for
i5/OS
You use the greater and less tests to determine if the contents of a field is greater than, greater than or
equal to, less than, or less than or equal to the specified value. You use the range test to determine if the
contents of a field lies within the specified range of values. In addition to using these to test numeric
data, you can also test character data.

Some examples of greater and less tests are:

v NAME GT SMITH
Records are selected if the field NAME contains a value in the collating sequence greater than SMITH.
v INTRAT GE 18
Records are selected if the field INTRAT contains a value that is greater than or equal to 18.

94 Query for i5/OS V6R1

v BALDUE LT CRLIMIT
Records are selected if the data in the field BALDUE is less than the data in the field CRLIMIT.
v BALDUE LE CRLIMIT
Records are selected if the data in the field BALDUE is less than or equal to the data in the field CRLIMIT.

When you test for RANGE, the contents of the field must be within the range of two values (greater than
or equal to the first value but less than or equal to the second) for the record to be selected. On the Select
Records display, you must specify two values in the Value column, and you must separate them by a
blank. If the first value is greater than the second value for a record, that record will not be selected.

For example, you want to select records only for the months of February through August. The field
named MONTH is a numeric field, and it contains a 1 to represent January, a 2 to represent February, a 3 to
represent March, and so on. On the Select Records display, you would specify:
Select Records

Type comparisons, press Enter. Specify OR to start each new group.

Tests: EQ, NE, LE, GE, LT, GT, RANGE, LIST, LIKE, IS, ISNOT...

AND/OR Field Test Value (Field, Number, or Characters)

MONTH_________ RANGE 2 8___________________________
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________

To use the GT, GE, LT, LE, and RANGE tests for SBCS character fields and values, you may need to
know the collating sequence. The collating sequence determines what characters are greater than or less
than others. If you do not select a different one, the hexadecimal collating sequence is used and:
v Most special characters are less than letters.
v Lowercase letters are less than uppercase.
v Letters are less than numbers.

For example, the characters A, 8, &, and b would sort from low to high as follows:
&
b
A
8

For more information about selecting or defining a collating sequence, see Chapter 9, Selecting a
collating sequence in Query for i5/OS.

Testing for values in a list (LIST NLIST) in Query for i5/OS

Use the LIST, NLIST tests to determine if the content of a field is equal or not to one of the values that
you list in the Value column on the Select Records display.

Note: See CCSID and record selection tests in Query for i5/OS on page 248 for information on CCSIDs
and how they affect the Select Records display.

When you compare a field with a list, the record is selected if the contents of the field exactly match one
of the values you specify. The values you specify in the list:
v Must be numeric constants if you are comparing a numeric field with them.
v Must be SBCS character constants if you are comparing an SBCS character field with them.
v Must be SBCS, DBCS-only, or DBCS-open character constants if you are comparing a bracketed-DBCS
field with them. (If the field being tested is a DBCS-only field, the constant can only be a DBCS-only
constant.)

Chapter 7. Selecting records in Query for i5/OS 95

v Must be DBCS-graphic character constants if you are comparing a DBCS-graphic character field with
them.
v Must be separated by blanks.
v Cannot be field names.
v Must be date constants if comparing to a date field. If the list contains correct representations of a date
but in other than SAA format, you may get unexpected results. To prevent unexpected results, the list
should be in SAA format.
v Must be time constants if comparing to a time field. If the list contains correct representations of a time
but in other than SAA format, you may get unexpected results. To prevent unexpected results, the list
should be in SAA format.
v Must be timestamp constants if comparing to a timestamp field.

Your list must contain at least two values, and they need not be in any particular order. You must enclose
each character constant in apostrophes and use two apostrophes where the character constant itself
contains an apostrophe (see the name OGrady in Example 2: Testing for values in a list (LIST NLIST) in
Query for i5/OS).

If all of the values in the list do not fit on one line, just continue them on the next line under Value. If one
value ends in the last position of a line and you continue on the next line, you must put a blank space
before the value on the next line. You can split DBCS character constants by placing a DBCS shift-in
character in the last position of the first line and a DBCS shift-out character in the first position of the
next line.

Example 1: Testing for values in a list (LIST NLIST) in Query for i5/OS: If you want to select only
records that have 04567, 00976, and 85432 in the ITEMNO field, you specify:
Select Records

Type comparisons, press Enter. Specify OR to start each new group.

Tests: EQ, NE, LE, GE, LT, GT, RANGE, LIST, NLIST, LIKE, NLIKE, IS,ISNOT

AND/OR Field Test Value (Field, Number, or Characters)

ITEMNO LIST 04567 00976 85432
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________

Example 2: Testing for values in a list (LIST NLIST) in Query for i5/OS: The following tests the field
LASTNAME for a number of different last names:
Select Records

Type comparisons, press Enter. Specify OR to start each new group.

Tests: EQ, NE, LE, GE, LT, GT, RANGE, LIST, LIKE, IS, ISNOT...

AND/OR Field Test Value (Field, Number, or Characters)

LASTNAME LIST Staples Thorson Smith J
____ ______________ _____ ones Alison OGrady
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________

Testing for values that are similar (LIKE NLIKE) in Query for i5/OS
You use the LIKE test to determine if a field has a pattern that is similar to the test pattern you specify.
You use the NLIKE test to determine if a field is not similar to the test pattern that you specify. You can
use LIKE comparisons for SBCS and DBCS character fields, but specifying a LIKE or NLIKE comparison
for any other field types causes an error message.

When you use a LIKE test, a record is selected if a certain part of the field has the same characters as the
test pattern you specify for the comparison value. For example, you would use the LIKE test if you
wanted to select all records that have a last name that begins with an A.

96 Query for i5/OS V6R1

You must enclose the test pattern in apostrophes; use two apostrophes where the test pattern itself
contains an apostrophe. If the test pattern consists of two apostrophes alone (), it is treated as an empty
string.

You can use some special characters to represent the positions in the field that you do not care about:
v An underscore (_) means skip one character at that position and do not test for that character. Each
underscore takes the place of one character in the field.
v A percent sign (%) means skip as many characters as necessary to get to the end of the field or to the
next specified character. Each % takes the place of zero or more characters in the field. (Thus, you need
not write a test pattern that is 32 characters long just because the field is 32 characters long.)

A test pattern must be no longer than, but it can be as long as, the actual field. Query does not count a %
as a character and counts two apostrophes within a constant as one character when checking pattern
length.

For example, if you are testing for an A in the first position of the LASTNAME field, and if:
v The field length is 1, you could specify A
v The field length is 3, you could specify A__
v The field length is at least 1, you could specify A%

You would type them on the display as follows:

Select Records

Type comparisons, press Enter. Specify OR to start each new group.

Tests: EQ, NE, LE, GE, LT, GT, RANGE, LIST, LIKE, IS, ISNOT...

AND/OR Field Test Value (Field, Number, or Characters)

LASTNAME LIKE A%
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________

If you are testing for an A in the last position of the field, you could specify %A. But note that if an
8-character field contained ANNA , the LIKE test would fail because the last position in the field is a
blank.

If you are testing for an E followed by an A two positions after it, and the field length is at least 3, you
could specify:
%E_A%

Note that if an 8-character field contained any of the following, the LIKE test would be true:
ANNE A. EVAN E. ANNE EVA

Note: A LIKE, NLIKE test cannot be used for a date, time, or timestamp field. Only character constants
are allowed for LIKE, NLIKE. To circumvent this, create a result field and use the CHAR function
on the date, time, or timestamp field. Then use the result field on the Select Records display.

Testing for DBCS LIKE (like) and NLIKE (not like) in Query for i5/OS
DBCS LIKE or NLIKE tests can be used in the Value column of the Select Records display to select
records. The following types of LIKE patterns can be used for DBCS fields that are being tested: standard
SBCS character constants, DBCS-only character constants, DBCS-open character constants, and
DBCS-graphic character constants.

Non-DBCS character LIKE, NLIKE (not like) pattern in Query for i5/OS: This pattern, which contains
no DBCS data, can be used to test DBCS-either and DBCS-open fields. Use a % sign to skip any number
of characters or none at all. Use an underscore (_) to represent any single SBCS character. Although the

Chapter 7. Selecting records in Query for i5/OS 97

LIKE pattern contains only SBCS characters, it can test DBCS-open fields that contain both DBCS data
and SBCS data, because a % sign can be used to skip over both kinds of data.

DBCS-only LIKE, NLIKE (not like) pattern in Query for i5/OS: This pattern, which contains only
double-byte characters, can be used for any bracketed-DBCS field, but not for a DBCS-graphic field. Start
the pattern with a shift-out character and end it with a shift-in character. Use the DBCS percent sign
(%%) to skip any number of characters or none at all. Use the DBCS underscore (__) to indicate that any
double-byte character is accepted for that position. Although the LIKE pattern contains only double-byte
characters, it can test DBCS-open fields that contain both double-byte character data and alphanumeric
data because a %% sign can skip over both kinds of data.

DBCS-open LIKE, NLIKE (not like) pattern in Query for i5/OS: This pattern, which contains both
DBCS and SBCS character data, can be used only for DBCS-open fields.
v The percent sign (%) skips any number of SBCS characters or double-byte characters, or none at all. It
ignores shift-out and shift-in characters.
v The DBCS percent sign (%%) works the same way as the standard percent sign (%).
v The underscore (_) represents one SBCS character. It does not represent a double-byte, shift-out, or
shift-in character.
v The DBCS underscore (__) represents one double-byte character. It cannot be used to represent an
alphanumeric, shift-out, or shift-in character.

DBCS-Graphic LIKE, NLIKE (not like) pattern in Query for i5/OS: This pattern, which contains only
double-byte characters, can be used only for a DBCS-graphic field. A DBCS-graphic test pattern must
have an uppercase or lowercase G before the apostrophe. Within the apostrophes, the pattern must start
with a shift-out character and end with a shift-in character. Use the DBCS percent sign (%%) to skip any
number of characters or none at all. Use the DBCS underscore (__) to indicate that any double-byte
character is accepted for that position.

Examples: In the following examples, %% represents the DBCS percent sign, __ represents the DBCS
underscore, s/o represents the shift-out character, s/i represents the shift-in character, and a pair of the
same SBCS characters, such as DD, represent a single DBCS character.
Example 1: DBCSFLD1 LIKE s/o__DD__%%HH%%s/i

Example 1 selects only records in which the second character in field DBCSFLD1 is DD, the first and third
characters are any double-byte characters, and at least one of the fourth through last characters is HH. This
test could be used for any bracketed-DBCS field that is at least ten characters long. This test could also be
used for a DBCS-graphic field by putting a G in front of the test pattern:
Gs/o__DD__%%HH%%s/i

If DBCSFLD1 is a DBCS-open field, this test could select data that has alphanumeric characters, such as
s/oXXDDMMs/iAnns/oGGHHs/i, for which the DBCS percent sign would skip over both double-byte
characters and alphanumeric characters before reaching HH.
Example 2: DBCSFLD2 LIKE s/o%%__%%s/i

Example 2 selects only records in which field DBCSFLD2 contains at least one double-byte character. The
DBCS underscore (__) can stand for a double-byte character, but not for an alphanumeric character. A
different value, %_%, selects records that have at least one alphanumeric character. A value of
s/o__________s/i selects those that have all double-byte characters for a field that is ten characters
long.
Example 3: DBCSFLD3 LIKE s/oYY%%s/i A_o

Example 3 selects all records in which the field DBCSFLD3 begins with the double-byte character YY and
ends with alphanumeric characters, the first of which is blank, the second of which is A, and the fourth of
which is o. This test selects fields such as s/oYYs/i Amo; s/oYYZZXXs/iMary Abo; or

98 Query for i5/OS V6R1

s/oYYs/iABCs/oTTWWs/iM Aro. It is not important that the percent between the double-byte character
and alphanumeric parts of the value is a DBCS percent; the following two values are equivalent to the
one used: s/oYY%s/i A_o and s/oYY%%s/i% A_o.

If the test pattern consists of two apostrophes alone ( or G) or two apostrophes enclosing only DBCS
shift-out and shift-in characters (s/os/i or Gs/os/i), the test pattern is treated as an empty string.
These patterns will select records in which the field contains an empty string.

Using more than one comparison test in Query for i5/OS

When you use more than one comparison, you need to tell Query how to connect them by typing a
connection in the AND/OR column. The two types of connections are:
v AND connections
v OR connections

If you do not specify anything in the AND/OR column between comparisons, Query assumes AND. All of
the comparisons that are connected by ANDs must be true for the record to be selected by that group of
comparisons.

For example, to select records for all customers with the last name of Clarke and who live in Arizona
(AZ) requires an AND connection:
Select Records

Type comparisons, press Enter. Specify OR to start each new group.

Tests: EQ, NE, LE, GE, LT, GT, RANGE, LIST, LIKE, IS, ISNOT...

AND/OR Field Test Value (Field, Number, or Characters)

LASTNAME EQ Clarke
AND STATE EQ AZ
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
Bottom
________________________________________________________________________
ACCTNUMBER STREETADDR CRLIMIT YEAR
COMPANY CITY BALDUE MONTH
FIRSTNAME STATE PASTDUE
MIDDLEINIT ZIPCODE DATEPAID
LASTNAME TELENUMBER CURRENTDAT
Bottom

F3=Exit F5=Report F9=Insert F11=Display text

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F20=Reorganize F24=More keys

Although this example shows the AND typed in the AND/OR column, it is not necessary. (If you leave
the AND/OR column blank, Query assumes an AND connection.) Comparisons connected with one or
more ANDs are considered a group of comparisons.

The other kind of connection between comparisons is OR; that is, one or more of the comparisons (or
groups of comparisons) must be true for the record to be selected.

Because Query assumes AND connections unless told otherwise, you must specify OR in the AND/OR
column whenever you want an OR connection.

For example, to select records in which the last name is Kingsbury or the credit limit is greater than or
equal to $5,000 requires an OR connection:

Chapter 7. Selecting records in Query for i5/OS 99

 Select Records

Type comparisons, press Enter. Specify OR to start each new group.

Tests: EQ, NE, LE, GE, LT, GT, RANGE, LIST, LIKE, IS, ISNOT...

AND/OR Field Test Value (Field, Number, or Characters)

LASTNAME EQ Kingsbury
OR CRLIMIT GE 5000
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________

You can use AND and OR connections together to be even more specific about which records to include
in your report. The following example selects records for customers who placed orders from November
1986, through January 1987. Note that numeric constants are used for months.
Select Records

Type comparisons, press Enter. Specify OR to start each new group.

Tests: EQ, NE, LE, GE, LT, GT, RANGE, LIST, LIKE, IS, ISNOT...

AND/OR Field Test Value (Field, Number, or Characters)

MONTH LIST 11 12
AND YEAR EQ 86
OR MONTH EQ 1
AND YEAR EQ 87

If written out, the above example looks like this:

(MONTH LIST 11,12 AND YEAR EQ 86) OR
(MONTH EQ 1 AND YEAR EQ 87)

Because using a combination of AND and OR connections can be confusing, you might want to use F5 to
look at your report and make sure your comparisons work the way you expect.

If a combination of AND and OR connections seems particularly complex, you should probably look at
the comparisons closely to see if you can use fewer connections to make the same record selection. For
example, following are two ways of selecting records for customers from Rhode Island (RI) who have a
balance due from $900 to $1000 during 1986 OR 1987.

The first method uses a combination of AND and OR connections.

Select Records

Type comparisons, press Enter. Specify OR to start each new group.

Tests: EQ, NE, LE, GE, LT, GT, RANGE, LIST, LIKE, IS, ISNOT...

AND/OR Field Test Value (Field, Number, or Characters)

BALDUE RANGE 900 1000
AND STATE EQ RI
AND YEAR EQ 86
OR BALDUE RANGE 900 1000
AND STATE EQ RI
AND YEAR EQ 87
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________

Written out, this example would look like this:

(BALDUE RANGE 900,1000, AND STATE EQ RI AND YEAR EQ 86)
OR
(BALDUE RANGE 900,1000 AND STATE EQ RI AND YEAR EQ 87)

The second method, which uses the LIST test and AND connections, selects the same records but needs
fewer lines and is easier to read:

100 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Select Records

Type comparisons, press Enter. Specify OR to start each new group.

Tests: EQ, NE, LE, GE, LT, GT, RANGE, LIST, LIKE, IS, ISNOT...

AND/OR Field Test Value (Field, Number, or Characters)

BALDUE RANGE 900 1000
AND STATE EQ RI
AND YEAR LIST 86 87
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
Bottom

Written out, the example would look like this:

(BALDUE RANGE 900,1000 AND STATE EQ RI AND YEAR LIST 86,87)

Note: CCSIDs can affect how records are selected. See CCSID and record selection tests in Query for
i5/OS on page 248 for information on CCSIDs and how they affect record selections.

Adding and removing comparisons in Query for i5/OS

The prompt part of the Select Records display only has room to show six comparisons at a time. You can
press the Page Down key to get blank input lines after the last line you typed. When you have specified
more than six comparisons, you can press the Page Up key to see the previous ones.

If you want to add another comparison between two comparisons that you have already typed, you can
press F9 to insert a blank line where you need it so that you do not have to retype everything. The new
line is added after the line on which the cursor is positioned when you press F9. You can also press F9
instead of the Page Down key to add lines as you type in comparisons.

If you change your mind about a comparison and want to remove it from the group, just use the
spacebar or Field Exit to blank it out. If you change your mind and want to remove all of your
comparisons, press F12 (Cancel). Anything that you entered on the Select Records display is then ignored.

If you have blanked out a line or two and are at the last available blank line and need more lines, you
can press F20 to reorganize the space. Query moves the blank lines to the end of the comparisons. You
see the first six comparison lines on your display and must press the Page Down key to get to the blank
lines or to the place where you want to insert a line. If you run out of space but have no blank lines to
move, you have to redesign your comparisons so that they fit into the 100-line limit.

Chapter 7. Selecting records in Query for i5/OS 101

102 Query for i5/OS V6R1
Chapter 8. Selecting sort fields in Query for i5/OS
This chapter describes how you can select sort fields to control the arrangement of the data in your query
output. To Query, a sort field is a field whose contents are used to sort the output records in a particular
order. For example, if you wanted to use a customer master file to obtain a list of all your customers, you
might want those customers listed in a particular order, such as alphabetically by last name,
alphabetically by state, or both alphabetically by state and then by last name. In this case, you would
need to specify one or more sort fields to ensure that your output in is the order you want it to be in.

Letting Query for i5/OS determine the order of records for you
You can let Query retrieve the data directly from the database and include it in your query without any
sorting. If the sequence of the data in your report is not important, you do not need to worry about
selecting sort fields. When running a query that does not have a sort field specified, the order in which
rows are retrieved is not guaranteed. If the order is important, you should define a sort field in the query.
A thorough knowledge of database concepts, including file type and access paths, is needed if you want
to predict the sequence of your output.

Note: When you select a logical file for use with Query for i5/OS or DB2 for i5/OS without specifying
any sort fields, unpredictable results might occur. For example, you might not receive the logical
view of the physical file.

If you did not type a 1 next to the Select sort fields option on the Define the Query display, the Select Sort
Fields display is not shown while you work with your query definition, and the data is not sorted when
you run the query.

If you typed a 1 next to the Select sort fields option on the Define the Query display, the Select Sort Fields
display is shown during query definition. Press F12 (Cancel) to return to the previous display if you have
changed your mind and do not want to select any sort fields. (Anything you typed on the display is
ignored.)

Selecting the sort fields you want to use in Query for i5/OS
On the Select Sort Fields display, as shown below, you select the sort fields that you want by entering a
sort priority number in the Sort Prty column. You can select up to 32 sort fields from the list. (The list on
this display shows only those fields that were selected on the Select and Sequence Fields display; if no
fields were selected, the list shows all the fields.) The total length of all the sort fields cannot be greater
than 10 000 characters (that is, if you add up the lengths of the sort fields, the total cannot exceed 10 000
characters).

Based on the number you type for each field you select as a sort field, Query establishes a sort priority.
You can use any numbers from 0 to 999use the lowest number for your highest priority sort field. If
you use numbers like 10, 20, 30, and so on, you can easily add another sort field later.

You can also specify whether you want the sort field sorted in ascending order (from lowest to highest
value) or descending order (from highest to lowest value) by typing an A (for ascending) or a D (for
descending) in the A/D column. (If you leave the A/D column blank for a field, the sort for that field is
done in ascending order.)

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 103

 Select Sort Fields

Type sort priority (0-999) and A (Ascending) or D (Descending) for

the names of up to 32 fields, press Enter.

Sort
Prty A/D Field
___ _ ACCTNUMBER
30 _ INIT
20 _ LASTNAME
___ _ STREETADDR
___ _ STATE
___ _ CITY
___ _ ZIPCODE
10 D CRLIMIT

Bottom

F3=Exit F5=Report F11=Display text F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F18=Files F20=Renumber F24=More keys

When you press the Enter key after typing your sort priority numbers, Query rearranges the fields on the
display in the following order:
v If fields were selected on the Select and Sequence Fields display, they are listed in the following order:
1. All sort fields (if any) previously selected on this display, in the order specified.
2. Fields selected for the query, but not selected as a sort field. These fields are listed in the order they
were specified on the Select and Sequence Fields display.
v If no fields were selected on the Select and Sequence Fields display, the fields on this display are
shown in the following order:
1. All sort fields (if any) previously selected on this display, in the order specified.
2. Any result fields that have been defined for this query.
3. All other fields, in the order they exist in the record format definitions for the selected files. Fields
from the first file are listed first, followed by those in the second file, and so on.

Query then displays a message Press Enter to confirm. so that you have a second chance to review
your sort fields and change them if you want.

To remove a sort field from your selections, blank out the number in front of that field name. It is not
necessary to renumber the other fields. To change the priorities of the sort fields, just change the
numbers.

If you make any changes, press the Enter key again. The list of field names is rearranged and is shown
with the sort fields first, in the sort priority you specified followed by the remaining fields that were
selected for output. If you want to renumber the fields in added amounts of 10 (10, 20, 30, and so on),
press F20.

When you are satisfied that your sort field selections are correct, press the Enter key a final time to end
sort field selection.

The following is an example of how to specify sort priorities.

Assume that you are the credit manager for the United States division of an international mail-order
company, and you want a report of customer names and addresses organized as follows:
v Customers with the highest credit limit should appear first, then the next highest, and so on.

104 Query for i5/OS V6R1

v If two or more customers from the same state have the same credit limit, these customers should be
grouped by state.
v The states, and the customers listed for each state, should appear alphabetically.

In order to obtain the order you want, your first sort field is credit limit (CRLIMIT), in descending order
(from highest to lowest); your second sort field is state (STATE); your third sort field is last name
(LASTNAME); and your last sort field is first name (INIT).

You would complete the Select Sort Fields display as follows:

Select Sort Fields

Type sort priority (0-999) and A (Ascending) or D (Descending) for the

names of up to 32 fields, press Enter.

Sort
Prty A/D Field Text Len Dec
___ _ ACCTNUMBER Account number 6
40 _ INIT Customer first and middle initial 2
30 _ LASTNAME Customer last name 20
___ _ STREETADDR Street address 20
___ _ CITY City 15
20 _ STATE State abbreviation 2
___ _ ZIPCODE Zip code 5
10 D CRLIMIT Credit limit amount 7 2

Bottom

F3=Exit F5=Report F11=Display names only F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F18=Files F20=Renumber F24=More keys

Notice that a D has been typed in the A/D column for the CRLIMIT field. The STATE, LASTNAME, and INIT
fields will all be sorted in ascending order (which is the order you want).

Also notice that this display shows additional information including the text, length, and decimal
positions for each field. While you are selecting sort fields you can press F11 to alternate between
showing only the names of the fields and showing both the names and additional information about the
fields. For more information about using F11, see Using F11 to display additional information about
Query for i5/OS queries on page 15.

After pressing the Enter key, the Select Sort Fields display appears again, but this time the fields given
priority are listed first in the order specified and the fields not used as sort fields are moved to the
bottom of the list:

Chapter 8. Selecting sort fields in Query for i5/OS 105

 Select Sort Fields

Type sort priority (0-999) and A (Ascending) or D (Descending) for the

names of up to 32 fields, press Enter.

Sort
Prty A/D Field Text Len Dec
10 D CRLIMIT Credit limit amount 7 2
20 A STATE State abbreviation 2
30 A LASTNAME Customer last name 20
40 A INIT Customer first and middle initial 2
___ _ ACCTNUMBER Account number 6
___ _ STREETADDR Street address 20
___ _ CITY City 15
___ _ ZIPCODE Zip code 5

Bottom

F3=Exit F5=Report F11=Display names only F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F18=Files F20=Renumber

Notice that because you left the A/D column blank for the STATE, LASTNAME, and INIT fields, Query
replaces the blank with an A to show that ascending order is used.

The sort in this example provides a report that looks something like this:
Account Last Street Zip Credit
Number Init Name Address City State Code Limit
------- ---- -------------- -------------- ---------- ----- ----- -------

938485 CA Johnson 101 2nd St. Montvale GA 30545 9999.00

583990 GF Abraham 20 Vineview Elk River MN 55330 9999.00
693829 NO Thomas 8256 1st Ave. Twostone WY 82609 9999.00
846283 JS Alison 20749 73rd St. Ottawa MN 56342 5000.00
938472 EJ Henning 1 Oil Lane Oiltown TX 75217 5000.00
029384 MA Brown 904 38th St. New York NY 12201 1000.00
397267 OS Tyron 1039 20th Ave. Falls NY 14841 1000.00
475938 MA Doe P.O. Box 90834 Reading CA 95685 700.00
930484 BJ Hubbard 10 Colusa Junction CA 91722 700.00
192837 CE Lee 98 Elm St. Falls NY 14841 700.00
392859 LL Vine 18940 Main St. Tombstone VT 05046 700.00
389572 RS Stevens 38 Yale Blvd. Deer Falls CO 80226 400.00
839283 AC Jones 1984 5th Ave. New York NY 13041 400.00
493264 JS Jones P.O. Box 8910 New York NY 13088 400.00

The highest credit limits (9999.00) are listed first, followed by the next highest. Within each group of
credit limits, the records are listed alphabetically by state. Within each group of states, the customers are
listed alphabetically by last name (such as Brown and Tyron in New York, and Doe and Hubbard in
California). If two or more customers with the same last name live in the same state and have the same
credit rating, the order of the records is determined alphabetically by first and middle initials (such as AC
Jones and JS Jones in New York).

Additional sort considerations in Query for i5/OS

Numeric fields are sorted by arithmetic value.

106 Query for i5/OS V6R1

SBCS character data in SBCS, DBCS-open, and DBCS-either fields are sorted in the order of the
hexadecimal representation of the characters or an order defined by a selected collating sequence. For
more information on collating sequences, see Chapter 9, Selecting a collating sequence in Query for
i5/OS.

DBCS data in character fields is sorted by the hexadecimal representation of the data. The collating
sequence is not applied to DBCS data in DBCS character fields.

UCS2-graphic data is sorted by the hexadecimal representation of the data. The collating sequence is not
applied to UCS2-graphic data in UCS2-graphic fields.

Date, time, and timestamp fields are sorted in chronological order.

For all data types, null values are sorted last if the sort is in ascending order and are represented by a
dash (-). For example, for the following data:
field1 value
record
1 B
3 A
2 null value
4 null value

The sorted report looks like this:

A
B
-
-

Chapter 8. Selecting sort fields in Query for i5/OS 107

108 Query for i5/OS V6R1
Chapter 9. Selecting a collating sequence in Query for i5/OS
This chapter describes how you select the collating sequence for your query. The collating sequence is
used for certain operations (such as sorting, comparing, and evaluating) that involve SBCS character data
in SBCS, DBCS-open, and DBCS-either character fields. A collating sequence assigns a weight to each
alphanumeric and special character so that Query knows how to perform operations on character fields
and constants.

The collating sequence is only used for SBCS character data in SBCS, DBCS-open, and DBCS-either fields.
It is not used for numeric, date, time, timestamp, DBCS-only, DBCS-graphic, or UCS2-graphic data.

Note: To provide the intended effect regardless of the hexadecimal representations of the characters in
the data, coded character set identifiers (CCSIDs) are stored with collating sequences when they
are saved. For more information about how CCSIDs affect the collating sequence used see CCSIDs
and collating sequences in Query for i5/OS on page 243.

Letting Query for i5/OS select a collating sequence

If you did not type a 1 next to the Select collating sequence option on the Define the Query display,
Query for i5/OS uses the default collating sequence. If you have never saved a collating sequence default
value, your collating sequence for new queries is the hexadecimal sequence.

Setting your default collating sequence in Query for i5/OS

Generally, you will use the same collating sequence for all of your queries. For most users, the language
collating sequence (provided on most systems) is the only one needed. If you select the Select collating
sequence option on the Define the Query display when you are creating or changing a query and save
your collating sequence option as a default in your query profile, all your queries can use this same
collating sequence option without you having to specify it in each query definition. (This does not mean
that you must use this same collating sequence for all of your query definitions. It just means that, if you
save the collating sequence option as a default, you do not have to select the Select collating sequence
option for every query that you create; you have to select it only when a query you are creating requires
a different collating sequence.)

After you have selected the collating sequence option that you want on the Select Collating Sequence
display, you can save your option as a default value in your query user profile by pressing F23 (Save as
default) while you are still viewing the display.

If you decide to define your own collating sequence (option 3 on the Select Collating Sequence display),
you can also save your collating sequence (as a default) on the Define Collating Sequence display by
pressing F23 while you are still viewing that display. The coded character set identifier (CCSID) of the
sequence, assumed from the CCSID of your job, is saved with the profile.

Purpose of a collating sequence in Query for i5/OS

A collating sequence determines what characters come before others when operations are performed on
character fields for the purpose of:
v Selecting records
v Joining files
v Sorting records
v Calculating the minimum and maximum values of a field
v Determining when a report break occurs

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 109

To collate means to place items in proper sequence or to check that items are in proper sequence. For
Query for i5/OS purposes, collating sequences apply to SBCS character data in SBCS, DBCS-open, or
DBCS-either fields, not numeric, date, time, timestamp, DBCS-only, or DBCS-graphic fields. The collating
sequences you can use are:
v The collating sequence provided by Query for i5/OS for the language of your country.
v A collating sequence that you define.
v A translation table, created by the CRTTBL (Create Table) command, that exists in one of your libraries.
v One of the sort sequences supplied with the system. For each supported language, the system supplies
one table with unique weights for all characters and a second table with shared weights for some
characters.

Unless you select a collating sequence, the standard sequence used for collating is the same as the
numeric sequence of the hexadecimal values used to represent the characters.

Collating sequence and CCSIDs in Query for i5/OS

You can define a collating sequence by assigning a sequence number to each character in a displayed list.
After renumbering in increments of 10 starting from 64 (40X), the assigned number for each character is
saved in the one-byte table entry at the offset that corresponds to the numeric value of the hexadecimal
representation of the character. The hexadecimal representation can be used later to retrieve the collating
weight for character data comparisons.

A CCSID is saved with a collating sequence so that the collating sequence can be converted for use with
data in a different code page. Conversion of a collating sequence is a matter of rearranging the numbers
in the table so that the appropriate collating weight is found for each character.

How a collating sequence affects Query for i5/OS

Several definition steps in Query for i5/OS use the selected collating sequence to determine the final
results when your query is run. A collating sequence is used:
v When you join files together by comparing an SBCS, DBCS-open, or DBCS-either character field in one
file to a character field in the other file by using the following tests:
EQ (equal)
NE (not equal)
GT (greater than)
LT (less than)
GE (greater than or equal)
LE (less than or equal)
v When you use comparison tests like EQ, NE, GT, LT, GE, LE, LIKE, NLIKE, LIST, NLIST, and RANGE
to select records based on SBCS, DBCS-open, or DBCS-either character field values

Note: Query for i5/OS does not use the collating sequence for EQ, NE, LIST, NLIST, LIKE, and NLIKE
comparisons, or apply it to SBCS characters in DBCS fields and constants, when the Use
collating sequence for all character comparisons option is set to NO on the Specify
Processing Options display.
v When you select an SBCS, DBCS-open, or DBCS-either character field for sorting records
v When you define minimum and maximum summary functions for an SBCS DBCS-open, or
DBCS-either character field
v When you define report breaks on an SBCS, DBCS-open, or DBCS-either character field

110 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Selecting a Query for i5/OS collating sequence
To select a collating sequence, you have to understand how the data exists in your files. For example, if
both uppercase and lowercase SBCS characters exist in your character fields, you have to decide if you
want uppercase and lowercase characters treated the same. Once you make this analysis, you can select
the collating sequence that produces the desired results, or you can define a collating sequence of your
own.
Select Collating Sequence

The selected collating sequence will be used for character fields when
sorting, selecting records, joining files, finding minimum and maximum
values, and determining when a control break has occurred.

Type choices, press Enter.

Collating sequence
option . . . . . . . . 1 1=Hexadecimal
2=Query for i5/OS English
3=Define the sequence
4=Translation table
5=System sort sequence

For choice 4=Use translation table:

Table . . . . . . . . __________ Name, F4 for list
Library . . . . . . __________ Name, *LIBL, F4 for list

F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Report F10=Process/previous

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F17=Job sequence F24=More keys

Using the hexadecimal collating sequence in Query for i5/OS

The standard collating sequence is the hexadecimal collating sequence. For any given CCSID, all of the
character-set characters (alphanumeric and special) are assigned a hexadecimal value. The characters and
their related hexadecimal value are called a code page. A code page is shown as a 16 by 16 matrix as
shown in Table 3.
Table 3. Example of How a Code Table Works. The value in the left column is the first half of the hexadecimal value.
The value at the top of each column is the second half of the hexadecimal value. The lowercase a in this table is at
81X and the uppercase A is at C1X. This is an example, a real table contains all the alphanumeric and special
characters.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 a
9
A
B
C A

Chapter 9. Selecting a collating sequence in Query for i5/OS 111

Table 3. Example of How a Code Table Works (continued). The value in the left column is the first half of the
hexadecimal value. The value at the top of each column is the second half of the hexadecimal value. The lowercase
a in this table is at 81X and the uppercase A is at C1X. This is an example, a real table contains all the
alphanumeric and special characters.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 A B C D E F
D
E
F

When you use the hexadecimal collating sequence, the characters in a code table are ordered by
ascending hexadecimal values. An advantage of hexadecimal collating is that it distinguishes between
uppercase and lowercase letters.

For CCSID 37, the default for English language systems, the hexadecimal collating sequence is:
blank
miscellaneous characters, such as . + & % )
a through r
(tilde)
s through z
{
A through I
}
J through R
\
S through Z
0 through 9

To see what the hexadecimal collating sequence looks like, select option 3 (Define a collating sequence)
on the Select Collating Sequence display and press the Enter key. The Define Collating Sequence display
is shown. Press F14 (hexadecimal sequence). Query for i5/OS shows you the characters and their
sequence numbers in the hexadecimal collating sequence.

Each character with a hexadecimal value in the range 40X to FEX is listed. You can use the page keys
to page through the list of characters. Press F11 to show the hexadecimal value of each character under
the Hex column. Use F12 to return to the Select Collating Sequence display.

If hexadecimal collating is selected, the minimum and maximum values saved in summary-only output
to a database file may differ from the corresponding values in a printed or displayed report, even though
the same job CCSID is used to run the query. This happens only if values for a minimum or maximum
field are converted to the job CCSID in order to be printed or displayed.

Using the language collating sequence for your country in Query for
i5/OS
You might want to select the collating sequence provided by Query for i5/OS for your country so that
character data is sorted in a more useful order for your language. In Great Britain and the United States,
the collating sequence provided (in addition to hexadecimal) is Query for i5/OS English. In this
sequence, as in most Query for i5/OS language sequences, each pair of uppercase and lowercase letters
(such as A and a) sort together because they share a collating weight that is distinct from the weights of
other letters.

112 Query for i5/OS V6R1

The language collating sequence is not saved in the query definition. If you save your query and it is
used on a system with a different language, the collating sequence for the other language is used. When
you need to save the language used for collating, use option 3 (Define the sequence) on the Select
Collating Sequence display and press F15.

Defining your own collating sequence in Query for i5/OS

You may want to define your own collating sequence so that character data is sorted according to your
particular needs.

For example, you have a two-digit customer account number field that has gone beyond its maximum of
99, and entries in this field after 99 are alphabeticA1, A2, and so on. You want the alphabetic entries
sorted to follow the numeral entries. You can define your own collating sequence so that the alphabetic
data follows the numeric data for this particular query.

To define your own collating sequence, type a 3 in the Collating sequence option prompt on the Select
Collating Sequence display and press the Enter key.
Select Collating Sequence

The selected collating sequence will be used for character fields when
sorting, selecting records, joining files, finding minimum and maximum
values, and determining when a control break has occurred.

Type choices, press Enter.

Collating sequence
option . . . . . . . . 3 1=Hexadecimal
2=Query for i5/OS English
3=Define the sequence
4=Translation table
5=System sort sequence

The Define Collating Sequence display is the next display you see.
Define Collating Sequence

CCSID. . . . . . . . . . . . . . : 37

Position to . . . . . . . . . . . _ Char

Type sequence number (0-9999) for each character, press Enter.

(Use the same sequence number to have characters collate in a group.)

Sequence Char Hex Sequence Char Hex Sequence Char Hex

10 40 90 c 83 140 h 88
20 41 90 C C3 140 H C8
30 E1 100 d 84 150 i 89
40 - 60 100 D C4 150 I C9
50 7D 110 e 85 160 J D1
60 - CA 110 E C5 160 j 91
70 a 81 120 f 86 170 K D2
70 A C1 120 F C6 170 k 92
80 b 82 130 g 87 180 L D3
80 B C2 130 G C7 180 l 93
More...
F3=Exit F11=Chars only F12=Cancel F14=Hexadecimal
F15=Language sequence F16=Use default F20=Renumber F24=More keys
Collating sequence initialized from national language sequence

The CCSID of the sequence is shown at the top and is always your job CCSID. If the collating sequence
CCSID does not match your job CCSID, the previously specified or defaulted sequence is converted
before it is shown on the Define Collating Sequence display. See CCSIDs and collating sequences in
Query for i5/OS on page 243 for more information on how CCSIDs affect the collating sequence.

Chapter 9. Selecting a collating sequence in Query for i5/OS 113

You are shown a list of characters with a sequence number assigned to each character. Characters are
assigned sequence numbers beginning with 10 and incremented by 10 in ascending order. A message
stating what collating sequence is used is shown on the bottom of the display. You can use the following
sequences as a base for defining your own collating sequence:
v Hexadecimal sequence
v Query for i5/OS language sequence
v Default sequence saved for your user ID
v System sequence

To do this, press F14 (Hexadecimal sequence), F15 (Language sequence), F16 (Use default), or F17 (System
sequence).

Use the page keys to page through the list of characters. Certain characters cannot be displayed on some
terminals; therefore, some sequence numbers may not have a character shown beside them. Press F11 and
the hexadecimal value of each character is shown even if the character cannot be displayed on your
terminal. You can use the Position to prompt to find a specific character in the list quickly. (You can enter
the hex value of the character, if you know it and if your keyboard has this feature, or the character
itself.)

To define your own collating sequence, change the sequence numbers beside those characters whose
sequence you want to change. Each character must have a sequence number. You can specify the same
sequence number for two or more charactersthese characters are treated as equal when operations are
performed on them.

After you have renumbered the characters in the sequence you want, press the Enter key. The list of
characters is shown in the sequence you specified. Make sure the blank character (40X) is still first. To
renumber the characters in this new sequence by amounts of 10, press F20. Using F20 to renumber makes
it easier to specify a new sequence later. You must press the Enter key again to confirm that this is the
sequence you want to use. The characters are renumbered, by amounts of 10, when you leave this
display.

You can also save your collating sequence as a default by pressing F23 while you are still viewing this
display.

Selecting a translation table in Query for i5/OS

If your query needs a sequence that is not provided for with the available collating sequences, and
creating a user-defined collating sequence does not produce the desired results, you may find that using
a translation table will create the correct sequence for your query. Translation tables (similar to
user-defined collating sequences) are created and used to translate data. The CCSID of any translation
table created in a release prior to Version 2 Release 3 is 65535.

If you want to use a translation table, select option 4 on the Select Collating Sequence display. Enter the
table name and the library that contains the table you want. If you would like Query for i5/OS to list the
existing tables for you, position the cursor to the Table prompt and press F4. An example of the Select
Translation Table display follows:

114 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Select Translation Table

Library . . . . . . . . *LIBL Name, *LIBL, F4 for list

Subset . . . . . . . . __________ Name, generic*
Position to . . . . . . __________ Starting character(s)

Type option (and Table and Library), press Enter.

1=Select

Opt Table Library Text

_ __________ _________
_ QASCII QSYS EBCDIC TO ASCII TRANSLATE TABLE
_ QEBCDIC QSYS ASCII TO EBCDIC TRANSLATE TABLE
_ QLA10025S QSYS LATIN1 CCSID 37 SHARED WEIGHTED
_ QLA10025U QSYS LATIN1 CCSID 37 UNIQUE WEIGHTED
_ QRMASCII QSYS EBCDIC TO ASCII TRANSLATE TABLE FOR RM/COBOL
_ QRMEDCDI QSYS ASCII TO EBCDIC TRANSLATE TABLE FOR RM/COBOL
_ QSYSTRNTBL QSYS LOWER TO UPPER CASE TRANSLATE TABLE
_ QA3BA69A3R QUSRSYS CHRID(*N 1009) TO CHRID(1150 1025) TRANSLATE

More...
F4=Prompt F11=Display names only F12=Cancel
F19=Next group

For more information on using lists, see Using lists in Query for i5/OS on page 9.

Selecting a system sort sequence in Query for i5/OS

You can specify that the query use a system-provided sort sequence associated with a specific language.
There are two sort sequences for each language:
v One with unique weights for each character in the table.
v One with shared weights for various characters.

Note: The system provides the system sort sequences as translation tables in library QSYS. You can also
select them by name using option 4 (Translation table) on the Select Collating Sequence display.

The system sort sequences are different than the Query for i5/OS language sequences (option 2 on the
Select Collating Sequence display). The Query for i5/OS language sequences are not externalized objects
and can only be used with Query for i5/OS definition objects. Also, the Query for i5/OS sequence for a
language does not produce the same results as either of the system sort sequences for that language. For
the differences in your language, check the sequence tables. Often, the difference is where the number
characters are sorted.

To display the Select System Sort Sequence display select option 5 on the Select Collating Sequence
display and press the Enter key.

Note: In addition to 2(Unique) and 3(Shared) you can specify *HEX or a specific table with the SRTSEQ
parameter for your job.

Chapter 9. Selecting a collating sequence in Query for i5/OS 115

 Select System Sort Sequence

Type choices, press Enter.

Sort Sequence . . . . . 1 1=Job run

2=Unique
3=Shared

Language id . . . . . . *JOBRUN *JOBRUN, language id, F4 for list

F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Report F10=Process/Previous

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F18=Files F23=Save as default

Job run and *JOBRUN are resolved to the sort sequence (SRTSEQ keyword) and language ID (LANGID
keyword) from the users job when the query is run. These are the defaults for collating sequence option
5 if no sort sequence and language ID are saved in the query user profile.

The language ID is not used when:

v You choose Job run as the sort sequence option, and
v The sort sequence of the job at run time is *HEX or a named translation table.

Unique means that each character has a unique weight. Shared means that some characters share the
same weight. For example, in the shared sequence for English, uppercase and lowercase pairs of letters
share the same weight.

Note: If a translation table or sort sequence that you selected by using option 4 or 5 changes, the
changed version becomes the one that is used for your query the next time you change or display
the query. The changed table is also used if you deferred selection until run time. If you want a
specific translation table or sort sequence permanently associated with your query, you must use
option 3 on the Select Collating Sequence display. Set the SRTSEQ parameter for your job to the
desired table, then start a Query for i5/OS session to create or change your query. Use option 3 to
set the Define Collating Sequence display and press F17. You can use F23 to permanently associate
the table with all new queries you create.

116 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Chapter 10. Specifying report column formatting in Query for
i5/OS
The first part of this chapter describes how you control the format of your query output. You can change
the spacing before the report columns, the headings above the columns, and the report field lengths.

In the second part of this chapter, the four ways of editing numeric fields are described. Since numeric
fields of information are stored in database files without any punctuation, you can edit them so that they
are easier to read when they appear in a query report or display.

Formatting the columns of the Query for i5/OS query report

Note: The first time that you select the Specify Report Column Formatting option, the information that is
shown on the display for column headings, field lengths, and decimal positions is taken from the
field definitions and result field definitions. If column headings are defined for the fields, they are
shown; otherwise, the field names are used as the column headings.

You can specify the following information about how the columns should appear in printed and
displayed reports:
v The number of spaces to the left of each column
v The wording of headings above the columns
v The size of the fields in the columns

Query ignores any column formatting you specify when you send detailed output to a database file.
However, if you later use that query to produce a report, the column formatting you specify is used.

Query uses the column heading (break fields only), editing, and field size that you specify for a query
when you send summary-only output to a database file. Summary-only output is described in
Chapter 13, Selecting output type and output form in Query for i5/OS reports.

Column spacing in Query for i5/OS reports

If you want to change the column spacing for a field, type a number from 0 through 99 to indicate the
number of spaces you want to appear to the left of that field column.

Unless you change the column spacing for fields, Query puts no spaces in front of the first column and
puts two blank spaces in front of all the other columns in the report. Before you specify any values, you
should be familiar with the possible effects of any changes. For example, if you ask Query to put several
blanks in front of more than one field, the new width of your output might exceed the width of the print
line on your printer, and your output may be truncated (that is, part of it may have dropped off). If this
happens, you could specify less space between the columns, or you could specify a Y (Yes) for line
wrapping on the Select Output Type and Output Form display (see Chapter 13, Selecting output type
and output form in Query for i5/OS reports).

Column headings in Query for i5/OS reports

For each field that has a column heading defined in its field definition (such as in IDDU field
definitions), that information is used by Query unless you change it. For result fields, any column
headings specified on the Define Result Fields display are also used by Query. For fields that have no
headings defined, the field names are used as the headings (in heading line 1), unless *NONE is specified
in heading line 1. If you specify *NONE, it must begin in the first position of the first heading line and
must be all uppercase letters. The remainder of the heading must be blank.

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 117

Each column heading appears in the report exactly as you type it. Each heading can be up to three
20-character lines, and you can use any characters you want (see the heading for the INIT field on the
following display).
Specify Report Column Formatting

Type information, press Enter.

Column headings: *NONE, aligned text lines

Column
Field Spacing Column Heading Len Dec Edit
LASTNAME 0 LASTNAME 30

INIT 2 First & 2

Middle
Initials

STARTTIME 2 6 *
Start
Time

Bottom
F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous F12=Cancel
F13=Layout F16=Edit F18=Files F23=Long comment

If you want the headings of all your columns to line up on the lowest heading line, you must type each
one on the display that way.

If you change a heading but decide you want to use the original heading, blank out the heading you
typed. The original (default) heading is used in the report and appears the next time you return to this
display. If you want to change the heading for a result field, you may change it on the Define Result
Fields display, as described in Chapter 5, Defining result fields in Query for i5/OS.

Length and decimal positions in Query for i5/OS reports

The length first shown for each field from a file is the length defined in the field definition. The length
first shown for each result field is the length that Query calculates for you, or is the value that you typed
in the Len column on the Define Result Fields display. Length has a different meaning for each data type:
v For SBCS character fields, length is the total number of characters in the field.
v For DBCS-only, DBCS-open, or DBCS-either fields, length is the total number of bytes in the field,
including shift-out and shift-in characters.
v For DBCS-graphic fields, length is the total number of DBCS characters in the field. Shift-out and
shift-in characters used when the field is displayed or printed are not included in the Len value.
v For numeric fields, length is the number of digits to the left and right of the decimal point, but does
not include the decimal point or any other editing characters (like a currency symbol).
v For date, time, and timestamp fields, the length is the number of characters in the formatted value,
including the separators and any other characters required by the format (for example, 12:15 am).
Timestamp is always 26 characters long.

Changing the Len value on this display affects only how the field appears in this query. The actual length
is not changed in the field definition, and the actual length is used for all other field processing done by
Query, such as sorting, report breaks, and so on. If you want to change the actual length for a result field,
you should make the changes on the Define Result Fields display rather than during formatting.

If you specify a length, the valid length values are:

v 0 through 32 766 for SBCS character fields
v 0 through 31 for numeric fields in packed, zoned, or binary form

118 Query for i5/OS V6R1

v 0 through 9 (single-precision) or 0 through 17 (double-precision) for floating-point fields

For date, time, timestamp and DBCS fields, you cannot change the length to anything but 0, which
excludes the field from the report.

For numeric fields, if you increase or decrease the value in Dec, you should increase or decrease the value
in Len the same amount. If you change the value in Len or Dec but decide you want to use the original
field definition value, blank out the number you typed. If there is a value in the Len or Dec column for
the same field, you must blank it out also. If you blank out the values, the original length and decimal
values are used in the report.

The length and the number of decimal positions first shown for each numeric field from a file is the same
as defined in the field definition. The length and the number of decimal positions first shown for each
result field is the number that Query calculates for you, or is the number that you typed in the Len and
Dec columns on the Define Result Fields display.

For numeric fields, the number in the Dec column indicates the number of positions to the right of the
decimal point.

For non-numeric fields, the type of field is shown in the Dec column and cannot be changed:
v An all-blank Dec column identifies a fixed-length SBCS character field
v V means variable-length
v J means DBCS-only
v O means DBCS-open (mixed)
v E means DBCS-either
v G means DBCS-graphic
v L means Date
v T means Time
v Z means Timestamp

Changing the Dec value affects only how the field appears in your query output. The actual value is not
changed in the field definition. If you want to change the actual number of decimal positions for a result
field, you should make the changes on the Define Result Fields display rather than at this time.

For numeric fields, you can type your own value (0 through 31) for decimal positions, but you must not
enter a value for Dec that is greater than the length of the field.

Omitting fields from a Query for i5/OS report

You can create different versions of the same basic query output by selecting all of the possible fields you
might want to include when you select and sequence fields, and then omit certain fields during the
formatting processing by entering a length of zero on the Specify Report Column Formatting display.
Each of these versions can be saved and run as separate queries.

You may also want to use a field for sorting or for a report break, but not want it to appear in the query
report. If you change the field length (Len prompt) to zero on the Specify Report Column Formatting
display, the field is not printed, displayed, or used for summary output sent to a database file. The field
is still used for sorting, record selection, report breaks, and break text insert (see the appropriate Chapters
for details).

If you type a zero in the Len column, and there is a number in the Dec column for the same field, you
must also enter a zero for the Dec column.

Chapter 10. Specifying report column formatting in Query for i5/OS 119
Note: You cannot change the order of the fields on your report during the formatting process. If you
determine that you need to change the order of the fields in your output, you must go back to the
Define the Query display and choose the Select and sequence fields option (see Chapter 6, Selecting
and sequencing fields in Query for i5/OS).

Editing numeric fields in Query for i5/OS reports

The first method you should consider for editing numeric fields is to not enter any edit options and let
Query make the decisions for you. However, if this method does not provide the output results you
want, you can use one of the four edit options that are discussed in this chapter.

The Edit column on the Select Report Column Formatting display is used by Query to indicate whether
or not any numeric field editing has been defined for any of the numeric fields in your query. If an
asterisk (*) is shown for a field, there are editing override values specified in your query definition for
the field; the field values are edited in the report using those values. This column is blank for character
fields and for numeric fields that are edited using only default values. (The default or original values can
be in the file definition or in system-supplied default values used by Query.)

If you want to edit a numeric field, that is, specify numeric field editing values that will be used as part
of your query definition, position the cursor on that field and press F16 (Edit) to go to the Define
Numeric Field Editing display. Depending on the choice you make on this display, Query will present the
appropriate display to allow you to describe the remainder of your edit definition. When no numeric
editing override values are saved for a field in your query definition, the editing actually used for the
field comes, first, from the original field definition (in a file definition) or it comes, last, from
system-supplied default values.

Note: If you want to remove all override editing for a particular field (as defined in the query), press F16
here to go to the Define Numeric Field Editing display, then press F16 again there (F16 is Remove
edit there). When you press F16 to remove editing, all editing definitions for all four editing options
defined for that field are removed.

Defining numeric field editing in Query for i5/OS reports

The Define Numeric Field Editing display allows you to edit any of your numeric fields, one field at a
time. Floating-point fields, however, cannot be edited.
Define Numeric Field Editing

Field . . . . . . . :
Text . . . . . . . :
Heading 1 . . . . . :
Heading 2 . . . . . :
Heading 3 . . . . . :
Length . . . . . . :
Decimal . . . . . . :
Sample . . . . . . : -9,999.99_____________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________

Type choice, press Enter.

Edit option . . . . . 1 1=Numeric editing choices

2=Date or time editing choice
3=Edit code
4=Edit word

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous F11=Change sample

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F16=Remove edit F18=Files

120 Query for i5/OS V6R1

The Define Numeric Field Editing display allows you to specify the type of editing you want to use to
edit a numeric field. The editing determines how the values for the field are to appear in your query
report. This is the first of two displays used to define the editing; the second display to be shown
depends on which edit option (1 through 4) you select on this display. For example, if you choose option
2, you go to the display that allows you to specify the type of separator character you want to use in a
date field.

Shown on the Define Numeric Field Editing display is the name of the numeric field to be edited, the
fields report-related information, and an edited sample value for the field as it would appear in the
report with the editing values that are currently defined for it. The field is the one that the cursor was
positioned to on the Specify Report Column Formatting display when F16 (Edit) was pressed.

Each of the edit options are described as follows:

1=Numeric editing choices
Shows the Describe Numeric Field Editing display, on which you can describe several editing
attributes for the field. You can select the characters to be used for the decimal point, thousands
separator, negative sign, and currency symbol, and you can specify how zero values and leading
zeros are to be handled.
2=Date or time editing choice
Shows the Describe Date/Time Field Editing display, on which you can select the separator character
used for a date or time value.
3=Edit code
Shows the Specify Edit Code display, on which you can select the edit code and modifier (if any) to
be used to edit the field.
4=Edit word
Shows the Specify Edit Word display, on which you can define your own edit words (values) to be
used on the field.

If an asterisk (*) was shown in the Edit column on the Specify Report Column Formatting display, editing
override values are already defined in this query for the field. If an asterisk was shown there, then the
result of the current editing in effect for the field is shown in the Sample field on this display, and the
type of editing is indicated by the edit option currently specified in the Edit option prompt. If no asterisk
was shown there, then the sample field is edited here according to the editing specified in the field
definition or in the system-supplied default values assumed by Query.

If you press F11, you can change the value shown in the edited sample. Each time you press F11, you can
see either the largest positive number (all 9s), zero (0), or negative 1 (1). You can change the edit option
and press F11 at the same time to see the effect of each set of editing overrides or default values. Also, if
you change the edit option number and press the Enter key, you go to the definition display for that
option where you can look at or change how the editing for that option is defined. When you press F10
(Process/previous) to return, the edited sample shows the results of the editing values for that option.

If you want to see the editing for summary totals, if any exist, use F5 (Report) or F13 (Layout).

When you first come to the Define Numeric Field Editing display for any numeric field:
v The values shown in the Text through Decimal fields for that numeric field are the same as shown on
the Specify Report Column Formatting display for that same numeric field.
v The sample shows the current editing definition of the field, done with the largest positive value (all
9s) that the field can hold. The sample also shows how the number will appear when it is edited
according to the currently selected numeric field definition (option 1 through 4 specified in the Edit
option prompt).
v If an error occurs while the number in the field is being edited, the sample is edited using the J edit
code, and an error message is shown along with the edited sample.

Chapter 10. Specifying report column formatting in Query for i5/OS 121
v The Edit option value is the value last specified in the query definition, the value associated with the
field definition in the file definition (if this is a field from a file), or 1, if neither of the first two
indicates its value.

Generally, when you first come to the other four numeric field editing displays (identified on the Edit
option prompt of the Define Numeric Field Editing display), the displayed values are taken from the
previously saved values in your query definition, from the field definition in the file, and from the
system-supplied default values (in that order). Query uses edit code J as the default for edit option 3 and
blank edit words for edit option 4.

Describing numeric field editing in Query for i5/OS reports

If you have determined that letting Query do the editing for you will not give you the results you want,
you can specify your own editing attributes. You do this on the Describe Numeric Field Editing display.
Describe Numeric Field Editing

Field . . . . . . :

Type choices, press Enter.

Decimal point . . . . . . . . _ 1=. 2=, 3=: 4=$ 5=None

Thousands separator . . . . . _ 1=. 2=, 3= 4=Blank 5=None
Show negative sign . . . . . _ Y=Yes, N=No
Left negative sign . . . . ______
Right negative sign . . . . ______
Show currency symbol . . . . _ Y=Yes, N=No
Left currency symbol . . . ______
Right currency symbol . . . ______
Print zero value . . . . . . _ Y=Yes, N=No
Replace leading zeros . . . . _ Y=Yes, N=No
Replace with . . . . . . . _ 1=Blanks
2=Asterisks
3=Floating currency symbol
Single leading zero . . . . _ Y=Yes, N=No

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F16=Remove edit F18=Files

This display allows you to specify the editing characteristics that you want used for a numeric field. The
editing determines how the values for the field are to appear in your query report (if the report is run
when the edit option for the field is 1). You can select the characters to be used for the: decimal point,
thousands separator, a negative sign(s), and a currency symbol(s). You can specify separate negative sign
characters and separate currency symbol characters for either side of the fields data values. You can also
specify whether zero values are to be printed and how leading zeros are to be handled.

This display shows the name of the numeric field to be edited and the numeric field editing override and
default values that will be used in the report. The editing values shown could be from IDDU or a
system-supplied edit description.

If you blank out all the values in the prompts on this display and press the Enter key, all the values are
then set to the system-supplied default values that are assumed by Query. These values are the same
default values used for result fields when they are first defined; thus, using this method, you can specify
the same type of editing for fields from files as is used for result fields, providing consistent editing in
your report.

To remove all editing overrides for this numeric field, press F16 (Remove edit). The asterisk (*) is
removed from the Edit column on the Specify Report Column Formatting display, and the editing values
that will be used for this field in the query report are taken from the field definition or from the
system-supplied default values.

122 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Decimal point in Query for i5/OS reports
Type the option number of the character that you want used as the decimal point in this field. The option
numbers and characters are shown below, along with examples of the edited results for a numeric value
of 245.87:
Option Example Meaning of Option
1= . 245.87 Decimal point is a period
2= , 245,87 Decimal point is a comma
3= : 245:87 Decimal point is a colon
4= $ 245$87 Decimal point is a dollar sign
5=None 24587 Decimal point not used

Thousands separator in Query for i5/OS reports

Type the option number of the character that you want used as the thousands separator in this field. The
option numbers and characters are shown below, along with examples of the edited results for a value of
1515109:
Option Example Meaning of Option
1= . 1.515.109 Separator is a period
2= , 1,515,109 Separator is a comma
3= 1515109 Separator is an apostrophe
4=Blank 1 515 109 Separator is a blank space
5=None 1515109 Separator not used

Show negative sign in Query for i5/OS reports

Type a Y or N to indicate whether a negative sign is to be used with this field.
Y=Yes
A negative sign is to be shown when the value in the field is negative. The sign can be on the left or
right side of the value (or on both sides), and it can be defined differently for each side. All negative
signs take space in the report. Use the next two prompts to define from 1 to 6 characters for the
negative sign(s). (You can leave one prompt blank. If you do, no sign shows on that side of the field
and no space is taken in the report.)
N=No
A negative sign is not to be shown when the value in the field is negative. If the next two prompts
contain negative sign definitions, they are saved in this query but not used.

Left negative sign in Query for i5/OS reports

Type from 1 to 6 characters that you want used as the negative sign to appear on the left of negative
values in this field. Any character that can be printed or displayed can be used. Either the blank or
underscore (_) can be used within the character string, but if you want blanks at the right end of the
string for the negative sign, you must use underscores.

Some examples of left negative signs for the negative value of 27.03 are:
Sign Edited Negative Value
- -27.03
CRAMT CRAMT27.03
CR AMT CR AMT27.03
CRDT:_ CRDT: 27.03

The coding for the last example must include an underscore because of the blank at the right end of the
left negative sign characters.

The position of the left negative sign depends on the value specified in the Replace with option when
leading zeros are to be replaced.
v If you specify option 1 (Blanks) or option 2 (Asterisks), the negative sign is fixed; it is always shown in
the farthest left position of the field, to the left of all the asterisks that replace all leading zeros. For
example, in a field with a length of eight digits, the edited value for 27.03 would be -****27.03 or
27.03.

Chapter 10. Specifying report column formatting in Query for i5/OS 123
v If you specify option 3 (Floating currency symbol), then the negative sign moves (or floats), depending
on how many leading zeros it replaces, so that it is to the immediate left of the first significant digit in
the value (such as 27.03), or it is to the immediate left of the left currency symbol (such as $27.03).

Right negative sign in Query for i5/OS reports

Type from 1 to 6 characters that you want used as the negative sign to appear on the right of negative
values in this field. Any character that can be printed or displayed can be used. Either the blank or
underscore (_) can be used within the character string, but if you want blanks at the right end of the
string for the negative sign, you must use underscores. Examples of right negative signs are 27.03,
27.03CR AMT, and 27.03 CRDT.

Show currency symbol in Query for i5/OS reports

Type a Y or N to indicate whether a currency symbol is to be used with this field.
Y=Yes
A currency symbol is to be shown with the value in the field. The symbol can be on the left or right
side of the value (or on both sides), and it can be defined differently for each side. If option 3
(Floating currency symbol) is not specified below in the Replace with prompt (for leading zeros), then
the left currency symbol (if used) appears in a fixed position in the field. However, if option 3 is
used, then any left currency symbol specified will be a floating symbol, depending on how many
leading zeros it replaces. Use the next two prompts to define from 1 to 6 characters for the currency
symbol.
N=No
A currency symbol is not to be shown with the value in the field. If the next two prompts contain
currency symbol definitions, they will be saved in this query but not used.

Left currency symbol in Query for i5/OS reports

Type from 1 to 6 characters that you want used as the currency symbol to appear on the left of values in
this field. Any character that can be printed or displayed can be used, but you should not use an asterisk
(*), zero, or whatever your decimal point is (such as the period). Either the blank or underscore (_) can be
used within the character string, but if you want blanks at the right end of the string for the symbol, you
must use underscores.

Some examples of left currency symbols that might be used with a value of 45.5 are:
Symbol Edited Result Possible Use
L. L.45.5 Italy
Kr Kr45.5 Norway
$ $45.5 U.S.
THOUS_ THOUS 45.5 U.S.

This string is positioned in the same way as you typed it, unless you choose to replace the leading zeros
with the floating currency symbol. In that case, this string is moved (floats) to the immediate left of the
first significant digit.

Right currency symbol in Query for i5/OS reports

Type from 1 to 6 characters that you want used as the currency symbol to appear on the right of values
in this field. Any character that can be printed or displayed can be used, but you should not use an
asterisk (*), zero, or whatever your decimal point is (such as the period). Either the blank or underscore
(_) can be used within the character string, but if you want blanks at the right end of the string for the
symbol, you must use underscores.

Some examples of right currency symbols that might be used with a value of 123.45 are:

124 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Symbol Edited Result Possible Use
_BF 123,45 BF Belgium
F 123,45 F France
$ 123.45$ U.S.
THOUS 123.45THOUS U.S.
> 123.45> U.S.

The right currency symbol is always in a fixed position.

Print zero value in Query for i5/OS reports

When this field contains a numeric value of zero, type a Y or N to indicate whether it is to show a zero or
it is to be left blank.
Y=Yes
A numeric value of 0, when it occurs, is to be shown.
N=No
A numeric value of 0 is to be shown as all blanks; no 0 is to be shown in this field.

Replace leading zeros in Query for i5/OS reports

When this field contains leading zeros, type a Y or N to indicate whether they are to be replaced by
different characters or not. Leading zeros are those zeros that appear to the immediate left of the first
significant digit (1 through 9) in the numeric value, or to the immediate left of the decimal point if the
numeric value is less than 1. For example, there are four leading zeros in the eight-digit field 000027.03,
and there are six in the eight-digit field 000000.03.
Y=Yes
Leading zeros are to be replaced by other characters (blanks or asterisks) or by a floating currency
symbol.
N=No
All leading zeros are to be shown. (If the Replace leading zeros and Replace with prompts contain
values, they will be saved in this query but not used.)

Replace with option in Query for i5/OS reports

If you typed a Y for the Replace leading zeros prompt, type the option number of the character or symbol
that you want used to replace any leading zeros in the values for this field.
1=Blanks
Blank spaces are to be used to replace leading zeros ( 27.03 and .03).
2=Asterisks
Asterisks (*) are to be used to replace leading zeros (****27.03 and ******.03).
3=Floating currency symbol
The currency symbol is to be used to replace leading zeros. The symbol floats so that it appears to
the immediate left of the first significant digit in the numeric value (for example, $27.03 and $.03).

Single leading zero in Query for i5/OS reports

When the numeric value in this field is less than 1, type a Y or N to indicate whether a single leading zero
is to be shown to the left of the decimal point. This prompt value is used only if a Y is specified for the
Replace leading zeros prompt.
Y=Yes
A single leading zero is to be placed to the left of the decimal point when the value is less than 1,
assuming that the length is greater than the number of decimal positions (for example, 0.03 for a
result of 3/100).
N=No
No zero is to appear to the left of the decimal point when the value is less than 1 (for example, .03
for a result of 3/100).

Chapter 10. Specifying report column formatting in Query for i5/OS 125
Describing date/time field editing display in Query for i5/OS reports
If you have selected numeric fields for your query that contain date or time values, Query provides an
easy way to specify or change the separator character that is used in the editing process.

The Describe Date/Time Field Editing display allows you to specify the type of separator character that
you want used for a numeric field that contains a date or time value. The editing value determines how
the values for the date or time field are to appear in your query report (if you use option 2 as the edit
option for this field).
Describe Date/Time Field Editing

Field . . . . . . :

Type choice, press Enter.

Date/time separator . . . . . _ 1=. 2=/ 3=: 4=- 5=,

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F16=Remove edit F18=Files

When you first see this display, the edit value shown is the value previously saved in your query, is the
value from the field definition in the file description, or is the system-supplied default.

You can either change the edit value shown or you can blank it out. If you blank out the value, the
system-supplied default separator value (stored in the QDATSEP system value) is to be used, and it is
shown if you return to this display. To use this date/time edit value to edit the field, edit option 2 must
be specified on the Define Numeric Field Editing display.

Any number less than six digits long loses one date/time position on the left for each digit that it is short
(zero values become blanks). If the leading digit on the left is zero, it is replaced with a blank (for
example, if your date/time separator is a slash, the value 000829 becomes 0/08/29). To show dates
without having the leading zero truncated, use the edit word option with a leading zero or asterisk.

Only the last six digits of a numeric field are displayed when you use date/time editing (for example, if
your date/time separator is a slash, the value. 19631001 becomes 63/10/01). To display a four digit year,
use the edit word option.

Date/time separator in Query for i5/OS reports

Type the option number of the character that you want used as the date or time separator in this field.
The option numbers and characters are shown below, along with examples of the edited results for a
value of 100863:
Option Example Meaning of Option
1= . 10.08.63 Separator is a period
2= / 10/08/63 Separator is a slash
3= : 10:08:63 Separator is a colon
4= - 10-08-63 Separator is a hyphen
5= , 10,08,63 Separator is a comma

126 Query for i5/OS V6R1

To remove all the query-defined editing values for this numeric field (for this edit option and all others),
press F16 (Remove edit).

Specifying an edit code in Query for i5/OS reports

The Specify Edit Code display allows you to specify which edit code or user-defined edit description you
want used to edit each value in a numeric field. The edit code or edit description that you choose
determines how the values for the specified field are to appear in your query report (if the report is run
when the edit option for the field is 3). For certain edit codes you can also specify a modifier character to
be used as part of the editing.

The codes available are similar to the codes available to RPG/400 programmers.

To remove all the query-defined editing values for this numeric field (for this edit option and all the
others), press F16 (Remove edit).
Specify Edit Code

Field . . . . . . . . :

Type choices, press Enter.

Edit code . . . . . . _ 1-4, A-D, J-Q, W-Z, user-defined 5-9

Optional edit code

modifier . . . . . _ 1=Asterisk fill
2=Floating currency symbol

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F16=Remove edit F18=Files

Edit code in Query for i5/OS reports

Type the character that identifies the edit code or edit description that you want used to edit the values
in this field. You can specify any one of the following numbers or letters for edit codes: 1 through 4, A
through D, J through Q, or W through Z. Or you can specify any one of the user-defined edit descriptions:
5 through 9.

Most of the edit codes are shown in the following table. The other edit codes (W, X, Y, and Z) and the
user-defined edit descriptions (5 through 9) are listed after the chart.
-- Value in QDECFMT System Value: --
Edit Print Negative Blank I J
Code Commas Symbol Value Value Value
1 Yes None .00 or 0 ,00 or 0 0,00 or 0
2 Yes None Blanks Blanks Blanks
3 No None .00 or 0 ,00 or 0 0,00 or 0
4 No None Blanks Blanks Blanks
A Yes CR .00 or 0 ,00 or 0 0,00 or 0
B Yes CR Blanks Blanks Blanks
C No CR .00 or 0 ,00 or 0 0,00 or 0
D No CR Blanks Blanks Blanks
J Yes - .00 or 0 ,00 or 0 0,00 or 0
K Yes - Blanks Blanks Blanks
L No - .00 or 0 ,00 or 0 0,00 or 0
M No - Blanks Blanks Blanks
N Yes - .00 or 0 ,00 or 0 0,00 or 0

Chapter 10. Specifying report column formatting in Query for i5/OS 127
 O Yes - Blanks Blanks Blanks
P No - .00 or 0 ,00 or 0 0,00 or 0
Q No - Blanks Blanks Blanks

Note: For all these edit codes, decimal points are always shown, and leading zeros are always suppressed.

Query uses the J edit code as the default edit code whenever an error occurs during numeric field editing
or whenever there are no other editing values to use. If an error occurs, an error message is shown along
with the edited result produced using the J code.

For a field that does not have an edit code specified in its definition, edit code J is shown as the default
the first time you see this display for that field.

The other edit codes and edit descriptions are:

v Edit code W suppresses the three leftmost zeros of a date field that is six to eight digits long, and it
suppresses the leftmost zero of a date field that is five digits long. It also inserts slashes (/) between
the year, month, and day. The positions of the slashes depend on the number of digits in the field:
nn/nnn, nnnn/nn, nnnn/nnn, and nnnn/nn/nn.
v Edit code X shows the values in their unedited form. For example, a value of 12 is shown as 1K. You
can think of the unedited form as the character presentation of the hexadecimal string that makes up
the zoned decimal representation for the numeric value. Table 4 shows the unedited presentation form
and internal representation of numbers in zoned, packed, and binary format.
Table 4. Edit Code X Examples
Internal
Unedited Representation (How
Format Length/ Dec. Places Actual Value Presentation Stored)
Zoned 7 549134 0549134 XF0F5F4F9F1F3F4
Packed 7 549134 0549134 X0549134F
Binary 7 549134 0549134 X008610E
Zoned 5/2 -319.34 3194N XF3F1F9F4D5
Packed 5/2 -319.34 3194N X31945D
Binary 5/2 -319.34 3194N X000F8337

v Edit code Y suppresses the farthest left zero of a date field that is three to six digits long or eight digits
long, and it suppresses the two farthest left zeros of a date field that is seven digits long. It also inserts
slashes (/) between the month, day, and year. The positions of the slashes depend on the number of
digits in the field: nn/n, nn/nn, nn/nn/n, nn/nn/nn, and nnn/nn/nn, and nn/nn/nnnn.
v Edit code Z removes any plus or minus sign from a numeric field and suppresses leading zeros.
v Edit descriptions 5 through 9 are user-defined edit codes. They can be defined to use other characters
or combinations of characters to edit a numeric field.

The negative sign is on the left of the value for edit codes N through Q, and on the right of the value for
other edit codes and edit descriptions.

You must either specify an edit code here or press F12 to return to the Define Numeric Field Editing
display. (You can then specify, for example, option 4 in Edit option and then define your own edit words
on the Specify Edit Word display.)
v The only currency symbol that can be used with any of these edit codes is the one defined in the
system-supplied system value QCURSYM.
v If date/time edit code Y is specified for a field, the field must be three to eight digits long.
v If the definition of an edit code is changed (done outside of Query), the changes are reflected in all
query reports that use that edit code.

128 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Optional edit code modifier in Query for i5/OS reports
Type the character that you want used as the optional modifier for the specified edit code. If you
specified one of the edit codes W through Z or one of the edit descriptions 5 through 9 in the Edit code
prompt, you cannot specify an optional modifier in this prompt.
1=Asterisk fill
Asterisks (*) are to be used as the fill character to replace leading zeros for this field; for example,
****27.03.
2=Floating currency symbol
The currency symbol specified in the QCURSYM system value is to be used as the edit code modifier
for this field. An example is the dollar sign ($), as in $27.03.

Specifying edit words

Specifying or creating an edit word is another way to define numeric editing. It should be considered
when the first three methods do not produce the results you want.

The Specify Edit Word display allows you to specify or change the edit word(s) that you want used to
edit a numeric field. An edit word determines how all the values for the specified field are to appear in
your query report if the report is run when the edit option for this field is 4.

You can use one edit word to edit all the detailed values for the field and, if the total summary function
was specified for the field, you can use another edit word to edit the summary total values for the field.

A blank string enclosed in apostrophes appears as the default for the detailed values edit word for a field
that does not have an edit word specified in its definition.

To remove only the edit word used for this fields summary totals, blank out the Edit word for summary
total prompt. If you want to remove both edit words defined for this field, press F16 (Remove edit). Note
that F16 removes all editing values defined in all four edit options, not just this option.

For the Edit word prompt, either you must specify an edit word or you must press F12 to return to the
Define Numeric Field Editing display. You cannot leave the Edit Word prompt blank.

If an error occurs while a field is being edited by Query, the field is edited with the J edit code, and the
field value is displayed in its edited form along with an error message.

Edit word in Query for i5/OS reports

Type the character string that you want used as the edit word for this field. The character string must be
enclosed in quotation marks and the number of blanks the edit word contains must equal the number of
digits in the field, as determined by the length field shown on the display. Insert a zero or asterisk as the
first character of the edit word to prevent the truncation of leading zeros.

For example, if your edit word is

0 / /

the value of 01251960 becomes 01/25/1960. Without a leading zero or asterisk, 01251960 would appear as
1/25/1960. To specify a blank space in the report result, use an ampersand (&).

Chapter 10. Specifying report column formatting in Query for i5/OS 129
 Specify Edit Word

Field . . . . . : Heading 1 . . . . :
Length . . . . : Heading 2 . . . . :
Decimal . . . . : Heading 3 . . . . :

Type information, press Enter. (Put quotes around edit words.)

(Each blank replaced by a digit, each & with a blank.)

Edit word . . . . . , , 0. -

(These are SAMPLES only; they are not defaults.)

Edit word for

summary total . . , , , 0. -

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F16=Remove edit F18=Files

For example, if you want to define an edit word containing an eleven-digit field with no decimal
positions, and you want commas for thousands separators and CR for negative values, your edit word
would be , , , &CR and a value in the report would appear as 27,345,838,789 CR if it were a
negative value.

You might define 0( )& - as the edit word for a ten-digit telephone number that has been
formatted for ten or eleven digits on the Specify Report Column Formatting display.

The ten digit number 5079876543 would be displayed as (507) 987-6543.

The edit word might be - - for a nine-digit social security number, such as 123-45-6789.

Consider the following as you define your edit words. Each edit word is marked with the CCSID of the
job used to define it so that it can be converted for use in a job with a different CCSID. Refer to CCSID
and column formatting and editing in Query for i5/OS on page 248 for information about how CCSIDs
affect edit words.
v If option 1 (Total) was or will be specified on the Select Report Summary Functions display to get
summary totals for the field, the J edit code is used to edit the field if you do not define an edit word
in the Edit word for summary total prompt.
v The edit word for summary function totals, if used, must have three more blank positions than the
field length indicates, but its length cannot exceed 31 digit positions. The editing positions containing
commas for thousands separators or a period for the decimal point, for example, are in addition to the
31 maximum.
v When an edit word is used, its length is considered by Query in determining the column width used
in the report for that field. If the summary total edit word is defined, but no summary total is defined
for this field, for example, then the length of the summary total edit word is ignored in determining
the column width for detailed output.
v If both edit words are defined and used, both are assumed to be aligned on the right with the last
character in each string. If they are not aligned, the ampersand (&) can be used to add blanks to one of
the edit word character strings so that they are aligned.
v If the widest edit word to be used is narrower than the column headings, the column headings are
centered over it. Otherwise, the farthest right position of the column headings is aligned with the
farthest right position of the edit word.

130 Query for i5/OS V6R1

v If you want a single apostrophe to appear in the edited result, use two single apostrophes () in the
edit word.
v An edit word does not have to have a decimal digit position (to the right of the decimal point) for each
decimal digit in the field; only the total length is significant. Query does not check the two edit words
to see that they have the same number of decimal positions.
v Only the system-defined currency symbol (stored in the QCURSYM system value), can be used as a
floating currency symbol. Any other symbol specified will not float; it stays fixed in one position.
v If the length of the field or its decimal positions value changes, the edit words may no longer be
correct. In this case, Query uses the J edit code to edit the field value when necessary.

Edit word for summary total in Query for i5/OS reports

If option 1 (Total) was specified on the Select Report Summary Functions display to get summary totals
for this field, you must type the character string that you want used as the summary total edit word for
this field. The character string must be enclosed in quotation marks and must have a blank position for
each digit in the field, plus three more than the length of the field shown at the top of the display, up to
a maximum of 31 positions. To specify a blank space in the report result, use an ampersand (&).

For example, if you want to define an edit word long enough for the total values for an 8-digit field with
no decimal positions, and you want commas for thousands separators, and CR for negative values, your
edit word would be , , , &CR and a value in the report would appear as 27,345,838,789 CR
if it were a negative value.

If you do not specify an edit word here and you specify on the Select Report Summary Functions display
that the field be totaled, the J edit code is used to edit summary totals for the field.

Chapter 10. Specifying report column formatting in Query for i5/OS 131
132 Query for i5/OS V6R1
Chapter 11. Specifying report summary functions in Query for
i5/OS reports
This chapter describes how to specify the summary functions for each of the selected fields in your query
output. Depending on the type of field, you can specify one or more (or all) of the types of summary
functions for each field in your report: total, average, minimum value, maximum value, and count. All of
them can be used for numeric fields, and all except total and average can be used for character (SBCS and
DBCS), date, time, and timestamp fields.

For each field for which you specify summary functions, Query calculates summary values and includes
them in the report. Query calculates these summary values at each report break (break levels 1 through 6)
defined in this query and at the end of the report (break level 0). Each type of summary is shown on a
separate line in the report, with a descriptive abbreviation shown on the left of the summary values (see
Chapter 12, Defining Query for i5/OS report breaks).

For example, assume that your query has a numeric result field named ITEMTOT defined using the
expression QUANTITY * ITEMCOST (two numeric fields being multiplied together). These two fields are used
to calculate the cost of each item ordered in the ITEM field. You might define the following summary
functions for those fields: count for the ITEM field, total and maximum for the QUANTITY field, maximum for
the ITEMCOST field, and total and maximum for the ITEMTOT field. The following is an example of how part
of a report might look for a customer named Z Z Smith:
ITEM QUANTITY ITEMCOST ITEMTOT

Bolt 12 .10 1.20

Hammer 2 8.50 17.00
Ruler 1 2.00 2.00
Screw 6 .05 .30

Totals for: Z Z Smith

TOTAL 21 20.50
MAX 12 8.50 17.00
COUNT 4

Each summary function result for each field (column) is calculated and included as a summary value
(similar to a subtotal) at every defined report break and as a final summary (final total) at the end of the
report. (However, using the Define Report Break display, you can format a particular break level to
suppress the summary information. In this case, when a break occurs, a blank line and possibly break
text that includes break values, if defined, is used.)

Summary function results, if defined, can appear in all three types (displayed, printed, and database) and
both forms (detailed and summary) of output, with one exception: they cannot be included if the report
is to a database file in detailed form.

Types of summary functions in Query for i5/OS reports

On the Select Report Summary Functions display, you can enter the number of one or more of the
following options to specify the types of summary functions to be used for the fields. You can specify as
many options for as many fields as you want, if they are valid for that type of field. If you type more
than one option for a field, they can be typed in any order. The order that the summaries appear in the
report, however, is the same as listed here, and cannot be changed:
1=Total
Shows the sum of the values in the field for the break level or for the whole column (numeric fields
only). Null values are ignored unless all values are null, then the total is null.

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 133

2=Average
Shows the average of the values in the field for the break level or for the whole column (numeric
fields only). The average is the total divided by the count (number of values that are not null used to
determine the total). If the total is null, then the average is null.
3=Minimum
Shows the lowest character or numeric value in the field for the break level or for the whole column.
The minimum of date, time, or timestamp values is based on chronological order. Null values are
ignored unless all values are null, then the minimum is null.
4=Maximum
Shows the highest character or numeric value in the field for the break level or for the whole column.
Maximum of date, time, or timestamp values is based on chronological order. Null values are ignored
unless all are null, then the maximum is null.
5=Count
Shows the total number of values that are not null in the field for each break level or for the whole
report.

When summary values are being calculated for the total, average, minimum, and maximum summary
functions, the original length and decimal position values (in the field definition) are used for the field
calculations, not the values specified for the field (if any) in the Len and Dec column of the Specify Report
Column Formatting display. Also, rounding or truncation is done in these calculations, depending on
what you specify on the Specify Processing Options display (see Chapter 14, Specifying Query for i5/OS
processing options).
Select Report Summary Functions

Type options, press Enter.

1=Total 2=Average 3=Minimum 4=Maximum 5=Count

---Options--- Field
5 _ _ _ _ ITEM
1 4 _ _ _ QUANTITY
4 _ _ _ _ ITEMCOST
1 4 _ _ _ ITEMTOT

Bottom

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous F11=Display text

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F18=Files F23=Long comment

This display shows all the fields (including result fields) that are available to be used in your report. The
fields are listed in the order that they will be shown in the report:
v If fields were selected on the Select and Sequence Fields display, they would be listed on this display
in the order that they were specified (includes result fields).
v If no fields were selected on the Select and Sequence Fields display, all the fields in the query would be
shown in the following order:
1. All sort fields (if any) in their order of sort priority.
2. Any result fields not selected as sort fields.
3. All other fields, in the order they exist in the record format definitions used in the selected files.
Fields from the first file are listed first, followed by those in the second file, and so on.

134 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Summary functions can be specified for as many of these fields as you want, as long as that type of
function is valid for that type of field.

Summarizing columns in Query for i5/OS reports

The collating sequence that you select (see Chapter 9, Selecting a collating sequence in Query for
i5/OS) for your query has an effect on different parts of your query definition. If you choose the
minimum or maximum option for one or more of the SBCS, DBCS-open, and DBCS-either character fields
in your query, the selected collating sequence is used to establish the values that appear on your report.
In some cases, blanks are the minimum or maximum value (if a record does not contain data but has
blanks in that field) and are used for your query output.

A CCSID is associated with a collating sequence. Different CCSIDs can cause different results for
MINIMUM and MAXIMUM processing. See CCSID and summary functions in Query for i5/OS on
page 248 for information on how CCSIDs affect summary functions.

Location of column summary values in Query for i5/OS reports

In a report that lists the detail information from the query, summary values are shown directly below the
column(s) for which they are specified, at the end of the report, and/or after each report break. In a
report that lists summary information only, summary values are shown directly below the column
headings after any line of break fields for report breaks. Specifying whether you want detail or summary
information is described in Chapter 13, Selecting output type and output form in Query for i5/OS
reports.

Each type of summary is shown on a separate line. The descriptive abbreviation (TOTAL, AVG, MIN,
MAX, or COUNT) for each summary is placed to the left of the summary value, and is separated from
the value by at least one space. (You cannot change the placement of this information or the order in
which the summaries are shown.)

For example, if you have a result field of TOTDUE for which you want a total and maximum value to show
on the report, and you want a count of all records in the report, your report would look something like
this:
Accounts Receivable Summary

NAME TOTAL DUE

Jones B D 5.00
Kagy R L 25.39
Vine S S .00
Johnson J A 140.28
Alison J S 36.36
Henning G K 1,900.50
Stevens K L 6.90
Wilson T N 15.00
Doe J W .00

FINAL TOTALS
TOTAL 2,129.43
MAX 1,900.50
COUNT 9

Each AVG, MIN, and MAX value is edited in the same way as the column in which it appears.

Chapter 11. Specifying report summary functions in Query for i5/OS reports 135
136 Query for i5/OS V6R1
Chapter 12. Defining Query for i5/OS report breaks
This chapter describes how you define the report breaks that you want to occur in your query report.
Report breaks are used to break the report into groups of records (or lines) each time the value of a
report break field changes. The second part of this chapter describes how, for each of your report breaks,
you can control report break formatting and define break text messages.

The primary reason for defining report breaks is to provide a basis (along with your selected sort fields)
for Query to create a set of subtotals for each logical group of records in your output. An example of a
logical group of records would be all of the time records for one employee. Another example would be
all of the employee records for an entire department. A third example would be all of the sales activity
records for one inventory item.

If daily time records existed for each employee, at the end of a pay period you could have Query process
all of the records and create two kinds of groups or subtotals. To accomplish this you would have to
define two report break fields (DEPTNO and EMPNO, for example) and select the same two fields as sort
fields. If you assigned a sort priority of 10 to DEPTNO and a sort priority of 20 to EMPNO, Query would
arrange the records in groups so that they would appear on your report by employee number within
department number (starting with the lowest number employees records in the first or lowest
department number, followed by all the remaining in ascending sequence).

If you also defined break level 1 as DEPTNO and break level 2 as EMPNO, Query would create group or level
breaks and would print or display subtotals for each group based on what you specified for your Report
Summary functions (see Chapter 11, Specifying report summary functions in Query for i5/OS reports
for details). If you only wanted final totals at the end of the report, you would not have to define any
report breaks in this example.

When a report break occurs for each group of records selected by the query, break text (if any) is shown
following a blank line. The break text is then followed by a separate line for each type of summary
function being used in your query. On each summary function line is the name of the function and all the
summary values calculated at that report break for all the fields using that function.

Defining a Query for i5/OS report break

On the Define Report Breaks display, you select each field that you want used as a break field and you
assign to it the break level you want it to control. You can define as many as six break levels (numbered
1 through 6) and you can specify multiple break fields to control any break level, as long as you assign
no more than nine break fields for all the break levels used.

For example, you can have: only one break level with all nine fields defined as break fields for it; three
break levels with three break fields each; or a maximum of six break levels, with one field each used as
break fields for five of the levels and four fields used for one level.

If multiple break fields are defined for the same break level, a change in any one of those break fields
causes a break (or group change) level to occur for the specified break level number. This break level
change causes Query to include the appropriate summary values in your output.

A break at one level automatically causes a break at all lower break levels (the lowest level has the
highest number). For example, if all six break levels were defined, a control break occurring at level 4
would also force breaks at levels 5 and 6, and the break text and summary values for each of those three
levels (6 to 4) would be included at that point in the report.

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 137

 Define Report Breaks

Type break level (1-6) for up to 9 field names, press Enter.

(Use as many fields as needed for each break level.)

Break Sort
Level Prty Field
1 1 COMPANY
2 2 DIVISION
3 3 REGION
4 4 DEPARTMENT
5 5 EMPLOYEE

Bottom

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous F11=Display text

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F18=Files F23=Long comment

An example of when you might need to define five report break levels, would be if you sequenced a
group of payroll time records by employee within department, within region, within division, and within
company. In this case you would assign the following break levels:
v Break level 1 = company
v Break level 2 = division
v Break level 3 = region
v Break level 4 = department
v Break level 5 = employee

You can use any field shown in the list to define a report break; however, in most cases, you should use
only sort fields for break fields. Generally, the break levels should be in the same order as the sort
priorities assigned to the fields. That is, the highest assignable break level (level 1) should be assigned to
a high sort priority number (where 1 is also the highest), break level 2 should be assigned to some lower
priority number, and the lowest break level used should be assigned to the lower sort priority numbers.

If you specify a field as a break field that is not also a sort field, you may get extra report breaks in your
report because if the field is not part of the sorting step, records that belong in the same group may not
be grouped together and will cause the extra breaks.

Break definitions are ignored for detail output to a database file. Refer to Building a new output file
definition in Query for i5/OS reports on page 154 for more information on how break definitions and
summary functions are used for summary-only output to a database file.

For summary-only printed or displayed output, a line of break values is shown instead of the detail lines
for the break group. For either detail or summary-only printed or display output, one or more of the
following appears at each report break:
v A blank line to separate the summary information from the column data.
v Any break text defined for that break level, including any break values that are defined in that text.
v Any summaries (totals, averages, minimum and maximum values, and counts) that you specified on
the Select Report Summary Functions display. Columns with no break or summary values to be shown
are omitted.
v Another blank line, or if the report is printed, you can specify for any break level that a new page be
started after the summary information is printed.

138 Query for i5/OS V6R1

v If no break fields are selected, no summary functions are selected and final summaries are suppressed.
Only a count of the records is produced.

In a name and address file, for example, you might specify that two fields named CITY and STATE be
specified as break fields. If STATE was defined as the break field for break level 1, CITY was defined as the
break field for break level 2, and both fields were specified as break values in break text for their
respective levels, then the following sample report breaks and break text might appear in a report for the
following records:
Records in file: | Lines in report:
|
LNAME CITY STATE | STATE CITY LNAME
Brown Rochester MN | MN Rochester Brown
Jones Rochester MN | Jones
Smith Rochester MN | Smith
. . . |
. . . | Users in Rochester MN
. . . | Count 3
. . . |
Adams St Paul MN | St Paul Adams
. . . |
. . . | Users in St Paul MN
. . . | Count 1
. . . | All Users in MN
. . . | Count 4
. . . |
. . . |
Calva Rochester NY | NY Rochester Calva
Doe Rochester NY | Doe
Smith Rochester NY | Smith
. . . |
. . . | Users in Rochester NY
. . . | Count 3
. . . | All Users in NY
. . . | Count 3

If you do not specify report breaks, Query prints or displays all the records in the report, one after the
other without any additional spacing or text.

Break level 0 is another level, provided by Query, that you can use. This break level, which occurs only at
the end of the report, is used to print the final summary values for all the specified summary functions at
the end of the report.

Break level 0 has default break text (FINAL TOTALS), but it can be changed or filled with blanks if you do
not want any final total description or values.

For printed output only, Query suppresses the printing of identical field information within a field that is
defined as a break field. That is, when the contents of a break field are the same in a group of records,
only the first record in the group has that field printed. All the other records in the group do not print
the duplicate contents of that field.

See the previous name and address file example. Even though each record contains a value for the STATE
field, the value for STATE only appears in its column when the value changes.

However, for the first record at the top of every page, all the information in all report fields is printed
again for ease of reading.

Query assumes you want a blank line after any summaries, unless you specify a new page. If you display
the information rather than print it, Query ignores new page requests.

Chapter 12. Defining Query for i5/OS report breaks 139

You can exclude break fields from showing in the report in column format and still use their values in
the reports break text. That is, if you specify a 0 in the Len column of the Specify Report Column
Formatting display for a field, no column of data for the field appears in the report. But you can still
specify that the field be used as a break field so that its value, when a report break occurs, is included in
the break text defined for that level of report break.

The following are additional considerations regarding the occurrence of report breaks:
v For SBCS data in SBCS, DBCS-open, and DBCS-either character fields, a report break may not occur
even though the characters in a field may be different. For example, if the collating sequence treats
each uppercase and lowercase letter as having the same value (Aa, Bb, Cc, and so on), then no report
break occurs if the only change in a field is from A to a, for example. (Collating sequences are not used
for DBCS character data in DBCS fields.)
v For numeric fields, the actual data in the fields is used for determining report breaks, not the edited
form of the data.
v For date, time, and timestamp fields, chronological equivalency determines report breaks.
v For both character and numeric fields, the original definition size of each field is used for determining
report breaks, not any changed size that may have been specified on the Specify Report Column
Formatting display.
v If null values are found, they are grouped together.

The following are sample report breaks showing null values:

Table 5. Sample File Data
Field 1 Field 2
1 AZ
1 AZ
2 XY
2 null value
3 null value
null value AB

If sort and report breaks are specified on Field 1 and MIN and MAX are specified on Field 2, the
following summary only report is shown:
Table 6. Summary Only Report with Null Values
Field 1 Field 2
1
MIN AZ
MAX AZ
2
MIN XY
MAX XY
3
MIN
MAX

MIN AB
MAX AB

FINAL TOTALS
MIN AB
MAX XY

140 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Defining report break formatting in Query for i5/OS reports
The Format Report Break display is used to format each of the break levels (1 through 6) that you
defined on the Define Report Break display. This display is shown once for each of the break levels that
you defined for your query. You can also specify some formatting characteristics for break level 0, which
is the Final Totals break level provided by Query. You can think of break level 0 as the group that
includes all of the selected records. Formatting information on this display affects only output to printer
and output to display.

For all break levels except break level 0, you can specify whether the report is to skip to a new page after
a particular report break occurs. For each break level (1 through 6), you can also specify whether the
summary function values are to be suppressed. You can also specify the break text (if any) that you want
included with (or instead of) any summary information. The break text appears after the column data, on
the line before any summary values.
Format Report Break

Break level . . . . . . . : 1

Type choices, press Enter.

(Put &field in text to have break values inserted.)

Skip to new page . . . . . N Y=Yes, N=No

Suppress summaries . . . . N Y=Yes, N=No

Break text . . . . . . . . Company

Level Field Level Field

1 COMPANY 4 DEPARTMENT
2 DIVISION 5 EMPLOYEE
3 REGION

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F18=Files F23=Long comment

Skip to new page in Query for i5/OS reports

Type a Y or N to specify, for this break level, whether printing is to start on a new page after a report
break occurs for this break level. The summary information or break text, if any, for this break level is
printed before skipping to the next page occurs.

This prompt applies to printed reports only and is ignored for displayed reports. For break level 0, this
prompt is not shown.
Y=Yes
Query is to skip to a new page after any summary values are printed on the current page for each
report break that occurs for this break level.
N=No
Query is not to skip to a new page when a report break occurs for this break level. Instead, it is to
skip the number of lines you specify on the Define Printer Output display plus one additional line
(see Chapter 13, Selecting output type and output form in Query for i5/OS reports).

Suppress summaries in Query for i5/OS reports

Type a Y or N to specify, for this break level, whether summary values (if any summary functions were
selected) are to be suppressed. You may want to exclude summary values for level 0 (Final Totals) if they
are not needed.

Chapter 12. Defining Query for i5/OS report breaks 141

N=No
Any summary values are not to be suppressed. They are to be included each time that a report break
occurs at this break level.
Y=Yes
All summary values are to be suppressed. They are not to be included for this break level.

Break text in Query for i5/OS reports

Type any text that you want to appear at each report break for this break level. The text can be as long as
40 characters. The text appears ahead of any summary lines for this report break.

If you include &XXXXXX (where XXXXXX is any one of the selected fields in your query) in the text, the
current value of the field appears in place of &XXXXXX in the text in the report. For example, if you entered
break text of:
Totals for &CITY &STATE

you might get:

Totals for Glendale CA

If you entered break text of:

&FINIT&MINIT &LNAME

you might get:

JY Clarke

Notice that a blank should follow a field name. An exception is that a second field name can follow a
field name. As shown in the second example, the middle initial field, &MINIT, follows the first initial field,
&FINIT, with no blank between them. The characters /, -, or : may also follow a field name. You can also
type characters directly in front of a field name.

The field names can be uppercase, lowercase, or a mixture: &LNAME, &lname, or &Lname. Blanks at the end
of field values, such as Glendale, are dropped. Blanks in front of field values are also dropped.

Note: Any changed lengths (except 0) specified on the Specify Report Column Formatting display are
used. However, if 0 was specified for a field (to exclude the field from the report in column form),
then the originally defined length and decimal position values are used in the break text.

The inserted value appears as it would in a report column.

v Any editing or formatting specified for numeric fields is applied.
v A null value is shown as a dash (-).
v Replacement characters are used to indicate error conditions.

Query prints only part of the text if the width is not large enough on a printed report. However, field
value substitutions in the break text are either wholly included or excluded. If there is not enough room
left to print all of a value, none of it is printed.

To suppress summaries for break level 0 and prevent the FINAL TOTALS line from appearing in the report,
you must answer Y (Yes) to the Suppress summaries prompt and you must blank out the text in the
prompt for break level 0.

142 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Chapter 13. Selecting output type and output form in Query
for i5/OS reports
This chapter describes how you select where you want your query output to go, and in what form you
want it to be. You can have the output displayed, printed, or put into a database file. You can also specify
that the output is to be in detailed form (which includes all of your selected records) or in summary form
(which only includes report break data as described in Chapter 12, Defining Query for i5/OS report
breaks).

If you do not use this definition step in defining your query, the output produced by Query is shown on
your display and is in detailed form.

If you specify that your output is to be printed or stored in a database file, Query will present additional
displays so that you can define printer or database file characteristics.

Selecting the output type and form you want in Query for i5/OS reports
You can select the output device for your query by entering one of the following choices:
1=Display
The output of your query is to be shown on your display, and it can be shown in detailed or
summary form. The output is the same as that produced by F5 (Report) during query definition. For
information on how to use the Display Report display, you can press the Help key while you are
displaying your query output.

Note: If a query is run in batch, output is sent to the printer, even though display output type is
specified.
2=Printer
The output of your query is to be printed, and it can be printed in detailed or summary form. If you
select this option, the Define Printer Output display is shown when you press the Enter key. There,
you can specify the printer to be used and other characteristics of the printed output. Other displays
related to the printed output are also shown.

Note: If a query is run in batch, output may be sent to a different printer than one you specify,
depending on the default printer specifications for batch.
3=Database file
The output of your query is to be put into a database file. If you select this option, the Define
Database File Output display is shown when you press the Enter key. There, you can specify the
name of the file and member to be used to store the output and whether the output is to be added to
the file or member or is to replace existing data in the file or member.
Both the detailed and summary forms of database file output are different from displayed or printed
output:
v For detailed output to database, report break and summary function output (if defined in the query)
is ignored; only the selected records are put in the database file. Also, if you specify that output is
to a database file, the values in the line wrapping prompts are ignored; database output records are
never wrapped. Report column formatting is ignored.
v For summary output to database, Query produces a record for each defined report break, including
one for break level zero (0). Editing values on the total fields are used.

Note that database output does not contain certain report characteristics that are used for displayed
or printed reports: column headings, column spacing, line wrapping, report break formatting, or

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 143

 printer output definition information. If no field selections are made, Query produces all fields for a
database file. Result fields are ordered last instead of first, as they are for printed or displayed
output.

Even though these characteristics may be defined in the query, they are not used unless your Output
type choice specifies either displayed or printed output. (Because the query definition can contain
definitions for all three types of output at the same time, you have the flexibility to use the same
query for more than one type of option. All you have to do is change the option and run your query
again.)
Select Output Type and Output Form

Type choices, press Enter.

Output type . . . . . . 1 1=Display

2=Printer
3=Database file

Form of output . . . . . 1 1=Detail

2=Summary only

Line wrapping . . . . . N Y=Yes, N=No

Wrapping width . . . . ___ Blank, 1-378
Record on one page . . _ Y=Yes, N=No

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F18=Files

Form of output of Query for i5/OS reports

Type the number of one of the following choices to select the form of output you want for your query.
You can specify that the output for the report is to be produced in detailed form or in summary form.
The detailed form includes all the records selected in the query and any summary information that was
defined. Summary information consists of report breaks, totals, averages, maximums, minimums, or
counts.
1=Detail
For displayed and printed output, the report is to contain both the selected data records and all
summary information. For database file output, only the selected records are put into the file;
summary information is not.
2=Summary only
The report is to contain only the summary information provided at report breaks and at the end of
the report (final totals).

Line wrapping in Query for i5/OS reports

Type a Y or N to indicate whether lines of the report are to be wrapped whenever all the fields in the
output record cannot fit on one line in the report. Line wrapping values are used for displayed and
printed output; they are ignored when output is to a database file.
Y=Yes
The data for each output record is to be wrapped (continued on the next line of the report) whenever
the length of the record exceeds the width of the report. If a field cannot fit on the end of a line, all of
that field is carried over to the next line along with any other fields that follow it. If the column
formatted for the carried-over field would extend past the wrapping width, the field is dropped from

144 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 the report, unless it is a character field and at least one character of its value (one byte for SBCS or
four bytes for DBCS) would be displayed after truncation of the column at the wrapping width.
When line wrapping occurs, Query also wraps the field headings. The results on your report are a
line(s) of field headings followed by a line(s) of field data.
N=No
The data for each output record is not to be wrapped when the length of the output record exceeds
the width of the report line. Instead, any extra fields on the right end of each record are dropped. If N
is specified, the next two prompts are ignored.

Wrapping width in Query for i5/OS reports

For displayed or printed output only, you can specify a value that indicates the maximum width of the
lines in the report. Either type a value of 1 through 378 or leave this prompt blank.

Note: For DBCS-graphic fields, Query adds DBCS shift-out and shift-in characters before showing the
fields in a displayed or printed report. Variable-length DBCS values are extended to the full field
length.

If all of the fields of an output record cannot fit within the specified width of one line of the report, the
field that would exceed the specified width is started on the next line. If you leave this prompt blank,
wrapping occurs whenever the maximum width of the specified display, or printer is reached.

If you specify too small a width, some column headings, fields, or summary function values may be
truncated or dropped from the report. If such a problem occurs, you can either make changes here or to
the Column Spacing or Column Heading prompts on the Specify Report Column Formatting display. To see
the fields in which this may occur, press F13 (Layout). Error messages are shown for each field in error.

Record on one page in Query for i5/OS reports

When line wrapping can occur, you can specify whether you want to prevent records from being split
across pages of your printed report. Type a Y or N to indicate whether you want all of each record to be
on the same page in the report.
Y=Yes
Each record is to have all its fields kept together on the same page. If there is not enough room left
on the current page to contain all of its fields, the complete record is displayed or printed on the next
page.
N=No
Records that start near the end of one page are split as necessary and continued at the top of the next
page. The split occurs after the last complete field that fits on the full page, with the remainder of the
fields in the record continued on the next page.

Displaying wrapping widths in Query for i5/OS reports

You can use F13 (Layout) to show the effect of various wrapping widths. If you do, you see that
wrapping is not a simple matter of continuing each formatted report line on the next line when the
wrapping width is reached:
v Page, break, and final text lines are not wrapped, and are truncated without warning if the wrapping
width is too small.
v Column headings wrap as a band of aligned lines, not individually.
v The Column spacing value specified on the Specify Report Column Formatting display for the first field
in the output is used to indent each wrapped line.
v The Column spacing value may or may not be carried over to the next line, as shown in the example
below. If a field cannot fit on the end of a line, all of that field is carried over to the next line along

Chapter 13. Selecting output type and output form in Query for i5/OS reports 145
 with any fields that follow it. The Column Spacing value for a wrapped field may show up as blanks
after the field on the previous line, as blanks before the wrapped field, or a combination thereof.
The following example shows the original report and the report showing wrapping that occurs if the
wrapping width is set to 15.
Original report:

Position to line . . . . . Shift to column . . .

Line ....+....1....+....2....+....3....+....4....+....5....+..
INTEGER CHAR DECIMAL NUMERIC
000001 1,000,000,001 aaaaaaaaaa 11,111,111.01 11,111,111.01

Report showing wrapping width 15:

Position to line . . . . . Shift to column . . .

Line ....+....1....+
INTEGER
CHAR
DECIMAL
NUMERIC
000001 1,000,000,001
000002 aaaaaaaaaa
000003 11,111,111.01
000004 11,111,111.01
Alignment for the wrapped fields is uneven in this example, because, although the Column Spacing
value for CHAR is 2, one blank appears after the INTEGER heading and field on the first line, and one
blank appears before the CHAR heading and field on the second line. The Column Spacing value for
DECIMAL is also 2, but both blanks appear after CHAR on the second line and no blanks before
DECIMAL on the third line.
v A summary function caption is used for each wrapped summary line. None of the indent space is
available for these captions. Formatting for these captions may cause additional spacing than specified
for the columns on the line.
v If the wrapping width is too small, Query may truncate or discard information that would otherwise
have appeared in the column (such as a column heading or a count summary), or even drop an entire
column from the report. Values from numeric, date, time or timestamp fields are never partially shown.
A column is dropped from the report rather than present it with no part of the value showing.

Note: Messages about truncated and dropped information appear under a displayed report or if you
press F13 to display the layout. There are no warnings about truncated or dropped information
for a printed report.

Defining output to the printer in Query for i5/OS reports

The Define Printer Output display is the first of several printer output definition displays that you can
use to define where, and in what manner, your report is to be printed. This display is used to identify the
printer and some of the print characteristics of the forms (paper) used in the printer, including the length
and width of the forms, the starting and ending print lines on each page, and the line spacing between
each printed record.

146 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Define Printer Output

Type choices, press Enter.

Printer device . . . . *PRINT *PRINT, name

Form size
Length . . . . . . . ___ Blank, 1-255
Width . . . . . . . 132 Blank, 1-378

Start line . . . . . . ___ Blank, 1-255

End line . . . . . . . ___ Blank, 1-255

Line spacing . . . . . 1 1, 2, 3

Print definition . . . N Y=Yes, N=No

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F18=Files

You can also specify whether your query definition is to be printed when the report is printed. If it is, the
values specified on this display apply to the printing of both the query report and the query definition.

These values do not apply if you print the definition using option 6 on the Work with Queries display
(which prints only the definition) or if you specify both database output and print definition (which puts
the report in the file and prints the definition).

Printer device in Query for i5/OS reports

Specifies the printer device to be used to print your query report. If you type *PRINT in this prompt, the
printer currently assigned to your job is used to print the report. If you want to print your report on a
different printer, type the name of that printer device to be used.

Note: If a query is run in batch, output may be sent to a different printer than one you specify,
depending on the default printer specifications for batch.

Form size in Query for i5/OS reports

This set of prompts specifies the length and width of the printer forms that are to be used to print your
query report. If you leave these prompts blank, the length and width values used are those specified in
the printer device file named QPQUPRFIL, which is the only printer device file that Query uses. You
cannot override this file with another device file.
Form length
Either type a number from 1 through 255 that indicates the number of lines per page that are
available on the printer forms to be used, or leave this prompt blank. This length should be the
length of the form itself.
Form width
Either type a number from 1 through 378 that indicates the number of print positions (characters) per
line that are available on the printer forms to be used, or leave this prompt blank. If you specify a
width greater than the width of the form, Query produces the report but truncates any fields on the
right end of the report that exceed the width of the form. If the value specified is greater than 132,
Query forces the characters per inch (CPI) value to 15 and the printer font value to *CPI in the
spooled file that is created.
This does not affect the report width shown on the Display Report display.

Chapter 13. Selecting output type and output form in Query for i5/OS reports 147
 If you want to increase the left margin of the report (with the left edge being print position 1), go to
the Specify Report Column Formatting display and type a larger value in the Column Spacing prompt
for the first field to be shown in the report.

Note: For DBCS-graphic fields, Query adds DBCS shift-out and shift-in characters before showing the
fields in a displayed or printed report. Variable-length DBCS values are extended to the full field
length.

Start line in Query for i5/OS reports

Type a number 1 through 255 that indicates the first line to be printed on each page of your report.
Depending on what you have defined elsewhere in this query definition, the first line of page headings,
column headings, or the next record is printed on this starting line.

If you leave this prompt blank, the starting line is line 6. If you specify a starting line number, it must be
no greater than the ending line value and less than or equal to the form length value.

End line in Query for i5/OS reports

Type a number 1 through 255 that indicates the last line to be printed on each page of your report.
Depending on what you have defined elsewhere in this query definition, the page footing or a record (or
part of a record, if it is wrapped) is printed on this ending line. If you specify an ending line number, it
must be greater than the starting line value and less than or equal to the form length value. If the ending
line is greater than the form length, Query prints the report using an ending value equal to the form
length value.

If you leave this prompt blank, the value specified in the printer device file (named QPQUPRFIL) used
by Query determines the ending line number.

Line spacing in Query for i5/OS reports

Type a number (1, 2, or 3) that indicates the kind of line spacing between records that you want used for
your report. This value controls the amount of separation (blank lines) between all but wrapped lines,
which are always single spaced. A value of 2 or 3 can make the report easier to read if line wrapping is
active and required. A default value of 1 is assumed, and a single-spaced report is printed.
1 Prints with single-spacing (no blank lines between)
2 Prints with double-spacing (one blank line between)
3 Prints with triple-spacing (two blank lines between)

Print definition in Query for i5/OS reports

Type a Y or N to indicate whether you want a copy of your query definition to be printed whenever the
query report is printed. N (No) is the default.
Y=Yes
A copy of the query definition is to be printed along with the query report. The definition is printed
immediately ahead of the report.
N=No
A copy of the query definition is not to be printed when the report is printed.

Specifying spooled output overrides in Query for i5/OS reports

The Define Spooled Output display is another printer output definition display used to continue defining
the print characteristics of your query report. You can specify the type of forms (paper) to be used in the
printer and the number of copies of your report to be printed. You can also specify the spooling
characteristics: whether the output is to be spooled, and whether it is to be held on the output queue to
be printed at a later time.

If you specified that both the query report and query definition are to be printed, the values on this
display apply to both of them.

148 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Completing this display does not cause the query to immediately run and print a report. You must still
use the Exit This Query display (see Chapter 15, Exiting and running a Query for i5/OS query).

If you have your query output spooled and if it is necessary to work with your spooled output, you can
use the Work with Spooled Files display. (You can get to that display by typing the Work With Spooled
Files (WRKSPLF) command on a command line of any menu.) For more information about spooled
output files and printer device files, see the Printer Device Programming book. For information about the
values that are mentioned here with this display, see the description of the Create Printer File (CRTPRTF)
command parameters in the Control language topic in the i5/OS Information Center.
Define Spooled Output

Type choices, press Enter.

Spool the output . . . _ Blank, Y=Yes, N=No

Form type . . . . . . __________ Blank, name, *STD

Copies . . . . . . . . 1 Blank, 1-255

Hold . . . . . . . . . _ Blank, Y=Yes, N=No

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F18=Files

Spool the output in Query for i5/OS reports: If you want to specify whether your report is to be
spooled (as a spooled printer file) to an output queue, type a Y or N. If the output is spooled, the report
can be scheduled for more efficient printing or possibly be delayed until a later time. If you leave this
prompt blank, the value specified in the printer device file (named QPQUPRFIL) used by Query
determines whether the output is to be spooled.

When your query is run, it creates your report and sends it as a spooled printer file to an output queue.
You can specify that either the output be printed as soon as it can be scheduled, or that it be held on the
output queue until it is released at a later time.
Y=Yes
The output for your report is to be spooled and sent to an output queue. When the report is printed
is determined by the scheduling value specified in the printer device file QPQUPRFIL. The
scheduling value is specified on the SCHEDULE parameter of, for example, the CRTPRTF (Create
Printer File) command.
N=No
The output for your report is not to be spooled; it is sent directly to the printer to be printed as each
output record becomes available. This option (N=No) is not recommended; it can result in errors if
the printer is not available at run-time.

Form type in Query for i5/OS reports: You probably do not need to specify this value to print your
query. If you leave this prompt blank, the value specified in the printer device file (named QPQUPRFIL)
used by Query determines which forms are to be used to print the report. If you want to print your
report on a particular type of form, type the name of the form or type the special value *STD.
v If you type the name of a form, it must be a form name that has been defined on the system. After the
query runs and the output is ready to be printed, a message appears on the console telling the operator
to change the forms in the associated printer to the forms type that you specified by name.

Chapter 13. Selecting output type and output form in Query for i5/OS reports 149
v If you type *STD, the system assumes that the standard forms are already in the printer, and no
message is sent to the system operator.

Copies in Query for i5/OS reports: Type a number from 1 through 255 to indicate the number of copies
of the report that you want printed. If you leave this prompt blank, the value specified in the printer
device file (named QPQUPRFIL) used by Query determines the number of copies to be printed.

Hold in Query for i5/OS reports: Type a Y or N to indicate whether your report is to be printed now, or
is to be held and printed at a later time. The value in this prompt, however, is ignored if the value
specified or assumed in the Spool the output prompt is N. If you leave this prompt blank, the value
specified in the printer device file used by this printer determines whether the report is to be held or not.

If you specified that the output for your query is to be spooled when your query is run, your report is
created as a spooled printer file and sent to an output queue. You can specify either that the spooled file
be printed as soon as it can be scheduled, or that it be held on the output queue until it is released for
printing at a later time.
Y=Yes
The output for your report is to be held as a spooled printer file on an output queue. The report is
not printed until the spooled file is released for printing at a later time.
N=No
The output for your report is not held; it is printed as soon as it can be scheduled.

Defining the printout cover page of Query for i5/OS reports

The Specify Cover Page display is another printer output definition display used to continue defining the
print characteristics of your query report. On this display, you can specify whether you want a cover
page to be printed for your report, and you can specify as many as four lines of text to be printed on the
cover page.
Specify Cover Page

Type choices, press Enter.

Print cover page . . . Y Y=Yes, N=No

Cover page title

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous

F13=Cancel F13=Layout F18=Files

Print cover page of Query for i5/OS reports: Type a Y or N to indicate whether a cover page is to be
printed at the beginning of your report.
Y=Yes
A cover page is to be printed. It will contain any text that you specify on the Cover page title prompt,
the date and time of printing, and information about your query (its name, its library name, the files
selected, and text describing the query, if any).

150 Query for i5/OS V6R1

N=No
No cover page is to be printed for your report. If you specify text on the Cover page title prompt, it is
saved for future use.

Cover page title of Query for i5/OS reports: Type the title, or title text, to be printed on your report as
a cover page. You can type as many as four full lines of text using all characters (including uppercase and
lowercase letters) that can be printed by the printer that you specified on the Define Printer Output
display.

If you press F5 (Report) or F13 (Layout) to display the report or its layout, this title is not shown.

Defining the page headings and footings in Query for i5/OS reports
The Specify Page Headings and Footings display is the last printer output definition display used to
define the print characteristics of your query report. On this display, you can specify whether you want
page headings and footings to be printed on all the pages of your report (except the cover page). You can
also specify whether you want to print the standard version of page heading information used by Query,
print only your own headings, or print both types. The standard page heading is used only on heading
line 1 of each page; it contains the system date and time, the current page number, and any text that you
specify here for the first heading line.

If you specify your own heading text or footing text, you can use three special codes in either one (or in
both) that cause the system date, the system time, and the current report page number to be printed
exactly where you want them in your text. These codes are provided so you can use them instead of the
standard headings and format them however you wish.
&date The system date, printed in the jobs standard date format.
&time The system time, printed in the jobs standard time format.
&page The current page number of the report, printed without a caption (you can specify your own).
Leading zeros are replaced with blanks, and values of 1 through 9999 are printed (with no
thousands separators). However, because the page field is only four positions, the leading zeros
are shown for all pages after 9999 (to indicate that there is a 1 that is not printed in front of the 4
printed digits; page 10 000 shows as 0000, page 10 001 shows as 0001, and so on).

These codes can be used anywhere you want in the heading and footing text, and they can be used more
than once.
Specify Page Headings and Footings

Type choices, press Enter.

(Type &date, &time, and &page, or choose standard page headings.)

Print standard
page headings . . . Y Y=Yes, N=No

Page heading
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Page footing
_____________________________________________________________________________

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F18=Files

Chapter 13. Selecting output type and output form in Query for i5/OS reports 151
Print standard page headings in Query for i5/OS reports: Type a Y or N to indicate whether the
systems standard headings are to be printed on each page of your report (except for the cover page). You
must specify an N if you do not want to print the standard headings; your use of the special date, time,
and page codes does not control the printing of the standard information.

When the standard heading is used, it automatically formats and shows:

v On the top left, the current system date and time (of printing)
v On the top right, the page caption and page number (of the current page)

If you type a Y for this prompt and also specify your own heading text, Query prints the standard
information in the same locations on the first line and includes as much of your first line of heading text
as it can. Your text is centered between the standard information and is truncated on the right end if it
cannot all be used. Your other two heading lines, if any, are also centered and printed below the first line.

Note that your other two heading lines are centered on lines 2 and 3, and not with respect to your
heading text on line 1. The longest line of lines 2 and 3 is centered on its own line, then the shorter line
starts at the same position as the longest line does. Any text that cannot fit on either line is truncated.
Y=Yes
The standard heading information is to be printed on each page. Your heading text, if any, is also
printed.
N=No
The standard heading information is not to be printed. Only your heading text, if any, is printed. If
you do not specify any heading text in the Page heading prompt, no page heading information is
printed.

Page heading in Query for i5/OS reports: Type the text, if any, for the heading that you want printed at
the top of all the pages of your report, except for the cover page. You can type as many as three full lines
of text using all characters (including uppercase and lowercase letters) that can be printed by the printer
that you specified on the Define Printer Output display. You can also use the special codes &date, &time,
and &page wherever you want in your heading text.

If you press F5 (Report) or F13 (Layout) to display the report or its layout, this page heading is not
shown.

Page footing in Query for i5/OS reports: Type the text, if any, for the footing that you want printed at
the bottom of all the pages of your report, except for the cover page. You can type one full line of text
using all characters (including uppercase and lowercase letters) that can be printed by the printer that
you specified on the Define Printer Output display. You can also use the special codes &date, &time, and
&page wherever you want in your footing text.

If you press F5 (Report) or F13 (Layout) to display your report or its layout, this page footing is not
shown.

Defining output of Query for i5/OS reports to a database file

The Define Database File Output display is used to specify which database file is to be used to store your
query output. This display is shown because you specified option 3 (Database file) on the Select Output
Type and Output Form display. On this display, you specify the name of the file and file member, and
you indicate whether the query output is to create a new file or member, be added to an existing
member, or replace an existing file or member.

The output to be stored can be the records selected by your query (if the detailed form of output was
specified), or the output can be the summary information produced from report breaks and summary
function values defined in your query. You can also specify whether your query definition is to be
printed when your query output is stored.

152 Query for i5/OS V6R1

For database file output, some report characteristics (although they may be defined in this query
definition) are ignored. If you later change the output type or the output form on the Select Output Type
and Output Form display, these defined characteristics can be used as specified.

The data from your query is saved in your database file in the order that the fields are specified in your
query. If you requested detailed output, but did not select fields for your query, all fields for selected
records are placed in your database file, followed by any defined result fields.
Define Database File Output

Type choices, press Enter.

(The printed definition shows the output file record layout.)

File . . . . . . . . . QQRYOUT Name, F4 for list

Library . . . . . . QGPL Name, F4 for list
Member . . . . . . . . *FILE Name, *FIRST, *FILE, F4 for list

Data in file . . . . . 1 1=New file, 2=Replace file

3=New member, 4=Replace member
5=Add to member

For a new file:

Authority . . . . . *LIBCRTAUT *LIBCRTAUT, *CHANGE, *ALL
*EXCLUDE, *USE
authorization list name
Text . . . . . . . . ______________________________________________

Print definition . . . N Y=Yes, N=No

F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Report F10=Process/previous

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F18=Files

The following considerations apply when you define your query to put its output in a database file:
v Unless you use lists to select them, the file and library names that you specify on this display are not
checked at this time for their existence or for your authority to use them. These items are checked
when the query is run. The file is also checked to ensure that it is a database file.
v Query for i5/OS cannot put data into a file while running a query that gets data from that file.
Although you can specify a file you have already selected as an input file for this query, you cannot
run the query without using file selection override.
v If summary-only output is being used and an overflow error occurs in a summary for a numeric field,
9s are put in the summary field instead of the data. If the field contains floating-point data, then 0s are
used instead. If the field contains date or timestamp data, then the highest possible chronological value
is used. The overflow indicator has an asterisk (*) in it when data has overflowed for any break or
summary fields.
v If you change only the value in the Library prompt, the information on the Define Database File Output
display is not saved when you define your query. If a query is run when no information is defined for
this display, the library used for output is the profile value. Changing the default value for the Library
prompt updates the Query for i5/OS user's profile value for that prompt.
v If a database file is being created or replaced, Query for i5/OS builds a new file definition that matches
the attributes of the query data. If a file member is being created, replaced, or added to, the existing
output file definition is not changed and the query data might be converted as it is placed in the file.

Using an existing output file definition in Query for i5/OS reports

Values from a null-capable field can be placed into a field that is not null-capable. The first null value
encountered causes an error that ends output.

Values from a date, time, or timestamp field can be placed into any field of the same data type,
regardless of any differences in the format or separator.

Chapter 13. Selecting output type and output form in Query for i5/OS reports 153
Note: This can cause an unwanted result if a date value outside the range 1940 through 2039 is put into a
file field that has a two-digit year format. The value will be shown as pluses (++++++) on a report.
To avoid this result, either use the CHAR function to see the data in a four-digit year format when
you query the data, or change the attributes of the file field to a four-digit year format.

The record format printed at the end of the query definition shows the field characteristics of the existing
output file.

Building a new output file definition in Query for i5/OS reports

Some format and field definition information from the input file definition is copied unchanged, some is
used in algorithms for defining parts of the output definition, and some is ignored.

Even if your query only sorts or selects records from a single file, the output file definition that Query for
i5/OS creates when creating or replacing a file is likely to differ from that of the input file definition.
Query for i5/OS creates only physical files, and does not use everything in each input field definition
when building the format definition. For example, a long comment is not carried over from the
referenced field.

Even if the expression for a result field is a field name from a single file, the output field defined for the
result field differs from that of the referenced field. Data type, size, keyboard shift (DBCS subtype), and
null capability are considered in the algorithms used to derive the result definition. Column headings,
text, editing, null value defaults, and so on, are not carried over.

Specified formatting overrides saved in the query definition are used in summary only output definitions.
The column heading, size, and expression specified to define a result field are used for detail output
definitions and (when not overridden) for break fields in summary output definitions.

Query for i5/OS creates field names to avoid duplication and to reflect the nature of the function that is
applied in summary output.

Text and column headings for summary-function fields are created from input field names and
translatable summary function captions. The CCSID assigned depends on where the name originated. The
query definition CCSID is used for result fields and the appropriate file format definition CCSID is used
for file fields.

For result fields and summary-function fields, assignment of attributes involves more than just copying
information from a related input file field, which is what happens for most attributes for detail and break
fields.

Some assigned attributes for result fields (type, size, editing) and defined attributes for input file fields
can be determined while you are working on the definition because they are shown in field lists or
presented as initial defaults.

The layout shown for F13 may be helpful if you keep in mind that it represents characteristics of
displayed or printed output, which shows result fields first (not last) when no fields are selected, does
not have individual columns for summary function values, and applies formatting overrides to detail as
well as summary output.

The record format printed for option 6 (Print definition) shows additional information, such as the coded
character set identifier (CCSID), null capability, and the specific data type of numeric fields. For summary
output, for example, you can see that certain fields (totals, averages, counts, nonfloating-point numeric
breaks, minimums, and maximums) are zoned decimal, even if the underlying field is binary or packed.

One way to see how the file will be created without actually running a long query is to create it using
record selections that cause no records to be added. The format definition of the new file can then be

154 Query for i5/OS V6R1

displayed to see if it is satisfactory or changed to have the attributes that you want. Displaying the
format definition is the only way to determine some of the assigned attributes, such as the allocated
length for variable length fields. Changing the format definition is the only way to specify certain
attributes, such as a preferred default for null values.

Specifying an output database file for Query for i5/OS reports

File: To specify the database file that is to store your query output, you can type a file name, use the
name already shown, or press F4 (Prompt) to see a list of existing file names. If you intend to use an
existing file, you can select the one you want from the displayed list. If you intend to create a new file, the
file name you specify should not exist in the library where you want the new file stored. See
Appendix A, Differences between Query for i5/OS and Query/36 for more information.

Do one of the following:

v Type the name of the database file that is to contain the output of your query.
v Leave the file name that is shown. However, if the name is QQRYOUT, you might want to change it;
QQRYOUT is a file that others can use. They might use it and replace your data, or you might replace
theirs.
v With the cursor in the File prompt, press F4 (Prompt) to see, on the Select File display, a list of all the
files that you have the authority to use in the specified library or library list.
If you intend to use an existing file, you can select the one you want from the list.
If you want to create a new file:
You should verify that the name you want to use is not in the list. (Note, however, that you see only
the files that you have the authority to use, and that even though a file by that name may not exist
now, it could be created before the time you actually run this query. At that time, if a file by that
name exists in the library you specified, you get an error message and you will have to change this
query definition or replace the existing file.)
The file name must begin with an alphabetic character (A through Z, $, #, or @), and it can be
followed by no more than nine alphanumeric characters (A through Z, 0 through 9, $, #, @, ., or _);
for example, NAMEADDR or INVEN_12.
Because most system-supplied objects begin with Q, do not start your file names with a Q. Also, if
you have systems in countries that use different languages, you might not want to use $, #, or @
because they might not be translatable characters.

Library in Query for i5/OS reports: Shows the name of the library that contains or will contain the
database file to be used. The initial library value shown in this prompt is: the value last used on this
display, the name of your current library (if specified), or QGPL if you have never used this display and
you do not have a current library.

If you want to use a different library than the one shown, you can type a different library name or press
F4 (Prompt) to see a list of library names. Do one of the following:
v Type the name of the library that contains or will contain the file for the query output.
v If you type a generic library name (in the form of ABC*) or a special library name (*LIBL, *USRLIBL,
*ALL, or *ALLUSR), and then press F4 with the cursor in this prompt, the specified list of library names
is shown on the Select Library display. When you select the library you want from the list and press
Enter, you return to this display with the selected name filled in.

Member in Query for i5/OS reports: Type the name of the member in the specified database file that
you want your output to be placed in. You can also specify *FILE (the default), *FIRST or *LAST; if one of
these is used, the value is changed to the actual member name when your query is run.

Or, with the cursor located in this prompt, you can press F4 to list the members in the file, and select one
from the list; however, if you are creating a new member, you should use a name not shown in the list.

Chapter 13. Selecting output type and output form in Query for i5/OS reports 155
If you specify *FILE, *FIRST, or *LAST in this prompt, a member is created with the same name as the
file if the file is created or replaced or has no members.

If *FIRST or *LAST is used with a request to put the output into a new member of an existing file that
contains members, Query for i5/OS sends an error message. You need to cancel the request or replace the
member named in the message.

Data in file in Query for i5/OS reports: Type the number of one of the following options to tell Query
(at the time it is running your query) how to use the file and member you specified in the File and
Member prompts:
1=New file
Creates a new file with the name specified in the File prompt and a member with the name indicated
in the Member prompt. While running the query, if Query finds a file by that name in the library
specified in the Library prompt, a message is displayed. You can either type a C (cancel) to cancel
running the query or type a G (go) to continue running, thereby indicating that the file is to be
replaced by the data from your query.
2=Replace file
Replaces the existing file named in the File prompt with the data from your query. The file and all the
members of the file are deleted, and your data is put into a new member that is named with the
name specified in the Member prompt.
3=New member
Creates a new member with the name specified in the Member prompt. While running the query, if
Query finds a member by that name or a *FIRST or *LAST member in the file specified in the File
prompt, a message is displayed. You can either type a C (cancel) to cancel running the query or type
a G (go) to continue running, thereby indicating that the member is to be replaced by the data from
your query.
4=Replace member
Replaces the existing member named in the Member prompt with the data from your query. All the
data in that member is deleted, and your data is added. If a member by that name did not exist, the
member is created and the data is put in it.
5=Add to member
Adds the data from your query at the end of the data in the existing member named in the Member
prompt. If a member by that name did not exist, the member is created and the data is put in it.

When your query data is put into a file that exists and is not being replaced, the format of the query data
must be compatible with the record format definition of the existing database file. To be compatible, the
following must be true:
v The formats must have the same number of fields.
v Corresponding fields in sequence in the formats (that is, the first, second, third fields, and so on) must
have field definitions of the same data type and, except for date, time, and timestamp data types, must
have the same length, scale, precision, and keyboard shift. Date, time, or timestamp fields need only
have the same data type for example, both date fields.

For any of the options that replace data in existing files or members, the following also controls whether
you can replace that data. The data cannot be replaced in a file or member if:
v Other files depend on the definition of this file. For example, you cannot replace the data in a physical
database file on which other logical database files are based. You can use the Display Database
Relations (DSPDBR) command to see the relationships of a file to other files.
v You do not have the needed authority for the file to be replaced.
v The file is not a physical file or it has more than one format definition.
v The output file or member names are the same as any of the selected files or members used in your
query.

156 Query for i5/OS V6R1

For all options, if the file does not exist in the specified library, Query tries to create that file.

Authority in Query for i5/OS reports: Type the value for the kind of object authority that you want to
give to other users for your database file. (This authority value is used only if your query creates a new
file.) The values that you can specify are:
*LIBCRTAUT
Library create authority assigns the authority from the create authority (CRTAUT) value in the
library the object is being created into. The authority could be *ALL, *CHANGE, *EXCLUDE, *USE,
or an authorization list name. Your ability to use the file depends on the authority assigned.
*CHANGE
Change authority allows other users to perform all operations on the object except those limited to
the owner or controlled by object existence authority and object management authority. A user can
change or use the file in any way except to: replace or add new members, delete the file, or transfer it
to a new owner.
*ALL
All authority allows other users to perform all operations on the object except those limited to the
owner or controlled by authorization list management rights. A user can do anything with the file
(including deleting it), except for transferring it to a new owner.
*EXCLUDE
Exclude authority prevents other users from doing anything with the file. Unless given specific types
of authority, no user except its owner can use the file.
*USE
Use authority allows other users to read records in the file.
authorization list name
If you specify the name of an authorization list, its authority is used to control the ability that users
have to use the file. For more information, see the Security reference book.

The following table shows, for each predefined type of authority, what can be done with the file:
Type of Create Replace Add New Add to Replace
Authority New File the File Member Member Member
--------- -------- -------- ------- ------ -------
*ALL Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
*CHANGE Yes No No Yes No
*USE Yes No No No No
*EXCLUDE Yes No No No No

Note: If the authority you specify is *LIBCRTAUT, the value assigned when the object was created is
used.

Text in Query for i5/OS reports: You can type a comment (text) of up to and including 50 characters in
this prompt to describe a file that Query for i5/OS creates or replaces when this query is run. The
comment reminds you what the file is for when it is displayed later in a list of files. The comment is
displayed, for example, on the Select File display whenever the Text column is shown.

Print definition in Query for i5/OS reports: Type a Y or N to indicate if you want a copy of your query
definition to be printed whenever the query output is stored in the database file. N (No) is the default.
Y=Yes
A copy of your query definition (and the output database file definition) is to be printed whenever
the query output is stored in the file.
N=No
A copy of the query definition is not to be printed when the query is run.

Chapter 13. Selecting output type and output form in Query for i5/OS reports 157
Summary-only output of a Query for i5/OS report to a database file
The data sent to a database file, when summary-only output is selected, is one of the following:
v If no summary functions or report breaks have been selected, the output is a single record containing a
count of the records selected by your query.
v If summary functions but no report breaks have been selected, the output is a single record containing
summary function values.
v If report breaks but no summary functions have been selected, the output is a record containing report
break values for each report break.
v If both summary functions and report breaks have been selected, the output is a record containing
report break values and summary function values for every report break and for the final totals.

For a better understanding of summary-only output to a database file, compare the summary database
file output with a printed report from the same query. The data produced is the same (if no summaries
have been suppressed), but the layout of the data is different. If you print the query definition for a
query with output sent to a database file, the record format layout is included.

The information in each summary-only record that is output to a database file has the following format:
v The first position of each record contains a break level number.
v The second position of each record contains an overflow indicator.
v The third position of each record begins the actual data.

The break level is a number from 0 through 6, which identifies the different report break levels output to
a record. A 0 identifies a final total (summary) record. The numbers 1 through 6 identify a report break
and correspond to the level number associated with the report break.

The overflow indicator indicates when data has overflowed in 1 or more fields in this record. The
indicator position is blank if overflow has not occurred. An asterisk (*) appears if any calculated field
overflows. The field that overflowed is filled with the maximum value for a field of that type and size (a
string of asterisks ***** appears for the value in a printed or displayed report).

The output data is grouped together by field with the report break values followed by any summary
function values for the field. The data for break fields with priority lower than the current break level is
considered null. If the corresponding field in the output file is not null capable, Query for i5/OS uses the
null-value defaults (like blanks for character data). Summary data is displayed or printed in the following
order: total, average, minimum, maximum, and count. If a field is totaled, Query adds 3 digits to the field
length to hold the total (up to a maximum of 31 digits). Count summary values are 7 characters long and
are zoned decimal. Break and summary values for packed and binary data are converted to zoned
decimal format when saved in a database file. Date, time, and timestamp data is saved in internal format.
DBCS-graphic data is saved without shift-out and shift-in characters.

As an example, assume you have an input file containing personnel information about all state
employees. You set up a query that requests total salary, average salary, and the number of employees in
each county and city. The query sorts on two fields: CITY within COUNTY. Report breaks are defined for
these fields and the Salary field for each county is totaled, averaged, and counted.

If you ran this query and selected summary-only output, the following seven records would be sent to a
database file:
2 Los Angeles Arcadia 00007000000 03500000 0000002
2 Los Angeles Glendale 00009000000 04500000 0000002
1 Los Angeles ......... 00016000000 04000000 0000004
2 Orange Costa Mesa 00006000000 03000000 0000002
2 Orange Irvine 00008000000 04000000 0000002
1 Orange ......... 00014000000 03500000 0000004
0 ......... ......... 00030000000 03750000 0000008
| | | | | | |

158 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Break level ID (1) | | | |
| | | | | |
Overflow indicator (1) Total salary (11.2) |
| | | |
County (11) | Average salary (8.2)
| |
City (10) Count (7.0)

The number in parentheses, behind the explanation of the field, is the output field length and number of
decimal positions. A blank break value is shown as a string of periods. Note that the overflow indicator
column is blank, indicating all the data fits.

Note: Truncation or rounding of averages is not considered overflow.

The report breaks for CITY (break level 2) have break values for both COUNTY and CITY. The report breaks
for COUNTY (break level 1) have break values for COUNTY only. The last record (break level 0) contains the
final totals of the summary functions and has no break values. The blanks shown between the fields are
for example purposes only; the actual database file output has no blanks between fields.

In the above example, the query had both summary functions and report breaks specified. If this query
had neither summary functions or report breaks specified, the output would be a single record (break
level 0) containing a count of the records selected by the query. For example:
0 0000008

If this query had summary functions but no report breaks specified, the output would be a single record
(break level 0) containing summary function values for the records selected by the query. For example:
0 00030000000 03750000 0000008

If this query had report breaks but no summary functions specified, the output would be a record for
each report break specified. In the first example above, this would be the first six records without their
summary functions. For example:
2 Los Angeles Arcadia
2 Los Angeles Glendale
1 Los Angeles ........
2 Orange Costa Mesa
2 Orange Irvine
1 Orange ........

Using an output database file created by Query for i5/OS

You can use a file containing the query data the way you do any other file on your system. Therefore,
you can select this file on the Specify File Selections display for another query which might possibly
increase the speed at which your new query runs because the file may now:
v Contain fewer records and data fields
v Be sorted the way you want
v Not need to be shared with other users

Chapter 13. Selecting output type and output form in Query for i5/OS reports 159
160 Query for i5/OS V6R1
Chapter 14. Specifying Query for i5/OS processing options
This chapter describes how you specify processing options for running a query. The processing options
you can specify are:
v Whether the results of numeric field calculations or field length changes done for your query are to be
rounded or dropped off (truncated).
v Whether errors and bad data found in numeric fields are to be ignored.
v Whether warnings about character substitutions encountered during CCSID conversions are to be
ignored.
v Whether to use the collating sequence for all character comparisons or just those that were done in
previous releases of Query for i5/OS.

Purpose of Query for i5/OS processing options

The numeric processing options available on the Specify Processing Options display help you control the
precision and accuracy of your query output. Sometimes you might require that your query output be
pinpoint precise, such as if you were calculating the interest charged to a customer for credit. Sometimes
you may not care if your results are quite so precise, such as if your query calculates the approximate
percentage of customers who purchased more than $10,000 worth of your companys products last year.

If you work in an environment in which CCSID conversions are necessary and might involve character
substitution, you can choose to either ignore or see the character substitution warnings, depending on the
data and reports you need.

You can select whether you want to use the selected collating sequence for all character comparisons.
Specify Processing Options

Type choices, press Enter.

Use rounding . . . . . . . . . . . Blank, Y=Yes, N=No

Ignore decimal
data errors . . . . . . . . . . Blank, Y=Yes, N=No

Ignore Character
substitution warnings . . . . . Y Y=Yes, N=No

Use collating sequence for

all character comparisons . . . Y Y=Yes, N=No

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F18=Files

Rounding numeric field values during Query for i5/OS processing

You can control whether the result of numeric field calculations or field length changes should be
rounded or truncated when your query is run. By typing a Y in the Rounding prompt on the Specify
Processing Options display, all of your numeric field calculation results are rounded (if necessary) when
your query is run. By typing an N in the prompt, all of your numeric field calculation results are
truncated (if necessary) when your query is run.
Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 161
Note: If your query was created on the System i platform, a Blank is shown as the default. If Query for
i5/OS determines that your query was migrated from System/36, an N is used so that the query
can be processed as it was on System/36.

Whether you choose to have numeric field calculations rounded depends on how precise you require
your results to be. Initially, you need to determine how rounding or truncation will affect your results. If
your query uses several multiplication or division operations, the result of a numeric field calculation
may differ significantly whether your results are rounded or truncated. This is because rounding or
truncation could occur more than once for the field as the calculations are performed. For example,
multiplying a customers balance due times an interest rate may supply a result with more decimal
positions than you need or are allowed to have. If necessary, the result is rounded or truncated thus
introducing a small error in the result. Suppose that this result is then added to similar calculations for
other customers. Then all of the small errors begin to add up to a larger error. This error may or may not
be significant, but it will probably be different depending on whether you have selected rounding or
truncation.

Note: If you created a result field for a numeric expression that is too small to hold the integer portion
(the numbers to the left of the decimal point) of the result, the result cannot be calculated and a
decimal data error occurs. Even if you specify N in the Rounding prompt and Y in the Ignore decimal
data errors prompt, Query stops processing if it encounters a decimal data error. The rounding
option and the ignore decimal data errors option function only for numeric data that can be
calculated. See Specify processing options in Query for i5/OS on page 234 for a more detailed
description of the ignore decimal data errors option.

Rounding and truncation are not done just on result fields, they are also done on the average and total
summary functions on the Select Report Summary Functions display and when overriding the numeric
field length on the Specify Report Column Formatting display (such as changing from five decimal
positions to three decimal positions).

You can let Query decide whether the result of numeric field calculations or field length changes will be
rounded or truncated when your query is run. If you leave the Rounding prompt blank on the Specify
Processing Options display, Query decides whether to round or truncate the calculations based on the
environment in which the query is run. If the query is run in the i5/OS environment, the results are
rounded. If the query is run in the System/36 environment, the results are truncated.

Ignoring decimal data errors during Query for i5/OS processing

By typing a Y or an N after the Ignore decimal data errors prompt, you can indicate whether you want
Query to ignore any errors it finds in numeric fields when your query is being run. For example, an A
(hex C1) in a zoned or packed-decimal numeric field is an error. If you have chosen that errors in
numeric fields be ignored, the A is changed to a 1 (hex F1). If you have chosen that errors in numeric
fields not be ignored, either an error message is displayed or the field value is shown in the output as
plus signs (++++). The error you get depends on how the field is used.

You can let Query decide whether to ignore any errors it finds in numeric fields when your query is run.
If you leave the Ignore decimal data errors prompt blank on the Specify Processing Options display, Query
decides whether to ignore decimal data errors based on the environment in which the query is run. If the
query is run in the i5/OS environment, errors are not ignored. If the query is run in the System/36
environment, errors are ignored.

Whether you choose to have decimal data errors ignored depends on whether your data contains values
that cause decimal data errors. You may want to define your query to ignore decimal data errors if the
files it uses have zoned or packed numeric fields that contain data that is not normally interpreted as
zoned or packed data. For example, some applications write blank into a zoned field when the user
leaves a prompt blank. Also, some direct files set all records to hex 40.

162 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Ignoring decimal data errors can have a significant performance cost and should be avoided if the file
does not contain such data. If you define your query to not ignore decimal data errors, it may run faster.

Note: If your query was created on a System i platform, a Blank is shown as the default. If Query for
i5/OS determines that your query was migrated from System/36, a Y is used so that the query can
be processed as it was on System/36. Ignore the character substitution warning.

Ignoring character substitution warnings during Query for i5/OS

processing
The Ignore Character Substitution prompt lets you specify whether or not character substitution warnings
should be ignored when converting data or a collating sequence from one CCSID to another.

Each character field, literal, and collating sequence is associated with a CCSID. This makes it possible to
convert field and literal values to a different coding representation, and to convert collating sequences for
use with data in a different coding representation. Character conversion, when required, is automatic and
transparent to the user. CCSID conversion usually occurs when the user is running in a multilingual
environment. A unique character may be substituted during character conversion for any character in the
source coding representation that does not have a match in the target coding representation.
Y=Yes
Character substitution is ignored and no error messages are issued. Leave the default Y if your
system contains all files with the same CCSID. If you have a primary and secondary language (such
as Spanish and English), character conversion may be done. Leave the default Y if no substitution is
possible, or if you do not care if this happens. If your files have different CCSIDs and you ignore
character substitution, you may:
v See substitution characters in your output.
v Encounter unexpected matching (when differing characters are substituted).
N=No
An error message is issued if a character substitution occurs or could occur when converting from
one CCSID to another, and the request being processed is ended with output incomplete.

Using collating sequence for all character comparisons during Query

for i5/OS processing
The Use collating sequence for all character comparisons prompt lets you specify whether use of the selected
collating sequence should be unrestricted.
Y=Yes
Use the selected collating sequence for all character comparisons. When you choose this option, A
equals a if they share a collating weight in the sequence regardless of the test or data type.
N=No
Do not use the selected collating sequence for EQ, NE, LIST, NLIST, LIKE, and NLIKE tests or for
SBCS data in DBCS fields or constants. This is the default for queries restored from a release prior to
Version 2 Release 3 or converted from a System/36.

Chapter 14. Specifying Query for i5/OS processing options 163

164 Query for i5/OS V6R1
Chapter 15. Exiting and running a Query for i5/OS query
This chapter describes how to exit query definition and the different ways you can run your query.

Ending a Query for i5/OS query definition

When you have finished creating a query and have pressed F3 (Exit) on one of the definition displays,
the Exit This Query display is shown.
Exit This Query

Type choices, press Enter.

Save definition . . . Y Y=Yes, N=No

Run option . . . . . . 1 1=Run interactively

2=Run in batch
3=Do not run

For a saved definition:

Query . . . . . . . __________ Name
Library . . . . . QGPL Name, F4 for list

Text . . . . . . . ____________________________________________

Authority . . . . . *LIBCRTAUT *LIBCRTAUT, *CHANGE, *ALL

*EXCLUDE, *USE
authorization list name

F4=Prompt F5=Report F12=Cancel F13=Layout

F14=Define the query

You can save a newly created query or changes to a previously saved query from either of these displays.

Saving a Query for i5/OS query definition

When you save your query definition, all the values that you defined are saved with it. It is saved in the
library that you specify, and it is saved as a query definition object whose type is *QRYDFN. If this is a
new object, you are its owner, and you can specify which other users can use your query and in what
way. Like other objects, you can display information about it using the Display Object Description
(DSPOBJD) command.

Storing the Query for i5/OS query definition

Query supplies a Y for the Save definition prompt on the Exit This Query display, since most of the time
you want to save a newly created query or changes to a previously saved query. You do not have to save
a query; however, if you do not save it, you lose your new query definition or changes if you choose to
run the query now.

To save a newly created query, type a query name (Query prompt) and library name (Library prompt) if
you did not already do this on the Work with Queries display. To display a list of libraries, position the
cursor on the Library prompt and press F4 (Prompt).

You do not need to supply a query name or library if you are saving changes to a previously saved
query; these names should already be filled in on the display. If you change either the query name or the
library, you create a new query with that name and library, and the original query remains unchanged.

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 165

Describing the Query for i5/OS query definition
You can also type some descriptive text about the query. The text reminds you what the query is for
when it is displayed in a list of queries or printed on the cover page of a report. The text is displayed, for
example, on the Work with Queries display whenever the Text column is shown.

Giving authority to others to your Query for i5/OS query

You can specify the type of authority that you want to give to other users for this query definition object.
What you specify on the Exit This Query display determines how other users can use the query. When
saving a query after creating it, the default authority on the Exit This Query display is *LIBCRTAUT.

The values that you can specify are:

*LIBCRTAUT
Library create authority assigns the authority from the CRTAUT value in the library the object is
being created into. The authority could be *ALL, *CHANGE, *EXCLUDE, *USE, or an authorization
list name. The ability of other users to use the query file depends on the authority assigned.
*CHANGE
Change authority allows other users to perform all operations on the object except those limited to
the owner or controlled by object existence authority and object management authority. A user can
change or use the query definition in any way, except that it cannot be copied, deleted, or saved with
changes made to it.
*ALL
All authority allows other users to perform all operations on the object except those limited to the
owner or controlled by authorization list management rights. A user can do anything with the query
(including deleting it), except for transferring it to a new owner or changing the type of authority.
*EXCLUDE
Exclude authority prevents other users from doing anything with the query definition. Unless given
specific types of authority, no user except its owner can use the query definition.
*USE
Use authority allows other users to run the query or to display or print the query definition. A user
cannot copy the query definition nor save the definition with changes made to it. The query may be
selected for change and saved under a different name.
authorization list name
If you specify the name of an authorization list, its authority is used to control the access that users
have to the query. Query shows the public authority special value rather than the authorization list
name when the query is changed. You can specify an authorization list when you create a query; you
cannot put an authorization list on an existing query. For more information, see the Security reference
book.

The following table shows, for each predefined type of authority, what can be done with the query.
Type of Change Copy Delete Display Print Query Run Change
Authority Query Query Query Query Definition Query Authority
--------- ------ ----- ------ ------- ---------- ----- ---------
*ALL Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No
*CHANGE No No No Yes Yes Yes No
*USE No No No Yes Yes Yes No
*EXCLUDE No No No No No No No

Note: If the authority you specify is *LIBCRTAUT, the value assigned when the object was created is
used.

166 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Running a Query for i5/OS query
Running a query consists of telling Query for i5/OS to use the query definition to acquire the data you
want from selected files, to organize the data into a report format, and then to either display the report,
print it, or store it in a database file.

To run a query, you can:

v Press F5 (Report) while creating, displaying, or changing your query. This runs the query and displays
the report.
v Choose option 2 (Run an existing query) on the Query menu.
v Type a 1 (Run interactively) or a 2 (Run in batch) in the Run option prompt on the Exit This Query
display.
v Type an 8 (Run in batch) or a 9 (Run) in the Option prompt on the Work with Queries display.
v Use the Run Query (RUNQRY) command.

Using function key F5 when running a Query for i5/OS query

If dependent values are not used in record selection tests, you can run a query at any time by pressing F5
(Report) while you are creating, changing, or displaying it. Your query runs immediately, the report is
displayed, and you can see what the report looks like and how any changes you make affect it.

Running a Query for i5/OS query from the Query for i5/OS menu
You can run an existing query by selecting option 2 (Run an existing query) on the Query menu. This
causes the RUNQRY (Run Query) command help display to appear. For more information about using
the RUNQRY command, see the CL topic in the i5/OS Information Center and Running a Query for
i5/OS query using the RUNQRY command on page 169 of this book.

Running a Query for i5/OS query from the Exit This Query display
When you finish creating or changing a query, the Exit This Query display is shown.
Exit This Query

Type choices, press Enter.

Save definition . . . Y Y=Yes, N=No

Run option . . . . . . 1 1=Run interactively

2=Run in batch
3=Do not run

For a saved definition:

Query . . . . . . . __________ Name
Library . . . . . QGPL Name, F4 for list

Text . . . . . . . _______________________________________

Authority . . . . . *LIBCRTAUT *LIBCRTAUT, *CHANGE, *ALL

*EXCLUDE, *USE
authorization list name

F4=Prompt F5=Report F12=Cancel F13=Layout

F14=Define the query

Query assumes that you want to save your query, so it usually supplies a Y (Yes) in response to the Save
definition prompt. Run option is a profile option, and whatever you selected the last time you exited a
query is the default until you select a different value. However, Query supplies a 3 (Do not run) for the
Run option prompt when your query has an error.

Chapter 15. Exiting and running a Query for i5/OS query 167
You can run a query and get the report without saving the definition of the query only if you are running
interactively. (The query must be saved to run in batch.) However:
v If you are creating a query and choose not to save it, it runs only once and then is lost. To save your
query, you need to supply values for the Library and Query prompts. The query name must be a
unique query name in that library. If not, Query issues a message asking whether you want to replace
the existing query.
v If you are running a query in batch, you must save it in a library other than QTEMP before running
the query.
v If you are changing a query and choose not to save it, it is kept without the changes, and the newly
changed or newly entered values are used only if you run the query now. That is, if you changed an
existing definition, the report shows the results of the changes only one time. If the report is run again,
the results are based on the original definition.
To save a newly changed query, you do not need to supply a library name and query name; if you do,
the original query remains unchanged, and a new query is created with the changes you made. Type
the name of the library in which the query is to be saved. Only an actual library name or *CURLIB can
be specified for the Library prompt. However, if you want to first see a list of libraries from which you
can select one, do the following: move the cursor to this prompt, type a special library name (such as
*LIBL) or a generic library name (in the form of ABC*), and press F4 (Prompt).

If you choose to run the query interactively, type 1 (Run interactively) in the Run option prompt and press
the Enter key. Query shows the report on your display, prints the report on a printer, or places the data
from the query in a database file. For more information on selecting an output device, see Chapter 13,
Selecting output type and output form in Query for i5/OS reports.

If you choose to submit the query to batch processing, type a 2 (Run in batch) in the Run option prompt
and press the Enter key. The query is submitted to the job queue specified in the job description for your
user profile.

You can create a query for a file member that does not contain any data. If you run the query, no data
shows in the report or is placed in a database file. However, you can press F13 (Layout) on the Exit This
Query display to check your report layout.

Running a Query for i5/OS query from the Work with Queries display
From the Work with Queries display, you can only run a query that has been previously saved. The
query runs exactly as it was defined. If you want to change anything about the output device, you must
first change the query and then run it.

To run a query from the Work with Queries display:

1. Select option 8 (Run in batch) to submit the query to the job queue specified in the job description for
your user profile.
2. Select option 9 (Run) to run the query interactively.
3. Type the name of the query. If you do not know the name of the query, Selecting a Query for i5/OS
query name from a list on page 14 tells you how to see a list of query names.
4. Type the name of the library in which the query is stored. Query assumes it is stored in the library for
your last Query work session or in your current library. If you do not have a current library, Query
assumes it is stored in QGPL. You can change the assumed library name. If you do not know the
name of the library, Selecting a library for your Query for i5/OS queries on page 16 tells you how
to display a list of library names.
5. Press the Enter key.

168 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Work with Queries

Type choices, press Enter.

Option . . . . . . . _ 1=Create 2=Change 3=Copy 4=Delete

5=Display 6=Print definition
8=Run in batch 9=Run
Query . . . . . . . __________ Name, F4 for list
Library . . . . . . QGPL Name, *LIBL, F4 for list

F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Refresh F12=Cancel

Query displays a report, prints a report, or puts the data into a database file, depending on what is
specified on the Select Output Type and Output Form display. For more information on selecting an
output device, see Chapter 13, Selecting output type and output form in Query for i5/OS reports.

Query uses current data each time a query is run. For example, if a customers address changes in the
file, the new address appears in the data produced when the query is run. However, if definition of data
has changed since the query was created or last changed, the report created by the query may not show
these changes. For example, assume you want to run a query that does not have column headings
specified. The query then uses column headings defined by IDDU. If the IDDU column headings have
been changed since the query was created or last changed, the query may not use the new headings.

When you change a query, Query updates the query with the current IDDU definitions. If you save the
query, any IDDU changes are saved with it. Therefore, you can make sure you have the current
definitions when you want to run the query from the Work with Queries display by selecting option 2
(Change) instead of option 9 (Run). You can then save the query without actually making any changes by
doing the following:
v Press F3 on the Define the Query display.
v Choose to save the definition and run the query on the Exit This Query display.

IDDU definitions are explained in the IDDU online information.

Running a Query for i5/OS query using the RUNQRY command

You can use the RUNQRY command to run a query. The output can be displayed, printed, or stored in
another database file. If the query contains dependent values, you must use the option for specifying run
time record selection and supply the values that would ordinarily come from a record in a different file
or query.

The RUNQRY command can be used three different ways: to run an existing query (one that has already
been created), to run an existing query with some of its definition values changed by values you specify
on this command, or to run a default query based only on the parameter values specified on this
command. (You supply parameters values to give Query information it needs, such as the query name,
the library in which the query is stored, where to send the output, and so on.)

For detailed information about the RUNQRY command, its parameters, how to use it, and some
examples, see the CL topic in the i5/OS Information Center.

Chapter 15. Exiting and running a Query for i5/OS query 169
Following are some suggestions for using the RUNQRY command:
v If you want to use an existing query without changing the file or files to query, specify only a query
and library name (without an input file name). This runs the query exactly as it was defined.
v If you want to run a default query on a file, specify only an input file name. This produces a report
showing the information contained in the first 500 fields of each record.
v If you want to run a changed version of an existing query, specify a query name and the appropriate
parameters to change the definition to what you want. The parameter values you specify on this
command override the corresponding values in the existing query definition, but only when the
command is processing (that is, the changes are not permanently made to the query definition).
v If you specify both a query name and an input file name, the files specified by the input file name
parameter override the file name(s) specified in the query definition. Therefore, if multiple files (and
members) are defined in the query definition and you want to change one or two of them, you must
specify *SAME for the file selections that do not change and specify the values for the ones you want to
override.

When you run a saved query you might not get the results you expected. The items in the following list
can dynamically affect how a query runs or how the data is formatted:
v The language ID or sort sequence of the job (if the query takes them from the current job) is different
than when the query was defined.
v The format of the job date.
v The default for numeric editing for the language.
v The system decimal positions processing value.
v The system currency symbol.
v File overrides may be in effect.
v The job CCSID.
v The Query for i5/OS language installed (if the query specifies option 2 on the Select Collating Options
display).
v The printer file definition.
v The attributes of the workstation you are using to display the report.

170 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Chapter 16. Working with Query for i5/OS query definitions
This chapter describes the ways you can work with your query once it has been created and saved in a
library. In addition to running your query:
v You can change the results of your query output by making changes to your query definition.
v You can copy your query definition to the same or another library. You might do that so that other
users can have their own copy to work with.
v You can delete one or more of your query definitions that are no longer needed.
v You can rename your query by using a new name when you copy it. You then can delete the old
query.
v You can display the definition of your query without being able to make any changes to it.
v You can print your query definition. You might do that if you want a printed copy for documentation
purposes.

Changing a Query for i5/OS query definition

You can change a previously saved query by using option 2 (Change) on the Work with Queries display.
You can supply a query and library name on the display, or you can select a query from a list. (For more
information about using lists, see Using lists in Query for i5/OS on page 9.)

Changing a query is almost the same process as creating a query. You choose the definition steps on the
Define the Query display for which you want to change query definition values. When the definition step
displays appear, the prompts are already filled in. To change the query, all you need to do is change or
delete the values in the prompts.

When you have finished changing a query, you can run it, save it, run it and save it, and so on.

Starting changes by copying a Query for i5/OS query definition

You may find it helpful to use option 3 (Copy) on the Work with Queries display before you change a
query. If you copy the query you want to change, the original is not affected by the changes you make.
Then, should you decide that you would rather have your query as it was originally defined, you do not
have to change everything back. You can delete the changed query (as explained later in this chapter) and
keep the original.

If, however, after running and testing the changed query, you decide you want to keep the changes, you
can delete the unchanged original query.

Changes you can make to a Query for i5/OS query

In general, you can make two kinds of changes to a query. You can change:
v What data is reported by changing the record and or field selection
v The characteristics of the report (or output) by changing the formatting, the summarizing, or the report
breaks

Each type of change may require that you select several definition steps on the Define the Query display
by typing a 1 in the Opt column next to the definition steps you want to change.

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 171

 Define the Query

Query . . . . . . : QRY1 Option . . . . . : Change

Library . . . . . : QGPL CCSID . . . . . : 37

Type options, press Enter. Press F21 to select all.

1=Select

Opt Query Definition Option

> Specify file selections
_ Define result fields
_ > Select and sequence fields
_ Select records
_ Select sort fields
_ Select collating sequence
_ > Specify report column formatting
_ Select report summary functions
_ Define report breaks
_ Select output type and output form
_ Specify processing options

F3=Exit F5=Report F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F18=Files F21=Select all

The options currently defined for your query are shown with a > to the left of the option. You can change
these and define additional options. You can choose as many options as you want from this display. Each
of these options and their associated displays are described in previous chapters.

Each option has its own corresponding display(s), on which you can make specific changes. The displays
for the options you select are shown to you in the order they appear on the Define the Query display.

If you decide you do not want an option that has already been defined, do the following:
1. Select that option on the Define the Query display.
2. Blank out any prompts that are completed for that option display.

If you decide not to change anything on an option display once you see it, just press the Enter key
without changing anything and continue. If you have changed the display and decide you would rather
have it the way it was, press F12 (Cancel).

Pressing F12 does not undo the result of pressing F23 (Save as default). Also, changes Query must keep
as a result of your pressing the Enter key (or F10 or F3) to get to a different display cannot be canceled
later by pressing F12. All other changes you make can be canceled by pressing F12. The following
exceptions to this rule let you cancel all changes for your most recent work on an entire definition option
by pressing F12 after returning from a secondary prompt display to the primary prompt display on
which the secondary display depends:
v Join tests are canceled with file selections.
v Dependent value qualifiers are canceled with record selection tests.
v Editing changes are canceled with column formatting changes.
v Break level formatting changes are canceled with break field selections (level definitions).

If you decide you do not want to keep the changes you have made on previous displays, press F3 to end
the revision and type an N (No) for the Save definition prompt on the Exit This Query display.

When you are working at a display, you can press the Help key to see the on-line help information that
briefly describes how to specify the choices for that option. You can also press F5 or F13 to see how the
changes affect the report the query produces.

172 Query for i5/OS V6R1

When you finish making changes on all the displays you want to change, Query returns you to the
Define the Query display, where the options now defined for your query are shown with a > to the left
of the option. You can choose more options to make more changes, or you can press F3 to end the
process of changing the query.

From the Exit This Query display, you can do either or both of the following:
v Save the query definition with the changes you have made.
v Run the query with the changes you have made.
Exit This Query

Type choices, press Enter.

Save definition . . . Y Y=Yes, N=No

Run option . . . . . . 1 1=Run interactively

2=Run in batch
3=Do not run
For a saved definition:
Query . . . . . . . __________ Name
Library . . . . . ________ Name, F4 for list

Text . . . __________________________________________
Authority . . . . . *LIBCRTAUT *LIBCRTAUT, *CHANGE, *ALL
*EXCLUDE, *USE
authorization list name

F4=Prompt F5=Report F13=Layout F14=Define the query

You can change any combination of the Query, Library, and Text prompts. If you save the query definition,
these changes have the following effects:

Query Name and/or Query Name and

Library Name Changed Library Name Unchanged

Existing query is not changed Existing query is changed

New query created with new name and/or in different New query definition replaces existing definition
library
Text and authority applies to new query Text and authority applies to new definition of the query

If you are replacing a query, you cannot specify authorization list name authority; you must use one of
the special names (*CHANGE, *ALL, *EXCLUDE, or *USE) or blanks (no change).

If you choose not to save the query definition, changes to the following prompts have the following
effects:

Prompt Changed Effect

Query name None

Library name None
Text Text prints on cover page if you choose to run the query and printer is the
selected output device
Authority None

Chapter 16. Working with Query for i5/OS query definitions 173
Considerations for changing Query for i5/OS queries
To make changes to your query, choose the correct options on the Define the Query display. Refer to the
appropriate chapters or appendixes in this guide for information and considerations on how to enter the
definitions that you want. Each query is saved with a CCSID. You cannot change a query if your job
CCSID is not compatible with the query CCSID (one of the CCSIDs is 65535 or they are the same).

Note: See Changing a Query for i5/OS query on page 245 for more information on how CCSIDs affect
processing a query.

Changing your collating sequence on Query for i5/OS queries

A change in your collating sequence can affect join tests, record selection tests, and sorts involving SBCS
data in SBCS, DBCS-open, and DBCS-either character fields. The extent of the effect depends on the test.

Changing the setting of the Use Collating Sequence processing option can change your results. If you set
the processing option to Yes, the EQ, NE, LIST, NLIST, LIKE, and NLIKE tests compare character
collating values. These tests compare the hexadecimal character codes if you set the option to No.

Note: The Use Collating Sequence option does not affect your output when the collating sequence is set
to *HEX.

LT, LE, GT, GE, and RANGE tests compare collating sequence values regardless of how you set the
processing option. A change to your collating sequence can change the records that these tests select. A
change to the collating sequence can also affect your querys minimum and maximum summary values,
the location of report breaks, and the order of selected records (if you use a field containing SBCS
character data for sorting).

For example, you have 2 collating sequences. In one, the character E has a higher sequence number than
e, and in the other, the two characters have equal (shared) sequence numbers. In one record, field NAME1
has a value of LEE, and field NAME2 has a value of Lee. Table 7 and Table 8 show the results of comparing
the strings (NAME1 and NAME2) using various tests for a collating sequence with:
v Unique weights used in all tests
v Shared weights used in all tests
v Unique weights not used in EQ and NE tests
v Shared weights not used in EQ and NE tests

Table 7 applies when all data is SBCS. Table 8 applies when some or all of the data is DBCS.
Table 7. Effect of Collating Sequence and Processing Option on Selection. Both NAME1 and NAME2 are SBCS data.
Yes means the record under test is selected. No means it is not selected.
ColSeq=YES Unique ColSeq=YES Shared ColSeq=NO Unique ColSeq=NO Shared
Test Weights Weights Weights Weights
NAME1 EQ NAME2 No Yes No No
NAME1 GE NAME2 Yes Yes Yes Yes
NAME1 GT NAME2 Yes No Yes No
NAME1 NE NAME2 Yes No Yes Yes
NAME1 LE NAME2 No Yes No Yes
NAME1 LT NAME2 No No No No

174 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Table 8. Effect of Collating Sequence and Processing Option on Selection. Either or both NAME1 and NAME2 are
DBCS data. Yes means the record under test is selected. No means it is not selected.
ColSeq=YES Unique ColSeq=YES Shared ColSeq=NO Unique ColSeq=NO Shared
Test Weights Weights Weights Weights
NAME1 EQ NAME2 No Yes No No
NAME1 GE NAME2 Yes Yes Yes Yes
NAME1 GT NAME2 Yes No Yes Yes
NAME1 NE NAME2 Yes No Yes Yes
NAME1 LE NAME2 No Yes No No
NAME1 LT NAME2 No No No No

Copying a Query for i5/OS query definition

There are many reasons for copying a query. Following are some of the most common:
v To copy a query from someone elses library into your library.
v To copy a query you keep in a test library for experimenting with different files, record formats, and
query features. When you have a query you want to use, you can copy it into your library and keep
the original in the test library for further experiments.
v To copy a query so that you can change it without changing the original.
v To rename a query or move a query to another library by copying the query to the other library and
then deleting the query from the original library.

You can copy a previously saved query by using option 3 (Copy) on the Work with Queries display. You
can type the name of the query (and its library) on the display, or you can, from a list of queries, type a 3
next to the query(s) that you want to copy. (For more information about using lists, see Using lists in
Query for i5/OS on page 9.)

After you press the Enter key, the Copy Queries display appears. (The following display has some sample
information typed in.)
Copy Queries

From library . . . . . . : TESTLIB

Type choices, press Enter.

To library . . . . . . . __________ Name, F4 for list

Replace query . . . . . . N Y=Yes, N=No

To rename copied query, change To Query name.

From Query To Query
ACCTRECFEB __________
INVENTFEB __________
MAILADDR __________
PAYROLLFEB __________

F3=Exit F4=Prompt F9=Reset F12=Cancel

F20=Cancel copy in error

To place the copy in a library other than the library that contains the original query, type a different
library name in the To library prompt. If you do not know the name of the library that should receive the
copy, you can use F4 (Prompt) to select a library from a list.
Chapter 16. Working with Query for i5/OS query definitions 175
To place the copy in the same library as the original, do not type anything in the To library prompt.

Then select a choice in the Replace query prompt:

v Type a Y if you want the copy to replace a query that has the same name in the library.
v Leave the N in the prompt if you want to copy the query to the library only if no other query with the
same name already exists in the library.

To rename the query(s), type the new name(s) in the To Query column. If you place the copy in the same
library as the original query, you must type a new name for the copy. If you place the copy in a different
library, you can rename it, or you can use the original query name.

When you are finished typing information on the Copy Queries display, press the Enter key. If Query
finds no errors while copying the queries, all the queries are copied. If you did not select any other
options from the Work with Queries display (such as change, delete, display, and so on), you return to
the Work with Queries display. If you selected the queries to be copied from a list of queries in a specific
library and did not copy the queries to a different library, the names of both the original and copied
queries are included in the list.

If Query finds an error while copying the queries, the list of queries being copied is shown and an error
message appears at the bottom of the display. The query that has the error is highlighted and appears at
the top of the list. Any queries that were before that query in the list have already been copied. You can
do either of the following:
v Press F9 (Reset) without pressing the Enter key. The copy process is canceled for all remaining queries,
including the query in error.
v Press F20 (Cancel copy in error) without pressing the Enter key. The query in error is not copied. To
continue copying the remaining queries, press the Enter key. If an error is found while copying one of
the remaining queries, another error message is shown and the list is shown again with that query
listed first and highlighted.

Renaming a Query for i5/OS query definition

If you want to rename a query, do the following:
1. Copy the query, giving the copied query a new name.
2. Delete the original query.

These tasks are options on the Work with Queries Display and are described in other sections of this
chapter.

Deleting a Query for i5/OS query definition

When you no longer need a query, you can delete (remove) it from the library. Once you delete a query,
you cannot get it back, so it is a good idea to check a query definition before you delete it. If you delete a
query from the Work with Queries display, you can use F11 to display text about the query. If there is no
text, or if it does not include enough information to help you, you can display or print the query
definition. These tasks are described later in this chapter.

You can delete a previously saved query by:

v Using the Delete Query (DLTQRY) command. For more information about using the DLTQRY
command, see the CL topic in the i5/OS Information Center.
v Selecting option 3 (Delete a query) on the Query menu. This causes the DLTQRY (Delete Query)
command help display to appear. For more information about using the DLTQRY command, see the
CL topic in the i5/OS Information Center.
v Using option 4 (Delete) on the Work with Queries display. You can type the name of the query (and its
library) on the display, or you can, from a list of queries, type a 4 next to the query(s) that you want to
176 Query for i5/OS V6R1
 delete. (For more information about using lists, see Using lists in Query for i5/OS on page 9.) Then
press the Enter key. The Confirm Delete of Queries display appears.
Confirm Delete of Queries

From library . . . . : MYLIB

Press Enter to confirm your choices for 4=Delete.

Press F12 to return to change your choices.

Query
ACCTRECJAN
INVENTJAN
MAILADDR
PAYROLLJAN
TESTQUERY1
TESTQUERY2

F9=Reset F12=Cancel F20=Cancel delete in error

This display shows the query name(s) you chose to delete. (The above display shows some sample
information.) Carefully check the names.
If you are sure you want to delete the queries listed, press the Enter key. The queries are deleted. If
you selected the queries to be deleted from a list of queries, the deleted query name(s) are no longer
included when you return to the Work with Queries display.
If you decide you do not want to delete one of the queries shown, press F12 (Cancel) to return to the
Work with Queries display without deleting any queries. The list of queries is still displayed and you
can change any of your selections.

If Query finds an error while deleting the queries, the list of queries being deleted is shown and an error
message appears on the bottom of the display. The query that has the error is highlighted and appears at
the top of the list. Any queries that were before that query in the list have already been successfully
deleted. You can do either of the following:
v Press F9 (Reset) without pressing the Enter key. The delete process is canceled for all remaining
queries, including the query in error.
v Press F20 (Cancel delete in error) without pressing the Enter key. The query in error is not deleted, but
the delete process continues for the remaining queries. If an error is found while deleting one of the
remaining queries, another error message is shown and the list is shown again with that query listed
first and highlighted.

Displaying a Query for i5/OS query definition

When you display a query, Query does not allow you to make any changes. Each query is saved with a
CCSID. You cannot display a query if your job CCSID is not compatible with the query CCSID. They are
compatible if one CCSID is 65535, the job and query CCSIDs are the same, or one can be converted to the
other.

Note: See Displaying a Query for i5/OS query on page 245 for more information on CCSIDs and how
they affect processing a query.

If you display a query and decide you want to change it, you have to return to the Work with Queries
display and use option 2 (Change). You can print the information you see when you display a query,
although the information will be in a different form. See Printing a Query for i5/OS query definition
on page 178. You may be able to print the definition of a query that you cannot change or display.
Chapter 16. Working with Query for i5/OS query definitions 177
You can display a previously saved query by using option 5 (Display) on the Work with Queries display.
You can type the name of the query (and its library) on the display, or you can, from a list of queries,
type a 5 next to the query that you want to display. (For more information about using lists, see Using
lists in Query for i5/OS on page 9.)

After you press the Enter key, the Define the Query display appears. All the options that were defined for
the query are shown with a > to the left of the option. To look at how the options are defined, you can
either:
1. Use F21 to look at displays for all the options (even those that are not defined for this query).
2. Type a 1 in the Opt column beside the options you want to look at.

You can press F5 while displaying a query to see how a report would look if you ran the query and
displayed or printed a report.

Note: There are circumstances under which the display you see when you press F5 may differ from the
display you would see during a normal running of the query. For example, if the collating table
selected for option 4 has been changed since the query was saved, the F5 display will show the
change, but the RUNQRY display will not.

When you have finished looking at a display for an option and are ready to look at the displays for the
next option, press the Enter key. When you have seen displays for all the options you selected, you return
to the Define the Query display. You can look at the same options again, or choose to display different
options. Whenever you decide you are finished displaying this query definition, you can either:
1. Press F12 as many times as necessary to return to the Work with Queries display.
2. Press F3 to work with any remaining queries, if you selected more than one query from a list on the
Work with Queries display. You return to the Work with Queries display if you were finished working
with all the queries you selected on that display.

Note: You may not be able to display a query if the file definition has been changed since the query was
last used or displayed. Changing the query or the file definition may make it possible to display
the query. You also may not be able to use certain command and function keys while you are
displaying because they are available only when you create or change a query.

Printing a Query for i5/OS query definition

You can print the query definition. The printout tells you what information the query uses to prepare a
report or create a file. You can see the same information on your display by selecting option 5 (Display)
on the Work with Queries display, but the information will be in a different form.

You can print the query definition using any of the following methods:
v Use option 6 (Print definition) on the Work with Queries display. You can type the name of the query
(and its library) on the display, or you can, from a list of queries, type a 6 next to the query name that
you want to print the definition for. (For more information about using lists, see Using lists in Query
for i5/OS on page 9.)
v Specify to print the definition on either the Define Printer Output display or the Define Database File
Output display and then run the query. These displays are described in Chapter 13.
v Specify to print the definition when you use the Run Query (RUNQRY) command to run the query.
For more information on the RUNQRY command, see Running a Query for i5/OS query using the
RUNQRY command on page 169.

When you select option 6 (Print definition) on the Work with Queries display and press the Enter key, the
query definition is printed immediately.

178 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Information printed for a Query for i5/OS query definition
The printout includes the following information:
v A header at the top of each page. This header lists information about the system you are using and
when the definition was printed.
v The query name and CCSID.
v The library name.
v Any text about the query.
v Constants attributes (decimal point separator, date format and separator, time format and separator).
v The processing options.
v Collating sequence information.
v Assorted warnings.
v The file identifier(s). For each file identifier, the printout includes the following:
The file name
The name of the library
The name of file member
The record format selected for the file
v The join tests, if more than one file is used, and the type of join used.
v Any result fields, their expressions, length and decimal positions, and column headings.
v Record selection tests.
v Selected fields, their sequence, sort priority and sort type, and any text.
v Column formatting and summarizing.
v Any report breaks.
v The selected output type:
If the report is to be printed, printer information is shown.
If the output is to be put in a database file, database file information and the field layout are shown.
v The form of output selected, detailed or summary-only, and wrapping specifications.

If you print the definition using option 6 (Print definition) on the Work with Queries display, the printout
includes information about any output type selected for the query. For example, if database file output
was selected when the query was created and the query was later changed so that the output is to be
printed, the printout of the query definition would include both database file and printer information. If
you print the definition using any method except option 6, only current information is printed.

If you print the query definition while using the RUNQRY command (by specifying the PRTDFN(YES)
parameter), the information in the printed definition reflects any temporary changes that you specify
using the RUNQRY parameters or choices that Query for i5/OS resolves at run time. For example, you
might specify an input file name, make changes to the record selection tests, specify a different type of
output, or define your query to use the running jobs sort sequence. There might be missing information,
when compared to an option 6 listing, because Query for i5/OS did not need to use all the selected fields
to run the query.

In addition to information about the query definition, if the query produces output to a database file, a
description of the record format layout is also printed.

Example of printed record format information for a Query for i5/OS

query definition
The following is an example of one particular part of the query definition (the record format layout for
the database output file) that can be printed when the query is run. The information shown below is
printed only if the query is defined for database file output and, in this case, when it sends

Chapter 16. Working with Query for i5/OS query definitions 179
summary-only output to the database file.

IBM Query for i5/OS 08-02-15 10:36:31

Output file record format
Output record length . . . . . . . . . 128
Output CCSID value . . . . . . . . . . 37
Field list:
Field Begin Len Dec Null Data Type Text
BREAKLVL 1 1 Character BREAK LEVEL
OVERFLOW 2 1 Character OVERFLOW FLAG
TM1USA 3 8 T Time FMT SYS
DT1EUR 6 10 L Date FMT SYSTEM
TS1 10 26 Z Timestamp FMT SYSTEM
PK2 20 8 2 Zoned decimal
ZD3 28 8 2 Zoned decimal
ID1 36 3 Character ID FIELD
VC1 39 8 V Y Variable character EMPTY STRING DFT
C1 49 10 Y Character CHAR DFT *NULL
DBCSOPEN 59 8 O DBCS capable DBCS OPEN
DBCSEITH 67 8 E DBCS capable DBCS EITHER
DBCSONLY 75 8 J DBCS capable DBCS ONLY
DBCSGRPH 83 8 G Graphic DBCS GRAPHIC
DBCVOPEN 89 8 OV Variable DBCS DBCS OPEN VAR.
DBCVEITH 99 8 EV Variable DBCS DBCS EITHER VAR.
DBCVONLY 109 8 JV Variable DBCS DBCS ONLY VAR.
DBCVGRPH 119 8 GV Variable graphic DBCS GRAPHIC

v The Output CCSID Value is the CCSID of the entire query. This line is not printed if the CCSID is
65535. If the query contains multiple CCSIDs, a CCSID column shows the CCSID of each field.
v The Field column shows the fields that exist in the output records. Each data field in the record output
is assigned a name equal to the field name as it exists in the query definition. If two or more fields in
the record output have identical field names (this occurs if one or more summary functions are
specified for a field or when files are joined), the first six characters of the field name are used plus a
two-digit number is added that corresponds to the summary function (01=Total, 02=Average,
03=Minimum, 04=Maximum, and 05=Count).
For example, if minimum and maximum summary functions were specified in the query definition for
the FMT field, two fields named FMT03 and FMT04 would appear in the record output; they would
contain the minimum value for the FMT field (FMT03) and the maximum value for the FMT field (FMT04).
This naming is true only in this simple case. Actual naming varies with different queries.
v The Begin column shows the starting byte of the field within the record. For example, the field named
ZD3 starts at byte 28.
v The Len and Dec columns show the length and decimal positions for each field. For example, the field
named PK2 has a length of eight with two decimal positions.

Note: What is shown on the report is the printed output length after formatting, not the
internal-database field length. You cannot add the length to the begin position and get the
beginning position of the next field.
v For nonnumeric fields, the Dec column shows the type of data that is contained in the column:
Blank means fixed-length character
V means variable-length character (SBCS or DBCS)
J means DBCS-only
O means DBCS-open (mixed)
E means DBCS-either
G means DBCS-graphic
L means Date
T means Time

180 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Z means Timestamp
v The Null column shows whether the field is null capable (Y) or not (blank).
v The Data Type column shows the data type for each field.
v The Text column shows the comment (if it exists) for each field. If the field is for a summary function,
the text shown is the field name (without any added numbers) followed by the type of summary
function.
v The CCSID column (if shown) appears when multiple CCSIDs are represented and shows the CCSID
for each field.

Chapter 16. Working with Query for i5/OS query definitions 181
182 Query for i5/OS V6R1
Part 3. Advanced information about Query for i5/OS
Chapter 17. Additional information about Query
for i5/OS for programmers . . . . . . . . 185
Files with different record formats in Query for
i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
File sharing considerations in Query for i5/OS . . 185
Overriding database files in Query for i5/OS . . . 185
DBCS considerations when defining result fields in
Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Joining files in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . 186
Using *ALL in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . 186
Using fields other than sort fields for report breaks
in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Result field length and decimal positions in Query
for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
Tips for dealing with presentation length and
decimal positions in Query for i5/OS . . . . 186
Length and decimal positions used for internal
numeric calculations in Query for i5/OS . . . 187
Addition and subtraction in Query for i5/OS 187
Multiplication in Query for i5/OS . . . . 187
Division in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . 187
Example: Increasing the decimal precision for
result fields in Query for i5/OS . . . . . . 188
Selecting records (ignoring field case) in Query
for i5/OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 183

184 Query for i5/OS V6R1
Chapter 17. Additional information about Query for i5/OS for
programmers
This chapter provides additional information which may be of interest to programmers.

Files with different record formats in Query for i5/OS

You can use a file that has more than one record format; however, you can use only one record format at
a time. If an application you are designing requires processing of different record formats in the same file
at the same time, you should consider using the RPG/400 or COBOL/400 programming language.

For example, if customer names are in one record format and the amount each customer owes is in a
different record format in the same file, a single query cannot print the names of all customers who owe
more than $500. For Query to select records from both record formats, the selection valuescustomer
name and amount owedmust exist in one record format (that is, the physical disk record must reflect
both customer name and amount owed fields).

Note: This could be accomplished in a single query by joining the file to itself. However, the record
formats must all contain a common field. For more information on joining files, see Joining files
in a Query for i5/OS query on page 40

File sharing considerations in Query for i5/OS

Other application programs can read and update a file at the same time Query is creating a report from
the file, and two or more Query definitions can refer to the same file at the same time.

Overriding database files in Query for i5/OS

Your query run results cannot be predicted if you use the Override with Database File (OVRDBF)
command to override a database file. Query allows you to use the OVRDBF command, but problems
may occur because record formats and file members selected for the overridden file may not correspond
to the new file.

DBCS considerations when defining result fields in Query for i5/OS

If you use the SUBSTR function on a DBCS-only or DBCS-either field, the result field is an SBCS
character field. If you use the SUBSTR function on a DBCS-graphic field, the result field is a
DBCS-graphic field. With a DBCS-open field, the result is a DBCS-open field.

If you concatenate DBCS-only fields or DBCS-only constants (or both), the result field is a variable-length
DBCS-only field.

If you concatenate DBCS-open fields, the result field is a variable-length DBCS-open field.

If you concatenate a DBCS-only, DBCS-open, or DBCS-either field or constant (or both) with an SBCS
character field or constant, the result field is a variable-length DBCS-open field.

If you use DBCS-graphic fields or constants in a concatenation operation, all fields and constants must be
DBCS-graphic.

If you use UCS2-graphic fields in a concatenation operation, all fields must be UCS2-graphic.

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 185

Joining files in Query for i5/OS
For joining files (type of join):
v Type 1 join is the same as for Query/36 (on System/36).
v Type 2 join selects all the records in a primary file and records in the secondary files that match the
primary records. (It selects the matches.)
v Type 3 join selects only the records in a primary file that have no matching records in the secondary
files. (It selects the exceptions.)

For a complete description and examples of each type of join, refer to Joining files in a Query for i5/OS
query on page 40.

Using *ALL in Query for i5/OS

You should be wary of using an *ALL join because it can return a large number of records. Refer to
Joining files in a Query for i5/OS query on page 40 in this guide for more information. You can use
*ALL for your join if you are creating a database file with field extension using a one-record pad file, or
there are few records in any of the files being joined and you want all of the formats combined.

Using fields other than sort fields for report breaks in Query for i5/OS
The fields you use for sorting may not be meaningful in a report, so you may want to use fields other
than sort fields for break fields. For example, a field containing the customer name portion of a mailing
label may be used as the break field, while an arbitrarily assigned (also unique) customer ID is used for
sorting. Since customer name is a break field, it can be inserted in break text or placed in a
summary-only database file.

Result field length and decimal positions in Query for i5/OS

Query determines the presentation length and number of decimal positions for result fields when it
creates them in the report. These values are satisfactory for most users. The following sections suggest
when, and how, the user should specify length and decimal positions. See Length and decimal positions
in Query for i5/OS reports on page 118 and Length and decimal positions in Query for i5/OS on
page 83 for further information.

Tips for dealing with presentation length and decimal positions in

Query for i5/OS
In certain situations, the length that Query determines for the result field is larger than necessary. For
example, for result field RESULT10:
Result Field --- Values and Operands --- Layout

RESULT10 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 + 9 999999

Query assigns length 6 to result field RESULT10. Since the result in RESULT10 is 45, only a length of 2 is
needed. You could specify a 2 in Len column and a 0 in the Dec column on the Define Result Fields
display for this result field.

Similarly, for result field RESULT11:

Result Field --- Values and Operands --- Layout

RESULT11 N1 + N2 + N3 + N5 + N5 99999

If fields N1 through N5 each have a length of 1, Query assigns a length of 5 to RESULT11, but a length of 2
is long enough.

186 Query for i5/OS V6R1

In calculations involving many large fields, you can control your results better by breaking the expression
into parts, calculating each part as a separate result field. Then you can use these result fields in an
expression to calculate the result field you want. You can specify length and decimal positions for the
intermediate result fields to minimize the length of the final result field.

For example:
X12 = (1.2998 P Q)/((R + S) * (T U)) + 6

Instead of defining result field X12 in one step as above, you could do it in three:
X12PART1 = 1.2998 P Q

X12PART2 = (R + S) * (T U)

X12 = X12PART1/X12PART2 + 6

If the user knows that X12PART1, for example, is always a number between 0 and 1.2998, the user can
specify 5 for Len and 4 for Dec (on the Define Result Fields display) for X12PART1. This decreases the
length of X12.

Length and decimal positions used for internal numeric calculations in

Query for i5/OS
The following formulas define the maximum length and decimal positions used internally by Query for
decimal calculations for numeric result fields. The maximum length and decimal positions do not
necessarily correspond with the presentation length and decimal positions assigned by Query. The
symbols p and d denote the length and decimal positions of the first operand. The symbols p1 and d1
denote the length and decimal positions of the second operand.

Addition and subtraction in Query for i5/OS

The maximum length for the result field:

min(31,max(p-d,p1-d1)+max(d,d1)+1).

The maximum decimal positions:

max(d,d1).

Multiplication in Query for i5/OS

The maximum length for the result field:

min(31,p+p1)

The maximum decimal positions:

min(31,d+d1).

Division in Query for i5/OS

The maximum length for the result field:

31

The maximum decimal positions:

31-p+d-d1.

Chapter 17. Additional information about Query for i5/OS for programmers 187
Example: Increasing the decimal precision for result fields in Query for
i5/OS
Figure 5 has a result field with a current maximum precision of 31 (length) and 2 (decimal positions). The
decimal precision was derived from the calculation 31-29+9-9.

Define Result Fields

Type definitions using field names or constants and operators, press Enter.
Operators: +, -, *, /, SUBSTR, ||, DATE...

Field Expression Column Heading Len Dec

RESULTA___ PRN299A/PRN299B__________________ ____________________ __ __
_________________________________ ____________________
_________________________________ ____________________

__________ _________________________________ ____________________ __ __

_________________________________ ____________________
_________________________________ ____________________

__________ _________________________________ ____________________ __ __

_________________________________ ____________________
_________________________________ ____________________
Bottom
_______________________________________________________________________________
Field Text Len Dec
PRN299A Field with precision of 29,9 29 9
PRN299B Field with precision of 29,9 29 9
Bottom
F3=Exit F5=Report F9=Insert F11=Display names only
F12=Cancel F13=Layout F20=Reorganize F24=More keys

Figure 5. Decimal Precision Using Default

Note: The presentation length for RESULTA a would be 31,9. You can see this by pressing F13=Layout.

To increase the decimal precision for the result field (RESULTA):

1. Assign each input field (PRN299A, PRN299B) directly to a result field.
2. Replace the input fields used in the original result field expression with the new result fields
(RESULT269, RESULT295).
3. Change the corresponding length (Len) and decimal positions (Dec) for the new result fields so that
the decimal precision sufficiently increases (see the previously listed formulas) for the original result
field (RESULTA).

In Figure 6 on page 189the RESULTA decimal precision is changed from 2 to 9. The new decimal
precision was derived from the calculation 31-26+9-5.

188 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Define Result Fields

Type definitions using field names or constants and operators, press Enter.
Operators: +, -, *, /, SUBSTR, ||, DATE...

Field Expression Column Heading Len Dec

RESULT269_ PRN299A__________________________ ____________________ 26 _9
_________________________________ ____________________
_________________________________ ____________________

RESULT295_ PRN299B__________________________ ____________________ 29 _5

_________________________________ ____________________
_________________________________ ____________________

RESULTA___ RESULT269/RESULT295______________ ____________________ __ __

_________________________________ ____________________
_________________________________ ____________________
Bottom
_______________________________________________________________________________
Field Text Len Dec
PRN299A Field with precision of 29,9 29 9
PRN299B Field with precision of 29,9 29 9
Bottom
F3=Exit F5=Report F9=Insert F11=Display names only
F12=Cancel F13=Layout F20=Reorganize F24=More keys

Figure 6. Changing Decimal Precision

Selecting records (ignoring field case) in Query for i5/OS

To select records ignoring the case, do one of the following:
v Define your own collating sequence such that uppercase and lowercase letters have the same weight.
v Use a system sort sequence with shared collating weights.

You must also set the Use collating sequence for all character comparisons option in the Select
Processing Options display to YES. If for some reason you cannot set this option, you will have to use an
EQ (equal) test alternative such as RANGE or a combination of LE (less than or equal) and GE (greater
than or equal). (This works only if there is no DBCS data involved.)

Note: Changing your collating sequence affects sorting, minimum, maximum, and report breaks. See
CCSID conversions for Query for i5/OS options and functions on page 244 for more information
about how CCSIDs affect sorting, minimum, maximum, and report breaks.

Chapter 17. Additional information about Query for i5/OS for programmers 189
190 Query for i5/OS V6R1
Appendix A. Differences between Query for i5/OS and
Query/36
This appendix describes the differences between Query for i5/OS and Query/36. The Query for i5/OS
differences described in this appendix are limited to the differences that might cause you some
inconvenience if you do not know about them before working with Query for i5/OS. This appendix
defines these differences as:
v Conceptual
v Operational
v Command
v Migration

Conceptual differences
The following list identifies the concepts that are different on the System i platform along with an
explanation of the differences as they apply to the listed concepts:
Subroutines
Queries were subroutine members in a library on System/36. On the System i platform, queries
are a unique object type called a query definition (*QRYDFN) stored within a library. This change
is important because some System/36 commands that work with subroutines might not work on
the System i platform.
Files Files are stored in libraries on the System i platform, so a library name needs to be specified for
Query for i5/OS for a file to be located. System/36 did not store files in libraries.

Operational differences
The following list identifies the operations that are different on the System i platform along with an
explanation of the differences as they apply to each listed item:
Linked files
If an IDDU-defined file that is migrated from System/36 is not linked, you can still run a query
against the file. However, the file will show as a one-field file (that is, if you were to run a
default query against the file, the file would appear as though all of the fields were run together).
File IDs
In Query/36, file IDs are one of the letters A through E. If a Query/36 query is migrated to the
System i platform, all file IDs for files selected for that query remain the same. All files selected
for a query on Query for i5/OS have a 1- to 3-character file ID that you specify, or it defaults to
Tnn, where nn is in the range of 01 to 32.
Joining files
In Query/36, you can join up to five files, and only one type of file join (matched records) is
allowed. In Query for i5/OS, you can join up to 32 files, and three types of file join are allowed:
v Matched records
v Matched records with primary file
v Unmatched records with primary file
In Query/36, the maximum combined length of character fields used to join files is 120; in Query
for i5/OS, the maximum is 2000.
Report breaks
Report breaks for printed requests might be different in spacing. In Query/36, the report skips

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 191

 one line for report breaks unless it is defined to skip to a new page or defined to use double or
triple spacing. In Query for i5/OS, the report skips an extra line for report breaks unless it is
defined to skip to a new page. This means the first detail line after a control break has an extra
blank line printed between it and the last detail line before the break.
Character fields
In Query/36, character fields that were defined in IDDU with a length greater than 256 bytes
were truncated at 256 bytes. Query for i5/OS supports character fields up to 32 766 bytes in
length. Record selection tests that use these fields will now use the entire field for the
comparisons instead of just the first 256 bytes.
Sort sequence
If no sorting was specified in the query, the order in which records are printed in the report may
be different than the order they were printed in Query/36. Also, if sorting is specified but the
field(s) being sorted contain the same value in multiple records, the order in which these records
appear may be different from Query/36.
Result fields
Result fields that use multiplication or division operations in Query for i5/OS might have a
slightly different result in the farthest right decimal positions as compared to Query/36. This
occurs because multiplication and division are carried out to a much greater precision in Query
for i5/OS.
Calculation results
The results of multiplication and division operations are truncated according to the field length
for queries that are migrated from System/36. For queries that are defined using Query for
i5/OS, you can specify that the results of multiplication and division operations be either
truncated or rounded.
Output to file
When the output of a query is sent to a file, Query for i5/OS builds the file as a database file that
has a definition. It is no longer necessary to build the IDDU definition and link that definition to
the file, as was needed on Query/36, unless the QRY or QRYRUN procedure was used to run the
query.
Summary-only output
When sending summary-only output to a file using Query for i5/OS, each report break field
whose break level number is greater than the break level that this record was created for will
contain blanks for character fields and zeros for numeric fields. On System/36, these fields
contained binary zeros. The System i platform operates this way to avoid putting incorrect data
into numeric fields.
Library default
The library default for the input file on the Specify File Selections display and the output file on
the Define Database File Output display is the library that was set up at configuration time for
the System/36 environment files.
Decimal data
In Query/36, decimal data errors were tolerated. When running a query using Query for i5/OS,
decimal data errors are tolerated depending on the value specified on the Processing Options
display. For default queries and queries without the specified processing option value, Query for
i5/OS tolerates decimal data errors in the System/36 environment and does not tolerate them in
the i5/OS environment. See Chapter 14, Specifying Query for i5/OS processing options for
more information.
Message response
On System/36, a user could have an automatic response file set up to handle Query/36
messages. An automatic response file of this type does not handle Query for i5/OS messages.

192 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Printing
Printing with spooling set to N=NO does not operate the same on i5/OS as it did on System/36.
For more information, see the Printer Device Programming book.

Command differences between System/36 and Query for i5/OS

commands
The following table lists the System/36 Query commands and the equivalent i5/OS system commands (if
appropriate) plus some system commands that work with queries:
System/36 i5/OS
QRY WRKQRY
QRYRUN RUNQRY
REMOVE DLTQRY
FROMLIBR SAVOBJ
HELP QUERY STRQRY
LIBRLIBR CRTDUPOBJ
TOLIBR RSTOBJ

Migration differences between System/36 and Query for i5/OS

definitions
Query for i5/OS definitions cannot be migrated to System/36.

Appendix A. Differences between Query for i5/OS and Query/36 193

194 Query for i5/OS V6R1
Appendix B. Practice exercise for Query for i5/OS query
To do an exercise using query, you must first have a file set up with some data. This exercise takes you
through the following steps before you actually create a query:
v Creating an IDDU definition
v Creating a database file
v Entering data

If you already have a file on the system with data that you can use, you may want to skip directly to the
section on creating a query. If you do not care what type of data you are working with, you can create a
query that uses data from the QGPL library. This exercise is described in the last section of this appendix,
Query for i5/OS query exercise: Creating an advanced query on page 211.

Query for i5/OS query exercise: Creating an IDDU definition

In the following example, you are shown how to create the definitions for a name and address file. The
definitions are organized to be used with the work you can do in the data file utility task in the
ADTS/400: Data File Utility book.
1. You can type STRIDD (for the Start IDDU command) on any command line. Or you can go to the
IDDU main menu by choosing the IDDU option from either the Files menu or the Decision Support
menu. The Decision Support menu appears if you select option 2 (Office tasks) on the System i Main
Menu and then option 3 (Decision support) on the Office Tasks menu.
2. Create a data dictionary by choosing option 2 (Work with data dictionaries) on the IDDU menu and
pressing the Enter key. (You do not need to do this if one exists in a library you can use. If a data
dictionary exists that you can use, go to step 6.)
3. Choose option 1 (Create) on the display, type the name of the library that will contain the dictionary,
and press the Enter key.
If you attempt to create a data dictionary and the named library does not exist, a message is
displayed that says Library not found. Press Enter to create. If you press the Enter key, you will
see the Create Library display. From this display you can create the library that will contain the data
dictionary. When you finish creating a library, you will continue to the Create Data Dictionary
display.
4. On the Create Data Dictionary display, the name of the library appears as the name of the dictionary.
Later in this exercise, we will use a dictionary name of SYSDIC; you can replace SYSDIC with the
name of another dictionary.
5. You can accept the system-supplied values and press the Enter key. You also can type a brief
description in the Text prompt and choose to enter a long comment. If you type 1 (Select) in the Long
comment prompt, you are shown the Edit Long Comment display where you can type detailed
information about the dictionary. The dictionary is created when you end your work and press the
Enter key on that display.
It might take some time for the System i platform to create the dictionary. A message is displayed
when the dictionary has been created. Then press F12 (Cancel) on the Work with Data Dictionary
display to return to the IDDU main menu.
6. Choose option 1 (Work with data definitions) on the IDDU main menu,
IDDU Interactive Data Definition Utility (IDDU)

Select one of the following:

1. Work with data definitions

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 195

 and press the Enter key.
7. You will name the file definition first, so select option 3 (File). (The name SYSDIC appears in the Data
dictionary prompt on the following display; what you see on your display is the name of the data
dictionary you just created, or the name of the data dictionary you last used. You may change the
data dictionary.)
Select Definition Type

Type choices, press Enter.

Definition type . . . . . . . 3 1=Field

2=Record format
3=File

Data dictionary . . . . . . . SYSDIC Name, F4 for list

Then press the Enter key.

8. When you see the Work with File Definitions display, choose option 1 (Create) and name the new
file definition. (We have used NAMEADDR as an example of a file definition name.)
Work with File Definitions

Dictionary. . . . . . . : SYSDIC

Position to . . . . . . . _____________ Starting characters

Type options (and File Definition), press Enter.

1=Create 2=Change 3=Copy 4=Delete
6=Print 7=Rename 8=Display where used

File
Opt Definition

Then press the Enter key.

9. When you see the Create File Definition display, select option 2 (Create single format) and accept the
system-supplied record format name (the system uses the file definition name and adds the letter R
to the end). You can type brief descriptive information in the Text prompt, as we have. Do not
specify anything in the Long comment prompt.
Create File Definition

Definition. . . . . . . : NAMEADDR Dictionary. . . . . . : SYSDIC

Type choices, press Enter.

Record formats
option . . . . . . . 2 1=Create and/or select formats
2=Create default format
and select fields

For choice 2=Create default format:

Format . . . . . . . default____ Name

Select key field

sequence . . . . . . N Y=Yes, N=No

Long comment . . . . . _ 1=Select, 4=Remove

Text . . . . . . . . . practice definition for DFU and Query

Then press the Enter key.

10. You are now ready to create the field definitions that will be used by the record format definition
you just named. Name the first field definition by typing LASTNAME in the Field prompt. Use the
sequence number 10 that is already supplied on the display. Do not press the Enter key yet.

196 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Create and Select Field Definitions

Definition. . . . . . : NAMEADDRR Dictionary. . . . . . : SYSDIC

Position to . . . . . . . __________ Field, sequence (0-99999)

Type sequence numbers (0-99999), (and Field), press Enter.

Type field, press F6 to create.

Seq Field End Seq Field End Seq Field End

10 LASTNAME

Now press F6. You will complete the description of the LASTNAME field definition (as well as naming
and describing the remainder of the field definitions) from the next display.
11. Complete the LASTNAME field description with its type, size, and any other descriptors, according to
the table shown below. Then name and describe the remainder of the field definitions.

Field Name Field Type Size Text

LASTNAME Character 15 Last name
FIRSTNAME Character 10 First name
ADDRESS1 Character 20 Address line 1
ADDRESS2 Character 20 Address line 2
CITY Character 15 City
STATE Character 2 State
ZIP Character 9 Zip code
AMOUNT Numeric, 2 decimal positions 6 Amount

Create Field Definitions

Type information, press Enter to create.

Field type (size) . . : 1=Character (1-32766)
2=Numeric (1-31, decimal positions 0-31)
3=DBCS (4-32766, mixed; 1-16383, graphic)
4=Date/Time (no size)
More options. . . . . : Y=Yes

-------Field--------- Dec More

Name Type Size Pos Opt Text

LASTNAME 1 15 __ _ Last name

FIRSTNAME 1 10 __ _ First name
ADDRESS1 1 20 __ _ Address line 1
ADDRESS2 1 20 __ _ Address line 2
CITY 1 15 __ _ City
STATE 1 2 __ _ State
ZIP 1 9 __ _ Zip code
AMOUNT 2 6 2 _ Amount

12. When you have completed specifying the field characteristics, press the Enter key. The Create Field
Definitions display is shown again, and your fields have been created.

Appendix B. Practice exercise for Query for i5/OS query 197

 Create Field Definitions

Type information, press Enter to create.

Field type (size) . . : 1=Character (1-32766)
2=Numeric (1-31, decimal positions 0-31)
3=DBCS (4-32766, mixed; 1-16383, graphic)
4=Date/Time (no size)
More options. . . . . : Y=Yes

-------Field--------- Dec More

Name Type Size Pos Opt Text

__________ _ _____ __ _ _____________________________________________

__________ _ _____ __ _ _____________________________________________
__________ _ _____ __ _ _____________________________________________

Press the Enter key without making any changes to the display.
13. When you see the Create and Select Field Definitions display,
Create and Select Field Definitions

Definition............: NAMEADDRR Dictionary............: SYSDIC

Position to . . . . . . . __________ Field, sequence (0-99999)

Type sequence numbers (0-99999), (and Field), press Enter.

Type field, press F6 to create.

Seq Field End Seq Field End Seq Field End

Seq Field End

10 LASTNAME 15
10 FIRSTNAME 25
10 ADDRESS1 45
10 ADDRESS2 65
10 CITY 80
10 STATE 82
10 ZIP 91
10 AMOUNT 95

verify that the field names are arranged in the proper sequence. (When sequence numbers are the
same, the arrangement of the field names on the display determines the sequence of use in the
record.) If a field is out of sequence, type the necessary sequence numbers to indicate the correct
arrangement, and press the Enter key. When the fields are in the proper sequence, press the Enter
key without making any changes to the display.
14. You will then see the Work with File Definitions display where
Work with File Definitions

Dictionary. . . . . . . : SYSDIC

Position to . . . . . . . _____________ Starting characters

Type options (and File Definition), press Enter.

1=Create 2=Change 3=Copy 4=Delete
6=Print 7=Rename 8=Display where used

File
Opt Definition

you press F3 (Exit) without making any changes to the display.

198 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 You are finished creating the definitions describing a database file. The instructions to create the file
and to enter data into the file are described in the following sections.

Query for i5/OS query exercise: Creating a database file

After you have completed creating the necessary file definitions, you can create the database file using
the Work with Database Files display. You can get to this display either from the main IDDU menu or by
entering the Work With DB Files Using IDDU (WRKDBFIDD) command.

You can create as many files as you require by entering a new file name each time you return to the
display. These file names might have a level of authority previously assigned to them (authority holder).
This affects the authority that you can assign.

To create a database file, do the following:

1. Choose option 3 (Work with database files) from the IDDU menu (or type WRKDBFIDD on a command
line).
2. On the Work with Database Files display, choose option 1 (Create), name the new file, and specify the
library that will contain the file.
Work with Database Files

Library . . . . . . . default___ Name,F4 for list

Position to . . . . . __________ Starting characters

Type options (and Database file), press Enter.

1=Create 2=Enter data

Database Database Database Database

Opt File Opt File Opt File Opt File

3. Press the Enter key. The Create Database File display is shown with the names of the new file and its
library.
On this display, specify NAMEADDR for the file definition, SYSDIC for the dictionary (or the name of the
dictionary you created in the previous section of this appendix), and *CHANGE for the authority others
have to this file.
Create Database File

File . . . : NAMEADDR Library . . . . : YOURLIB

Type choices, press Enter.

Related definition information:

File definition . . . . . . NAMEADDR Name, F4 for list

Dictionary . . . . . . . . . SYSDIC Name, F4 for list

Authority . . . . . . . . . *CHANGE *LIBCRTAUT, *ALL, *CHANGE

*USE, *EXCLUDE
Authorization list name

4. Press the Enter key to create the file. When the file is created, the system automatically links the file
to its file definition.
Press F3 (Exit) to return to the IDDU menu.

Query for i5/OS query exercise: Entering data

To enter data into the file, do the following:
1. Choose option 3 (Work with database files) from the IDDU menu (or type WRKDBFIDD on a command
line).

Appendix B. Practice exercise for Query for i5/OS query 199

2. On the Work with Database Files display, specify option 2 (Enter data), NAMEADDR for the file name,
and your library for the library name.
Work with Database Files

Library . . . . . . . default___ Name,F4 for list

Position to . . . . . __________ Starting characters

Type options (and Database file), press Enter.

1=Create 2=Enter data

Database Database Database Database

Opt File Opt File Opt File Opt File

3. Press the Enter key. The Work with Data in a File display is shown.
WORK WITH DATA IN A FILE Mode . . . . : ENTRY
Format . . . . : NAMEADDR File . . . . : NAMEADDR

LASTNAME:
FIRSTNAME:
ADDRESS1:
ADDRESS2:
CITY:
STATE:
ZIP:
AMOUNT:

F3=Exit F5=Refresh F6=Select format

F9=Insert F10=Entry F11=Change

4. Type the information shown on the following display, but do not press the Enter key. After you have
typed in the amount, press the Field Exit key first and then press the Enter key.
WORK WITH DATA IN A FILE Mode . . . . : ENTRY
Format . . . . : NAMEADDR File . . . . : NAMEADDR

LASTNAME: SIMPSON
FIRSTNAME: FRANK
ADDRESS1: 1722 ORANGE STREET
ADDRESS2:
CITY: RIDGEWAY
STATE: CA
ZIP: 72430
AMOUNT: 9998

F3=Exit F5=Refresh F6=Select format

F9=Insert F10=Entry F11=Change

200 Query for i5/OS V6R1

5. The Work with Data in a File display is shown again, but the fields are blank, ready for you to
continue adding more data.
6. Continue adding the following data to the Work with Data in a File display:
LASTNAME FIRSTNAME ADDRESS1 ADDRESS2 CITY STATE ZIP AMOUNT

Daye Ben 1312 Elm Apt C Marshill AK 77901 456

Street
Patterson Tammy 4 Ridgeview Marshill AK 77901 501
Court
Barker Rick 1432 Le Grand Emmerson LA 71282 938
Blvd
Sedgewick Lillian 200 Park Lane Emmerson LA 71282 25
Skoggen Linda Circle Court Truman NC 57432 764
NE
Golinero Sebastin 7196 Thomas Highpoint MN 55909 00
Street
Lien Sue 469 Jackson Ridgeway CA 72430 00
Street
Sedgewick Leona 21st Cannery Apt 43 Emmerson LA 71282 45
Row
Skoggen Charles 401 Abbey Truman NC 57432 629
Road

7. After you have added all your data and the Work with Data in a File display is shown with blank
fields, press F3 (Exit). The End Data Entry display is shown.
End Data Entry

Number of records processed

Added . . . . . : 10
Changed . . . . : 0
Deleted . . . . : 0

Type choice, press Enter.

End data entry . . . . . . . Y Y=Yes, N=No

You do not need to change anything on this display. Press the Enter key.
8. The Work with Database Files display is shown.

Appendix B. Practice exercise for Query for i5/OS query 201

 Work with Database Files

Library . . . . . . . default__ Name,F4 for list

Position to . . . . . __________ Starting characters

Type options (and Database file), press Enter.

1=Create 2=Enter data

Database Database Database Database

Opt File Opt File Opt File Opt File

F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Refresh F11=Display text

F12=Cancel F21=Work with definitions F22=Work with data dictionaries
Data for file NAMEADDR in YOURLIB was changed.

A message on the bottom of the display tells you that data in your file was changed.
9. Press F3 (Exit), and you see the menu that you started from.
An audit log is automatically printed showing all the data you entered.

Query for i5/OS query exercise: Creating and running a query

In the following exercise, you create and change a query that produces a report that lists all the
information in the file NAMEADDR or any other file that may already exist on your system. NAMEADDR is a file
definition that you created in the previous example using IDDU.

NAMEADDR contains names and addresses and includes the following information:
v Last name
v First name
v Address 1
v Address 2
v City
v State
v Zip code
v Amount

After you create and save the query, you run it as it exists and then change the query and run it again.

Query for i5/OS query exercise: Creating a query

In this exercise, you create a query that lists on your display all the information in the file NAMEADDR in the
order the information exists in the file.

This exercise asks you to save the query you create in a library. You will probably want to use your own
library. If you do not have a library or do not know how to create one, see the person responsible for
libraries on your system.
1. Go to the Work with Queries display by typing WRKQRY on any command line.
2. On the Work with Queries display type a 1 (Create) for the Option prompt, xxxQRY for the Query
prompt (using your initials instead of xxx), and the name of your library for the Library prompt.

202 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Work with Queries

Type choices, press Enter.

Option . . . . . . . 1 1=Create, 2=Change, 3=Copy, 4=Delete

5=Display, 6=Print definition
8=Run in batch, 9=Run
Query . . . . . . . KJOQRY Name, F4 for list
Library . . . . . . YOURLIB Name, *LIBL, F4 for list

F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Refresh F12=Cancel

3. Press the Enter key. The Define the Query display is shown.
Define the Query

Query . . . . . . : KJOQRY Option . . . . . : CREATE

Library . . . . . : YOURLIB CCSID . . . . . . : 37

Type options, press Enter. Press F21 to select all.

1=Select

Opt Query Definition Option

1 Specify file selections
_ Define result fields
_ Select and sequence fields
_ Select records
_ Select sort fields
_ Select collating sequence
_ Specify report column formatting
_ Select report summary functions
_ Define report breaks
_ Select output type and output form
_ Specify processing options

F3=Exit F5=Report F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F18=Files F21=Select all

Notice that Query has already supplied a 1 for the Specify file selections option on this display. This is
because whenever you create a query, you must specify a file, but you do not have to select any
other options on this display.
4. Press the Enter key, and the Specify File Selections display is shown.

Appendix B. Practice exercise for Query for i5/OS query 203

 Specify File Selections

Type choices, press Enter. Press F9 to specify an additional

file selection.

File . . . . . . . . . . __________ Name, F4 for list

Library . . . . . . . QGPL Name, *LIBL, F4 for list
Member . . . . . . . . . *FIRST Name, *FIRST, F4 for list
Format . . . . . . . . . *FIRST Name, *FIRST, F4 for list

BOTTOM
F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Report F9=Add file
F12=Cancel F13=Layout F24=More keys

This display is where you tell Query what database file(s) you want to query for the data in your
report.
5. Type NAMEADDR for the File prompt, the name for the library that contains the file for the Library
prompt, and leave the Format and Member prompts as they are shown.
Specify File Selections

Type choices, press Enter. Press F9 to specify an additional

file selection.

File . . . . . . . . . . NAMEADDR Name, F4 for list

Library . . . . . . . YOURLIB Name, *LIBL, F4 for list
Member . . . . . . . . . *FIRST Name, *FIRST, F4 for list
Format . . . . . . . . . NAMEADDRR Name, *FIRST, F4 for list

F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Report F9=Add file

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F24=More keys

6. Press the Enter key. The Specify File Selections display is shown again with the message Select
file(s), or press Enter to confirm. displayed at the bottom.

204 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Specify File Selections

Type choices, press Enter. Press F9 to specify an additional

file selection.

File . . . . . . . . . . NAMEADDR Name, F4 for list

Library . . . . . . . YOURLIB Name, *LIBL, F4 for list
Member . . . . . . . . . *FIRST Name, *FIRST, F4 for list
Format . . . . . . . . . NAMEADDRR Name, *FIRST, F4 for list

F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Report F9=Add file

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F24=More keys
Select file(s), or press Enter to confirm.

7. Press the Enter key. The Define the Query display is shown with the message Select options, or
press F3 to save or run the query. displayed at the bottom.
Define the Query

Query . . . . . . : KJOQRY Option . . . . . : CREATE

Library . . . . . : YOURLIB CCSID . . . . . . : 37

Type options, press Enter. Press F21 to select all.

1=Select

Opt Query Definition Option

_ > Specify file selections
_ Define result fields
_ Select and sequence fields
_ Select records
_ Select sort fields
_ Select collating sequence
_ Specify report column formatting
_ Select report summary functions
_ Define report breaks
_ Select output type and output form
_ Specify processing options

F3=Exit F5=Report F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F18=Files F21=Select all
Select options, or press F3 to save or run the query.

The Specify file selections option has a > shown in the Opt column to indicate that it is a previously
defined option.
8. Press F3 (Exit). The Exit This Query display is shown.
Query supplies a Y (Yes) in the Save definition prompt and a 1 (Run interactively) in the Run option
prompt because it assumes you want to both save the query definition object and run the query.
Leave these defaults in both prompts.
9. Type Lists customer names and addresses for the Text prompt.
10. Type *CHANGE for the Authority prompt.

Appendix B. Practice exercise for Query for i5/OS query 205

 Exit This Query

Type choices, press Enter.

Save definition . . . Y Y=Yes, N=No

Run option . . . . . . 1 1=Run interactively

2=Run in batch
3=Do not run

For a saved definition:

Query . . . . . . . KJOQRY Name
Library . . . . . YOURLIB Name, F4 for list

Text . . . . Lists customer names and addresses

Authority . . . . . *CHANGE *LIBCRTAUT, *ALL, *CHANGE,

*EXCLUDE, *USE
authorization list name

F4=Prompt F5=Report F13=Layout F14=Define the query

11. Press the Enter key to save the query definition object and run the query.
The report produced by the query is shown on your display:
Display Report
Query . . . : YOURLIB/KJOQRY Report width . . . . . : 117
Position to (Line) . . . . ______ Shift to column . . . . . . _____
Line ....+....1....+....2....+....3....+....4....+....5....+....6....+....7...
LASTNAME FIRSTNAME ADDRESS1 ADDRESS2
000001 SIMPSON FRANK 1722 ORANGE STREET
000002 DAYE BEN 1312 ELM STREET APT C
000003 SEDGEWICK LILLIAN 200 PARK LANE
000004 LIEN SUE 469 JACKSON STREET
000005 PATTERSON TAMMY 4 RIDGEVIEW COURT
000006 SKOGGEN LINDA CIRCLE COURT NE
000007 SEDGEWICK LEONA 21ST CANNERY ROW APT 43
000008 BARKER RICK 1432 LE GRAND BLVD
000009 GOLINERO SEBASTIN 7196 THOMAS STREET
000010 SKOGGEN CHARLES 401 ABBEY ROAD
****** ******** End of report ********

Bottom
F3=Exit F12=Cancel F19=Left F20=Right F21=Split F22=Width

The report lists all the information in the file NAMEADDR. The data, including column headings, was
defined to the system using IDDU.
Press F20 (Right) to see the right side of the report.
12. Press F3 (Exit). The Work with Queries display is shown.
A message is shown on the bottom of the display confirming that the query was processed
successfully.

206 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Work with Queries

Type choices, press Enter.

Option . . . . . . . _ 1=Create, 2=Change, 3=Copy, 4=Delete

5=Display, 6=Print definition
8=Run in batch 9=Run
Query . . . . . . . KJOQRY Name, F4 for list
Library . . . . . . YOURLIB Name, *LIBL, F4 for list

F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Refresh F12=Cancel

Query option processing completed successfully.

Query for i5/OS query exercise: Changing a query

If you want a report of only those customers who live in the state of Louisiana, you need to change the
query to list customers from that state only.
1. Type a 2 (Change) for the Option prompt on the Work with Queries display.
2. Type xxxQRY (where xxx are your initials) for the Query prompt if xxxQRY is not shown as the query
name.
3. Type the library name you used in the previous exercise for the Library prompt, if that is not the
library name already shown.
Work with Queries

Type choices, press Enter.

Option . . . . . . . 2 1=Create, 2=Change, 3=Copy, 4=Delete

5=Display, 6=Print definition
8=Run in batch 9=Run
Query . . . . . . . KJOQRY Name, F4 for list
Library . . . . . . YOURLIB Name, *LIBL, F4 for list

F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Refresh F12=Cancel

Query option processing completed successfully.

4. Press the Enter key. The Define the Query display is shown.
5. Type a 1 for the Select records prompt.

Appendix B. Practice exercise for Query for i5/OS query 207

 Define the Query

Query . . . . . . : KJOQRY Option . . . . . : CHANGE

Library . . . . . : YOURLIB CCSID . . . . . . : 37

Type options, press Enter. Press F21 to select all.

1=Select

Opt Query Definition Option

> Specify file selections
_ Define result fields
_ Select and sequence fields
1 Select records
_ Select sort fields
_ Select collating sequence
_ Specify report column formatting
_ Select report summary functions
_ Define report breaks
_ Select output type and output form
_ Specify processing options

F3=Exit F5=Report F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F18=Files F21=Select all

6. Press the Enter key. The Select Records display is shown.

Select Records

Type comparisons, press Enter. Specify OR to start each new group.

Tests: EQ, NE, LE, GE, LT, GT, RANGE, LIST, LIKE, IS, ISNOT...

AND/OR Field Test Value (Field, Number, or Characters)

______________ _____ ______________________________
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
Bottom

Field Text Len Dec

LASTNAME Last name 15
FIRSTNAME First name 10
ADDRESS1 Address line 1 20
ADDRESS2 Address line 2 20
CITY City 15

F3=Exit F5=Report F9=Insert F11=Display names only

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F20=Reorganize F24=More keys

The fields in the file NAMEADDR are listed on the bottom portion of this display. (If your display is not
in single-column list format, that is the Text, Len, and Dec prompts are not shown, press F11.) You
can move your cursor to any place in the list and press the Page Down key to see more field names.
7. Complete the Field, Test, and Value columns on the display as follows:

208 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Select Records

Type comparisons, press Enter. Specify OR to start each new group.

Tests: EQ, NE, LE, GE, LT, GT, RANGE, LIST, LIKE, IS, ISNOT...

AND/OR Field Test Value (Field, Number, or Characters)

STATE EQ LA
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
____ ______________ _____ ______________________________
Bottom

Field Text Len Dec

LASTNAME Last name 15
FIRSTNAME First name 10
ADDRESS1 Address line 1 20
ADDRESS2 Address line 2 20
CITY City 15
More...
F3=Exit F5=Report F9=Insert F11=Display names only
F12=Cancel F13=Layout F20=Reorganize F24=More keys

This tells Query for i5/OS to test the field named STATE in each record for the value LA. Only records
with that value will be included in your report. (If you are using a unique weight system sort
sequence table or *HEX, make sure you type it as LA because the apostrophes tell the program that
LA is what the field contains and not the field name. You must also type this value in all uppercase
letters because that is the way it is specified in the field. If you have any doubt about the case of the
data in the database, you should use a shared weight table.)
8. Press F5 (Report) to run the query and show the report. F5 lets you see the effect your query
changes have on the report before you actually save those changes.
The report appears listing only customers in Louisiana (only the left portion of the report is shown
on the following display):
Display Report
Report width . . . . . : 117
Position to line . . . . . ______ Shift to column . . . . . . _____
Line ....+....1....+....2....+....3....+....4....+....5....+....6....+....7...
LASTNAME FIRSTNAME ADDRESS1 ADDRESS2
000001 SEDGEWICK LILLIAN 200 PARK LANE
000002 SEDGEWICK LEONA 21ST CANNERY ROW APT 43
000003 BARKER RICK 1432 LE GRAND BLVD
****** ******** End of Report ********

Bottom
F3=Exit F12=Cancel F19=Left F20=Right F21=Split F22=Width 80

9. Press F20 to display the right portion of the report.

Appendix B. Practice exercise for Query for i5/OS query 209

 Display Report
Report width . . . . . : 117
Position to line . . . . . ______ Shift to column . . . . . . _____
Line ....+....1....+....2....+....3....+....4....+....5....+....6....+....7...
ADDRESS2 CITY STATE ZIP AMOUNT
000001 EMMERSON LA 71282 .25
000002 APT 43 EMMERSON LA 71282 .45
000003 VD EMMERSON LA 71282 9.38
****** ******** End of Report ********

Bottom
F3=Exit F12=Cancel F19=Left F20=Right F21=Split F22=Width 80
Last column of report.

10. Press F3 (Exit), F12 (Cancel), or the Enter key to return to the Select Records display. Then press F3
(Exit). The Exit This Query display is shown.
Exit This Query

Type choices, press Enter.

Save definition . . . Y Y=Yes, N=No

Run option . . . . . . 1 1=Run interactively

2=Run in batch
3=Do not run

For a saved definition:

Query . . . . . . . KJOQRY Name

Library . . . . . YOURLIB Name, F4 for list

Text . . . . . . Lists customer names and addresses

Authority . . . . . *CHANGE *LIBCRTAUT, *CHANGE, *ALL

*EXCLUDE, *USE
authorization list name

F4=Prompt F5=Report F13=Layout F14=Define the query

You can use this display to run the query with the changes you made. You can also choose to make
the query changes either permanent or for this time only. Because you may never again want a
report that lists only customers in Louisiana, you may not want to make the changes permanent.
And because you have already used F5 to run the query and see the report, you do not want to run
the query again.
11. Fill in the Exit This Query display as follows:

210 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Exit This Query

Type choices, press Enter.

Save definition . . . N Y=Yes, N=No

Run option . . . . . . 3 1=Run interactively

2=Run in batch
3=Do not run

For a saved definition:

Query . . . . . . . CEBQRY Name

Library . . . . . YOURLIB Name, F4 for list

Text . . . . . Lists customer names and addresses

Authority . . . . . *CHANGE *LIBCRTAUT, *CHANGE, *ALL

*EXCLUDE, *USE
authorization list name

F4=Prompt F5=Report F13=Layout F14=Define the query

12. Press the Enter key. The Work with Queries display is shown.
Work with Queries

Type choices, press Enter.

Option . . . . . . . 1=Create, 2=Change, 3=Copy, 4=Delete

5=Display, 6=Print definition
8=Run in batch 9=Run
Query . . . . . . . CEBQRY Name, F4 for list
Library . . . . . . YOURLIB Name, *LIBL, F4 for list

F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Refresh F12=Cancel

Query option processing completed successfully.

To sign off the system or use it for something other than Query, press F3 (Exit) to return to the menu
from which you chose to use Query.

Query for i5/OS query exercise: Creating an advanced query

In the following example, you create a file named QRYFILE by using the Display Object Description
(DSPOBJD) command. The file contains descriptions of all the objects that currently reside in the QGPL
library. Then, using several of Querys definition step options, you create a query definition that obtains
information from QRYFILE and creates a report showing that information.

Note: This example does not explain the DSPOBJD command and its parameters. For additional
information, see the Control language topic in the i5/OS Information Center.
1. On the command line of the System i Main Menu, type the DSPOBJD command as shown on the
following display and press the Enter key. This creates the file named QRYFILE and puts it in the
library QGPL.

Appendix B. Practice exercise for Query for i5/OS query 211

 Note: When you type *ALL for the OBJTYPE parameter, you must include a space after *ALL or you
will receive an error message. You must type in the entire command exactly as it appears on
the display that follows.
MAIN System i Main Menu
System: RCH38342
Select one of the following:

1. User tasks
2. Office tasks
3. General system tasks
4. Files, libraries, and folders
5. Programming
6. Communications
7. Define or change the system
8. Problem handling
9. Display a menu

90. Sign off

Selection or command
===> DSPOBJD OBJ(QGPL/*ALL) OBJTYPE(*ALL ) OUTPUT(*OUTFILE) OUTFILE(QGPL/QRYFIL
E)
F3=Exit F4=Prompt F9=Retrieve F12=Cancel F13=Information Assistant
F23=Set initial menu

2. Type WRKQRY on the command line and press the Enter key.
MAIN System i Main Menu
System: RCH38342
Select one of the following:

1. User tasks
2. Office tasks
3. General system tasks
4. Files, libraries, and folders
5. Programming
6. Communications
7. Define or change the system
8. Problem handling
9. Display a menu

90. Sign off

Selection or command
===> WRKQRY

F3=Exit F4=Prompt F9=Retrieve F12=Cancel F13=Information Assistant

F23=Set initial menu

3. The Work with Queries display is shown. On this display, choose option 1 (Create). Then name your
query by typing a name in the Query prompt, and specify the library where your query will be
stored by typing a name in the Library prompt. Press the Enter key.

212 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Work with Queries

Type choices, press Enter.

Option . . . . . . . 1 1=Create, 2=Change, 3=Copy, 4=Delete

5=Display, 6=Print definition
8=Run in batch 9=Run

Query . . . . . . . . QNAME Name, F4 for list

Library . . . . . . YOURLIB Name, *LIBL, F4 for list

F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Refresh F12=Cancel

4. On the Define the Query display, select definition steps Select and sequence fields, Select records, Select
sort fields, Specify report column formatting, Select report summary functions, and Define report breaks by
typing a 1 to the left of each of them. (Notice that Specify file selections is already selected for you.)
Press the Enter key.
Define the Query

Query . . . . . . : QNAME Option . . . . . : CREATE

Library . . . . : YOURLIB CCSID . . . . . . : 37

Type options, press Enter. Press F21 to select all.

1=Select

Opt Query Definition Option

1 Specify file selections
Define result fields
1 Select and sequence fields
1 Select records
1 Select sort fields
Select collating sequence
1 Specify report column formatting
1 Select report summary functions
1 Define report breaks
Select output type and output form
Specify processing options

F3=Exit F5=Report F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F18=Files F21=Select all

Query presents the selected definition step displays to you in the order in which they are listed on
the Define the Query display.
5. On the Specify File Selections display, which is the first display shown after the Define the Query
display, type QRYFILE in the File prompt and QGPL in the Library prompt. The Member and Format
prompts already are filled in for you. Press the Enter key.

Appendix B. Practice exercise for Query for i5/OS query 213

 Specify File Selections

Type choices, press Enter. Press F9 to specify an additional

file selection.

File . . . . . . . . . . QRYFILE Name, F4 for list

Library . . . . . . . QGPL Name, *LIBL, F4 for list
Member . . . . . . . . . *FIRST Name, *FIRST, F4 for list
Format . . . . . . . . . *FIRST Name, *FIRST, F4 for list

F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Report F9=Add file

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F24=More keys

The message Select file(s), or press Enter to confirm. appears.

Specify File Selections

Type choices, press Enter. Press F9 to add.

File . . . . . . . . . . QRYFILE Name, F4 for list

Library . . . . . . . QGPL Name, *LIBL, F4 for list
Member . . . . . . . . . *FIRST Name, *FIRST, F4 for list
Format . . . . . . . . . QLIDOBJD Name, *FIRST, F4 for list

F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Report F9=Add file

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F24=More keys
Select file(s), or press Enter to confirm.

Press the Enter key again.

6. The next display to appear is the Select and Sequence Fields display.

214 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Select and Sequence Fields

Type sequence number (0-9999) for the names of up to 500 fields to

appear in the report, press Enter.

Seq Field Seq Field Seq Field

ODDCEN ODCCEN ODSV02
ODDDAT ODCDAT ODSV03
ODDTIM ODCTIM ODSV04
ODLBNM ODOBOW ODSV05
ODOBNM ODSCEN ODSV06
ODOBTP ODSDAT ODSV07
ODOBAT ODSTIM ODSV08
ODOBFR ODSCMD ODSV09
ODOBSZ ODSSZE ODSV10
ODOBTX ODSSLT ODSVMR
ODOBLK ODSDEV ODRCEN
ODOBDM ODSV01 ODRDAT
More...

F3=Exit F5=Report F11=Display text F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F20=Renumber F21=Select all F24=More keys

If your display is in multiple-column format (that is, if the Text, Len, and Dec columns are not
shown), press F11 (Display text) to show some additional information about the fields in the list.
Select the fields ODLBNM, ODOBTP, ODOBAT, ODOBSZ, and ODOBTX by typing the numbers 1 through 5 to
the left of them as shown below. The fields you select are the fields that will appear in your query
report, in the order that you specify (ODLBNM will appear first, followed by ODOBTP, and so on).

Note: You must select fields that you plan to sort on.
Select and Sequence Fields

Type sequence number (0-9999) for the names of up to 500 fields to

appear in the report, press Enter.

Seq Field Text Len Dec

ODDCEN DISPLAY CENTURY 1
ODDDAT Display date: Format- MMDDYY 6 x
ODDTIM DISPLAY TIME 6
1 ODLBNM LIBRARY 10
ODOBNM OBJECT 10
2 ODOBTP OBJECT TYPE 8
3 ODOBAT OBJECT ATTRIBUTE 10
ODOBFR Storage freed: 0-Not freed,1-Freed 1
4 ODOBSZ OBJECT SIZE 10 0
5 ODOBTX TEXT DESCRIPTION 50
ODOBLK Object locked: 0-Not locked,1-Locked 1
ODOBDM Object damaged: 0-Not damaged,1-Damaged 1
More...

F3=Exit F5=Report F11=Display names only F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F20=Renumber F21=Select all F24=More keys

Press the Enter key. Query rearranges the fields on the display so that the fields you selected are
shown at the top of the list in the order that you specified. The message Press Enter to confirm. is
also shown.

Appendix B. Practice exercise for Query for i5/OS query 215

 Select and Sequence Fields

Type sequence number (0-9999) for the names of up to 500 fields to

appear in the report, press Enter.

Seq Field Text Len Dec

1 ODLBNM LIBRARY 10
2 ODOBTP OBJECT TYPE 8
3 ODOBAT OBJECT ATTRIBUTE 10
4 ODOBSZ OBJECT SIZE 10 0
5 ODOBTX TEXT DESCRIPTION 50
ODDCEN DISPLAY CENTURY 1
ODDDAT Display date: Format- MMDDYY 6
ODDTIM DISPLAY TIME 6
ODOBNM OBJECT 10
ODOBFR Storage freed: 0-Not freed,1-Freed 1
ODOBLK Object locked: 0-Not locked,1-Locked 1
ODOBDM Object damaged: 0-Not damaged,1-Damaged 1
More...

F3=Exit F5=Report F11=Display names only F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F20=Renumber F21=Select all F24=More keys
Press Enter to confirm.

Press the Enter key again.

7. The next display shown is the Select Records display. Here, you specify which records you want
included in your report.
Select Records

Type comparisons, press Enter. Specify OR to start each new group.

Tests: EQ, NE, LE, GE, LT, GT, RANGE, LIST, LIKE, IS, ISNOT...

AND/OR Field Test Value (Field, Number, or Characters)

Bottom

Field Text Len Dec

ODLBNM LIBRARY 10
ODOBTP OBJECT TYPE 8
ODOBAT OBJECT ATTRIBUTE 10
ODOBSZ OBJECT SIZE 10 0
ODOBTX TEXT DESCRIPTION 50
More...
F3=Exit F5=Report F9=Insert F11=Display names only
F12=Cancel F13=Layout F20=Reorganize F24=More keys

For your report, you want all records for objects with an object type of either *FILE or *PGM. Type
the information in the Field, Test, and Value columns as shown in the following display. Do not press
the Enter key just yet.

216 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Select Records

Type comparisons, press Enter. Specify OR to start each new group.

Tests: EQ, NE, LE, GE, LT, GT, RANGE, LIST, LIKE, IS, ISNOT...

AND/OR Field Test Value (Field, Number, or Characters)

ODOBTP LIST *FILE *PGM

Bottom

Field Text Len Dec

ODLBNM LIBRARY 10
ODOBTP OBJECT TYPE 8
ODOBAT OBJECT ATTRIBUTE 10
ODOBSZ OBJECT SIZE 10 0
ODOBTX TEXT DESCRIPTION 50
More...
F3=Exit F5=Report F9=Insert F11=Display names only
F12=Cancel F13=Layout F20=Reorganize F24=More keys

8. Now display your report by pressing F5 (Report). The Display Report display appears showing your
query report, which is based on the query you have defined up to this point. (The information you
see on your display depends on the objects that are currently in QGPL on your system. What you
see may not match what is shown in the display that follows.)
Display Report
Report width . . . . . : 100
Position to line . . . . . Shift to column . . . . . .
Line ....+....1....+....2....+....3....+....4....+....5....+....6....+....7...
LIBRARY OBJECT OBJECT OBJECT TEXT DESCRIPTION
TYPE ATTRIBUTE SIZE
000001 QGPL *PGM CLP 14,336 B & R Example - Page 2
000002 QGPL *PGM CLP 16,384 B & R Example - page 2
000003 QGPL *FILE PF 8,192
000004 QGPL *FILE PF 1,024 Default source data ba
000005 QGPL *FILE PF 1,024 Default source data ba
000006 QGPL *FILE PF 16,384 Default source data ba
000007 QGPL *FILE DKTF 2,560 Default diskette data
000008 QGPL *FILE DKTF 2,560 Default source diskett
000009 QGPL *FILE PF 1,024 Default source data ba
000010 QGPL *FILE PF 140,288 RSTS36FLR COMMAND
000011 QGPL *FILE PRTF 2,048 Default spool output p
000012 QGPL *FILE PRTF 2,048 Default spool print fi
000013 QGPL *FILE PRTF 2,048 Default spool print fi
000014 QGPL *FILE PF 38,912 Outfile for DSPOBJD
000015 QGPL *FILE PF 16,384
More...
F3=Exit F12=Cancel F19=Left F20=Right F21=Split F22=Width 80

On the bottom far right side of the display, the message More... appears. This means that all of the
report does not fit on the display, so if you want to see all of the report, you can use the page keys
or F20 (Right) and F19 (Left) to page through the report (both left to right and top to bottom). When
you have finished looking at the report, press F3 (Exit) to return to the Select Records display.

Appendix B. Practice exercise for Query for i5/OS query 217

 Select Records

Type comparisons, press Enter. Specify OR to start each new group.

Tests: EQ, NE, LE, GE, LT, GT, RANGE, LIST, LIKE, IS, ISNOT...

AND/OR Field Test Value (Field, Number, or Characters)

ODOBTP LIST *FILE *PGM

Bottom

Field Text Len Dec

ODLBNM LIBRARY 10
ODOBTP OBJECT TYPE 8
ODOBAT OBJECT ATTRIBUTE 10
ODOBSZ OBJECT SIZE 10 0
ODOBTX TEXT DESCRIPTION 50

More...
F3=Exit F5=Report F9=Insert F11=Display names only
F12=Cancel F13=Layout F20=Reorganize F24=More keys

On the Select Records display, press the Enter key.

9. The next display to appear is the Select Sort Fields display. Here you specify which fields you want
Query to use to sort the selected records for your report. You want the records sorted first by object
type and then by object size, so type a 1 next to ODOBTP and a 2 next to ODOBSZ as shown below.
Select Sort Fields

Type sort priority (0-999) and A (Ascending) or D (Descending) for

the names of up to 32 fields, press Enter.

Sort
Prty A/D Field Text Len Dec
ODLBNM LIBRARY 10
1 ODOBTP OBJECT TYPE 8
ODOBAT OBJECT ATTRIBUTE 10
2 ODOBSZ OBJECT SIZE 10 0
ODOBTX TEXT DESCRIPTION 50

Bottom

F3=Exit F5=Report F11=Display names only F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F18=Files F20=Renumber F24=More keys

Press the Enter key. Query rearranges the fields on the display so that the fields you selected for
sorting appear at the top of the list, in the order you specified. The message Press Enter to
confirm. is also displayed.

218 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Select Sort Fields

Type sort priority (0-999) and A (Ascending) or D (Descending) for

the names of up to 32 fields, press Enter.

Sort
Prty A/D Field Text Len Dec
1 A ODOBTP OBJECT TYPE 8
2 A ODOBSZ OBJECT SIZE 10 0
ODLBNM LIBRARY 10
ODOBAT OBJECT ATTRIBUTE 10
ODOBTX TEXT DESCRIPTION 50

Bottom

F3=Exit F5=Report F11=Display names only F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F18=Files F20=Renumber F24=More keys
Press Enter to confirm.

Press the Enter key again.

10. The next display is the Specify Report Column Formatting display. It is here that you specify column
spacing, column headings, and other report formatting options.
Specify Report Column Formatting

Type information, press Enter.

Column headings: *NONE, aligned text lines

Column
Field Spacing Column Headings Len Dec Edit
ODLBNM 0 LIBRARY 10

ODOBTP 2 OBJECT 8
TYPE

ODOBAT 2 OBJECT 10
ATTRIBUTE

More...

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F16=Edit F18=Files F23=Long comment

Query supplies much of this information for you. Change the column heading for the ODLBNM field so
that it reads NAME OF LIBRARY instead of LIBRARY.

Appendix B. Practice exercise for Query for i5/OS query 219

 Specify Report Column Formatting

Type information, press Enter.

Column headings: *NONE, aligned text lines

Column
Field Spacing Column Headings Len Dec Edit
ODLBNM 0 NAME OF 10
LIBRARY

ODOBTP 2 OBJECT 8
TYPE

ODOBAT 2 OBJECT 10
ATTRIBUTE

More...

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F16=Edit F18=Files F23=Long comment

Press the Enter key.

11. The next display you see is the Select Report Summary Functions. By specifying options on this
display, you can have selected fields summarized in your reportthat is, for a selected field, you can
specify that a total, average, minimum, maximum, and (or) count be included in your report.
Select Report Summary Functions

Type options, press Enter.

1=Total 2=Average 3=Minimum 4=Maximum 5=Count

---Options--- Field Text Len Dec

_ _ _ _ _ ODLBNM LIBRARY 10
_ _ _ _ _ ODOBTP OBJECT TYPE 8
_ _ _ _ _ ODOBAT OBJECT ATTRIBUTE 10
_ _ _ _ _ ODOBSZ OBJECT SIZE 10 0
_ _ _ _ _ ODOBTX TEXT DESCRIPTION 50

Bottom

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous F11=Display text only

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F18=Files F23=Long comment

Specify that you want all the summary functions (total, average, minimum, maximum, and count) for
the field ODOBSZ by typing 1 through 5 next to the field as shown in the following display.

220 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Select Report Summary Functions

Type options, press Enter.

1=Total 2=Average 3=Minimum 4=Maximum 5=Count

---Options--- Field Text Len Dec

ODLBNM LIBRARY 10
ODOBTP OBJECT TYPE 8
ODOBAT OBJECT ATTRIBUTE 10
1 2 3 4 5 ODOBSZ OBJECT SIZE 10 0
ODOBTX TEXT DESCRIPTION 50

Bottom

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous F11=Display text only

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F18=Files F23=Long comment

Press the Enter key.

12. The next display to appear is the Define Report Breaks display. On this display you specify which
fields you want used as break fields. Report breaks are used to break the report into groups of
records each time the value of the report break field changes.
Define Report Breaks

Type break level (1-6) for up to 9 field names, press Enter.

(Use as many fields as needed for each break level.)

Break Sort
Level Prty Field Text Len Dec
ODLBNM LIBRARY 10
10 ODOBTP OBJECT TYPE 8
ODOBAT OBJECT ATTRIBUTE 10
20 ODOBSZ OBJECT SIZE 10 0
ODOBTX TEXT DESCRIPTION 50

Bottom

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous F11=Display names only

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F18=Files F23=Long comment

Specify break level 1 for the field named ODOBTP by typing a 1 to the left of it in the Break Level
column.

Appendix B. Practice exercise for Query for i5/OS query 221

 Define Report Breaks

Type break level (1-6) for up to 9 field names, press Enter.

(Use as many fields as needed for each break level.)

Break Sort
Level Prty Field Text Len Dec
ODLBNM LIBRARY 10
1 10 ODOBTP OBJECT TYPE 8
ODOBAT OBJECT ATTRIBUTE 10
20 ODOBSZ OBJECT SIZE 10 0
ODOBTX TEXT DESCRIPTION 50

Bottom

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous F11=Display names only

F12=Cancel F13=Layout F18=Files F23=Long comment

Press the Enter key.

13. On the next display, Format Report Break, you specify the formatting you want for the report break
you defined. Note that the value in the Break level prompt is zero. You can use break level 0 to print
the final summary values for all specified summary functions at the end of the report. For this
example, do not change anything on this display. Just press the Enter key.
Format Report Break

Break level . . . . . . . : 0

Type choices, press Enter.

(Type &field in text to have break values inserted.)

Suppress summaries . . . . N Y=Yes, N=No

Break text . . . . . . . . FINAL TOTALS

Level Field
1 ODOBTP

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F18=Files F23=Long comment

On the next display you see that the Break level prompt has been filled in with a 1. Here you format
the report break for break level 1. In the Break text prompt, type in Break text for object type. This
text will occur in the report every time a report break occurs for this break level.

222 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Format Report Break

Break level . . . . . . . : 1

Type choices, press Enter.

(Type &field in text to have break values inserted.)

Skip to new page . . . . . N Y=Yes, N=No

Suppress summaries . . . . N Y=Yes, N=No

Break text . . . . . . . . Break text for object type

Level Field
1 ODOBTP

F3=Exit F5=Report F10=Process/previous F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F18=Files F23=Long comment

Press the Enter key.

You are finished with all of the definition steps that you selected earlier, so the Define the Query
display appears again. (The definition steps you selected earlier are now indicated with a > symbol
to the left of them.)
Define the Query

Query . . . . . . : QNAME Option . . . . . : CREATE

Library . . . . : YOURLIB CCSID . . . . . . : 37

Type options, press Enter. Press F21 to select all.

1=Select

Opt Query Definition Option

> Specify file selections
Define result fields
> Select and sequence fields
> Select records
> Select sort fields
Select collating sequence
> Specify report column formatting
> Select report summary functions
> Define report breaks
Select output type and output form
Specify processing options

F3=Exit F5=Report F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F18=Files F21=Select all
Select options, or press F3 to save or run the query.

14. Now display your report by pressing F5 (Report). The Display Report display appears showing your
finished query report. (The information you see on your display depends on the objects that are
currently in QGPL on your system. What you see may not match what is shown in the display that
follows.)

Appendix B. Practice exercise for Query for i5/OS query 223

 Display Report
Report width . . . . . : 104
Position to line . . . . . Shift to column . . . . . .
Line ....+....1....+....2....+....3....+....4....+....5....+....6....+....7...
NAME OF OBJECT OBJECT OBJECT TEXT DESCRIPTION
OBJECT TYPE ATTRIBUTE SIZE
000001 QGPL *FILE PF 1,024 Default source dat
000002 QGPL *FILE PF 1,024 Default source dat
000003 QGPL *FILE PF 1,024 Default source dat
000004 QGPL *FILE PF 1,024 Default source dat
000005 QGPL *FILE PF 1,024
000006 QGPL *FILE DSPF 1,536
000007 QGPL *FILE PRTF 2,048 Default spool outp
000008 QGPL *FILE PRTF 2,048 Default spool prin
000009 QGPL *FILE PRTF 2,048 Default spool prin
000010 QGPL *FILE TAPF 2,048 Default tape data
000011 QGPL *FILE TAPF 2,048 Default source tap
000012 QGPL *FILE DKTF 2,560 Default diskette d
000013 QGPL *FILE DKTF 2,560 Default source dis
000014 QGPL *FILE PF 8,192
000015 QGPL *FILE PF 8,192
More...
F3=Exit F12=Cancel F19=Left F20=Right F21=Split F22=Width 80

On the bottom far right side of the display, the message More... appears. This means that all of the
report does not fit on the display. Use the page keys or F20 (Right) and F19 (Left) to page through
the report (both left to right and top to bottom) so that you can see the breaks and summaries in the
report.
When you have finished looking at the report, press F3 (Exit) to return to the Define the Query
display.
Define the Query

Query . . . . . . : QNAME Option . . . . . : CREATE

Library . . . . : QGPL CCSID . . . . . . : 37

Type options, press Enter. Press F21 to select all.

1=Select

Opt Query Definition Option

> Specify file selections
Define result fields
> Select and sequence fields
> Select records
> Select sort fields
Select collating sequence
> Specify report column formatting
> Select report summary functions
> Define report breaks
Select output type and output form
Specify processing options

F3=Exit F5=Report F12=Cancel

F13=Layout F18=Files F21=Select all
Select options, or press F3 to save or run the query.

Press F3 (Exit).
15. The Exit This Query display is shown. On this display, change the Save definition prompt to N (No)
and the Run option prompt to 3 (Do not run) if you do not want to save the query or run it again.

224 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 Exit This Query

Type choices, press Enter.

Save definition . . . N Y=Yes, N=No

Run option . . . . . . 3 1=Run interactively

2=Run in batch
3=Do not run

For a saved definition:

Query . . . . . . . QNAME Name
Library . . . . . QGPL Name, F4 for list

Text . . . . . . .

Authority . . . . . *CHANGE *LIBCRTAUT, *CHANGE, *ALL

*EXCLUDE, *USE
authorization list name

F4=Prompt F5=Report F13=Layout F14=Define the query

Press the Enter key.

16. The Work with Queries display appears, showing the message Query option processing completed
successfully.
Work with Queries

Type choices, press Enter.

Option . . . . . . . 1=Create, 2=Change, 3=Copy, 4=Delete

5=Display, 6=Print definition
8=Run in batch 9=Run
Query . . . . . . . . QNAME Name, F4 for list
Library . . . . . . QGPL Name, *LIBL, F4 for list

F3=Exit F4=Prompt F5=Refresh F12=Cancel

Query option processing completed successfully.

Now you can return to the System i Main Menu by pressing F3 (Exit) to complete your work with this
example.

Appendix B. Practice exercise for Query for i5/OS query 225

226 Query for i5/OS V6R1
Appendix C. Query for i5/OS performance tips and techniques
This appendix provides guidelines for improving the performance of the Query for i5/OS product. These
guidelines help you better understand how Query works and which key items to keep in mind for
performance when designing or changing a query.

This appendix does not discuss all variations of queries, but instead provides tips and techniques that
help with the majority of queries running on the System i platform. You need to determine which tips
and techniques apply to your own particular queries.

The information in this appendix is divided into the following sections:

v Introduction to Query Processing
v File Definitions and Data
v Defining Queries
v Using Join Operations
v Miscellaneous Tips and Techniques
v Query Status Messages

Introduction to Query for i5/OS query processing

Query processing involves the following stages:
v Validating the query and evaluating the best method for retrieving the requested data
v Performing the input/output (I/O) for this data
v Presenting the data in the requested format

Query often overlaps these stages to provide the best possible response time.

In the first stage of running a query, called optimization, Query determines the fastest way to process a
query. An access plan results and is used to perform the actual I/O for the query.

Optimization includes factors such as file size, selection tests, and sort tests. However, the main
performance element for both optimization and I/O is the use of keyed sequence access paths for the
files selected by the query.

Keyed sequence access paths in Query for i5/OS

A keyed sequence access path describes the order in which records in a database file are read. Use the
Create Logical File (CRTLF) command to create access paths with keys specified in the data description
specifications (DDS).

During optimization, Query uses existing keyed sequence access paths to obtain an approximation of the
number of records the query will return. This information is needed in the optimization itself. Also,
Query uses existing access paths, if possible, to do the required I/O. Depending on the circumstances,
Query may choose to build a temporary access path to complete the query request.

Without existing access paths, Query either must read every record in each file to determine if it meets
the values in the query or build a temporary access path if Query requires one. These options can be
expensive in terms of processing unit, I/O, and storage requirements and can result in longer response
times.

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 227

Note: Having existing access paths is important because a temporary access path created by Query is not
saved. It must be created each time that particular query is run.

Select/omit access paths in Query for i5/OS

Use the CRTLF command to create access paths with select/omit tests specified in the DDS.

Specify the select/omit tests in such a way that they match part or all of the selection tests from one or
more queries. Specifying an existing access path should improve performance because Query then does
not have to find or build a usable access path.

Using a select/omit access path also can save time when defining a query because the selection and sort
tests specified in the access path need not be repeated in the query definition.

Note:

Query may use a select/omit access path even if it is not specifically named in the Specify file
selections portion of the query itself. However, if the select/omit access path is created with the
Dynamic Selection (DYNSLT) keyword in the DDS, there is no performance gain over
nonselect/omit access paths.

The select/omit access path can be used if it is a superset of the selection criteria. For example, if
the selection criteria specifies an action path 'X GT 45' and a select/omit access path (logical file)
exists with a selection of 'X GT 40', then the existing logical file may be chosen by the optimizer.

Considerations for creating access paths in Query for i5/OS

Not all access paths can be used by all queries, so create access paths that you use often, either by one
query that is run a great deal or by several queries that can all share the same access path. To determine
which access paths that Query can use and other general tips on how to define your Queries to improve
performance, see Defining queries for Query for i5/OS on page 230.

Creating a minimum number of access paths is important for these reasons:

v Any change to a field in a database results in updating all access paths keyed on that field as well.
This can be expensive in terms of performance for a large number of access paths.
v Backup and restore time may increase considerably if a large number of access paths are saved along
with the files.

In addition to the tips provided in this section, there are two other general guidelines that may help you
determine whether an access path can be used for a particular file:
v If the query selects over 20% of the total number of records in the file, it generally does not use an
access path for that file. Instead, it accesses the records sequentially. However, if the query contains sort
tests, an existing access path may be used or a temporary access path may be created even if the 20%
guideline is true. The optimizer usually chooses to implement the sort using sequentially read records
instead of an access path.
v Query does not usually create and use access paths for small files. Although small in this case is
defined as files with approximately 1000 records, this is not a rule, just a general guideline. However, if
sort tests exist in the query, an existing access path may be used, or a temporary access path may be
created for the file. The optimizer usually chooses to implement the sort using sequentially read
records instead of an access path.

Access plans in Query for i5/OS

When you save a query definition (whether it is for a new query or a revised query definition), an access
plan reflecting the best method for accessing the data is saved along with it.

228 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Each time you run a saved query, Query validates the access plan by checking that the files and access
paths named in the plan still exist.

If it is valid, Query uses that plan to access the data. This can result in a significant performance gain,
when compared with running queries without stored access plans, because Query does not have to
validate the access path when running a stored query. However, the difference may not be significant for
some queries if this validation is only a small part of the processing time.

If the access plan is not valid, Query tries to find the best access plan to use in accessing the data, and
performance may be affected.

The saved access plan is not used if you:

v Override the output form when date, time, or timestamp data is included
v Override the output type from display to printer or database file or vice versa
v Use a query from a prior release
v Override an input file (OVRDBF command)
v Override a file selection using the run query (RUNQRY) command
v Run a query with language sequence collating on a system with a different national language. This
applies if Use Collating Sequence for all Character Comparisons processing option is set to NO.
v Run a query with a change in weighting values or CCSID of the collating sequence selected at run
time. This applies if Use Collating Sequence for all Character Comparisons processing option is set to
NO.
v i5/OS forced a rebuild due to system program changes (PTFs).

Note: In some cases, when you press ENTER (to save a query), it may take longer than expected to save
the query because the system is defining an access plan for the query. However, once the access
plan is defined for the query, the performance advantage can be significant for both the individual
query response time and the system in general, especially if the query is run often.

Updating access plans in Query for i5/OS

To update an access plan for a saved query, enter the change option for that query and save it again. (You
do not need to make any changes.) This allows Query to update the access plan to reflect any changes. If
you have a large number of saved queries, it is useful to understand which queries are affected by which
access path changes. Then you do not have to change and save all the queries when a change is made to
one or more access paths.

Access plans for stored queries are not updated to reflect access paths that were deleted or created since
the last time the query was saved. Query notes these kinds of changes when it validates the access plan
and reoptimizes. Although the reoptimization may find a better method of accessing the data, this better
method is not automatically updated in the access plan. This means that the next time the query is run,
reoptimization occurs again because the access plan still reflects the original method chosen at the time
the query was saved.

File definitions and data in Query for i5/OS

This section lists considerations for defining files and the actual data in the files.

File definitions in Query for i5/OS

Note whether numeric field definitions within a database file on the System i platform are in the zoned
or packed decimal format. The i5/OS operating system performs arithmetic operations using the packed
decimal format.

Appendix C. Query for i5/OS performance tips and techniques 229

In the packed decimal format, two digits are stored in each byte, except the low-order byte. The
low-order four digits of the low-order byte contain the sign of the number. For example, the binary
representation of +123 in the packed decimal format is 0001 0010 0011 1111. In the zoned decimal format,
the digits are stored in the low-order four bits of each byte. The high-order four bits of the low-order
byte contain the sign. The high-order four bits of all other bytes contain all 1s (1111). For example, the
binary representation of +123 in zoned decimal format is 1111 0001 1111 0010 1111 0011.

If a file contains numeric fields defined as zoned (which is common on files migrated from a System/36),
the System i platform converts the fields from zoned to packed for the arithmetic operation and then
converts them back to zoned when the resulting value is returned to the program.

When the program is Query, this means that running a query involving zoned numeric fields requires
additional processing unit time and possibly somewhat longer response times. If you are concerned about
this aspect of performance, consider converting your files to use packed fields instead of zoned. However,
make this decision carefully, especially if the conversion has a major affect on your operation.

When you create a new file on the System i platform, define numeric fields as packed, with the length of
these fields being an odd number of characters. If the length of the field is declared as an even number,
the first four bits of the first byte in the field are not used, but the system still checks these four bits to
ensure that no overflow has occurred. If you declared the field as an odd length, this checking does not
occur. The system uses additional processing time when numeric fields have even lengths.

File data considerations for Query for i5/OS

Decimal data errors might show up with files that have been migrated from System/36. System/36
applications sometimes place blanks in numeric fields instead of leading zeros (the blanks result in errors
when processed on the System i platform). Identify and correct decimal data errors to obtain optimal
query performance. See Defining queries for Query for i5/OS on page 230 for more information.

You can identify and correct numeric field errors by using IBM Tools for Developers for i5/OS. The files you
analyze or correct with this product must be externally described database files. Ensure that all
applications (especially those migrated from the System/36) are corrected so they do not continue to
insert data with these kinds of errors.

Defining queries for Query for i5/OS

This section provides tips and techniques for defining or changing queries on a single database file.
Operations involving multiple files are covered in Using join operations in Query for i5/OS on page
234.

The information in this section relates to the Define the Query display. See Selecting definition steps
when defining a Query for i5/OS query on page 26 for details.

Query for i5/OS performance when designing or changing queries

When you design or change queries, view the results of the query in one of the following ways:
v Press F5 (Report) on the Define the Query display to run the query and show the results of the report
as it is designed up to that point.
v Press F13 (Layout) on the Define the Query display to see an example of the layout, including column
headings, a sample detail record, any report break text, and any summary functions defined for the
query.

Note: Use F13 instead of F5 as much as possible because since F5 requires more processing unit time,
I/O, and generally takes longer than F13. In either case, use output type option 1 (Display) while
viewing the results.

230 Query for i5/OS V6R1

To improve performance when going from one display to the next, view the lists without their
accompanying text as much as possible. Query uses extra processing unit time and possibly some I/O to
retrieve the text for each field. Also, showing the text for each field results in fewer fields being shown on
each display so you have to page through more displays to retrieve the fields you need to view. This is
also true for query, file, member, and format lists.

Define result fields in Query for i5/OS

Labeled durations are added or subtracted in left to right order. This could make a difference in your
results. For example, adding 1 MONTH + 1 DAY could give a completely different result than adding 1 DAY
+ 1 MONTH Jan 28 + 1 DAY + 1 MONTH gives -> Jan 29 then Feb 28. Jan 28 + 1 MONTH + 1 DAY gives->
Feb 28 then Mar 1.

Define numeric result fields with odd lengths instead of even lengths to reduce system processing unit
time when using these fields. See File definitions and data in Query for i5/OS on page 229 for details.

Avoid defining a result field using division by zero. Although the system processes the query with this
present, each divide by zero operation causes error handling by the system that is expensive in terms of
processing unit and overall response time.

Avoid defining a result field that causes an overflow condition. Overflow occurs when a field is larger
than its specified length. When overflow occurs, Query shows these result fields with the + character on
the report.

Avoid defining variable-length character fields. Use numeric constants for the offset and length of a
SUBSTR function.

Select and sequence fields in Query for i5/OS

This option allows you to control which fields appear in a report and where they appear within a report
record. To prevent unnecessary disk I/O by Query, select only the fields you need. Also, additional
unneeded fields make a report less readable. If you want to use most of the fields, use F21 (Select All) to
show all fields, then delete the sequence numbers from the fields you do not need.

Note: If you select no fields, Query for i5/OS (as a default) picks up to the first 500 fields in the file.
Avoid this type of operation because it causes unnecessary disk I/O.

Avoid using variable-length fields and null-capable fields. Both of these attributes require extra
processing.

Select records in Query for i5/OS

Specify record selection tests using fields that match key fields of existing access paths or to create access
paths that match often-used record selection tests. Query attempts to use an existing access path if at least
some of the record selection tests match the first key field of that access path.

For example, assume there is a file X with fields A, B, C, and D. An access path exists over this file using
the key fields A, B, and D, in that order. For any query with record values using field A, Query considers
using this access path. However, if the record selection does not involve field A, the access path is not
used. For instance, if the record test is A EQ 3, the access path can be used. If the query contains record
selection tests involving only fields B or D (for example, B EQ 5 or D EQ 8), this access path cannot be
used.

Performance improves if more of the selection tests match more key fields in the same access path. This
allows the access path to reduce the number of records selected. As an example (using file X again), if the
record tests are A EQ 3 AND B EQ 5 AND D GT 8, the access path can be used to find records matching all
three of these values.

Appendix C. Query for i5/OS performance tips and techniques 231

Note: If there is no existing access path matching some of the record selection tests, Query does not build
an access path solely for purposes of selection. Query reads each record and selects those that
qualify.

If you request a particular query often, consider creating an access path with select/omit tests to match
that query. See Select/omit access paths in Query for i5/OS on page 228 for more information on this
subject.

Existing access paths are only used for OR conditions involving the same field specified in the selection
tests.

One type of record selection is to use the % symbol with the LIKE operator as a generic search or scan
(also known as a wildcard scan). If the generic scan starts in the first position of a field (for example,
%ABC), Query cannot use any existing access paths for that portion of the record selection. However, if
the generic scan starts after the first position (for example, ABC%), Query can use any qualifying access
paths over the field specified in this type of record selection.

Select sort fields in Query for i5/OS

Query, in most cases, needs an access path to sequence the selected records when sort fields are specified.
If an access path does not exist, Query creates a temporary access path at run time or uses a sort to order
the records. A sort routine is used when the optimizer determines that the sort routine provides better
performance. If a temporary access path is used, it is deleted after the query has finished running, so
each run of the query requires another build of the access path. For this reason, always consider whether
you really need sort fields for the query.

Consider creating access paths that match the sort tests for queries that you use often and for queries
where the access path build time is excessively long. Query attempts to use an existing access path if all
the sort fields from the query match the high order key fields from the access path. This way you can
avoid excessive building of access paths for queries with sort tests.

As an example, assume file Z has fields A, B, C, and D. Also assume there are six access paths built over
this file that have the following keys specified in this order:
1. Access path #1 has key field A
2. Access path #2 has key fields A and B
3. Access path #3 has key fields A and C
4. Access path #4 has key fields A, B, and C
5. Access path #5 has key fields B, A, and C
6. Access path #6 has key fields A, B, C, and D

Now if you run a query that is defined to sort on key fields A, B, and C, only access paths #4 and #6 are
considered by Query during optimization. Access paths #1, #2, and #3 are not used because it is
inefficient for Query to read the records again and sort on the additional keys. It is more efficient for
Query to build and use an access path containing all the sort and selection tests. Access path #5 is not
considered because the sorted keys are not in the correct order.

If a particular query is requested often, consider creating an access path with select/omit tests to match
that query. See Select/omit access paths in Query for i5/OS on page 228 for more information on this
subject.

If you have sort tests that you use often, another option (besides creating access paths) is to use Query to
sort the records in a database file in the desired order. Query can then be run against this file with no
sort tests, if the queries are looking for data sorted as it appears in the file. To perform this function,
select the desired sort fields from the file, choose database as the output device (option 3 on the Select
Output Type and Output Form display), and specify the output database file name, which must be

232 Query for i5/OS V6R1

different from the input or original file name. This produces a new database file containing the sorted
records. The time required to produce the sorted records may vary, depending on whether Query has to
build an access path to do the sort.

Consider these items before performing this type of operation:

v Any changes to the original file are not automatically reflected in the sorted file unless you provide for
this with some type of additional maintenance. For this reason, you may want to limit the use of this
option to those files that are infrequently changed.
v If an access path is built over an unsorted field in the sorted file, use of this access path by Query
results in records being returned in an unsorted order. Limit building access paths over a sorted file
unless the access paths are built over sorted fields in that file.

If possible, avoid sorting on defined result fields. This can be an expensive operation in terms of
performance, since Query must build an access path to satisfy this type of request.

Select collating sequence in Query for i5/OS

Use this option to specify an alternative collating sequence. For example, you may want to change a
query so that all lowercase letters sort before uppercase letters. If you specify an alternative collating
sequence and the query contains character sort keys, Query cannot use existing access paths and must
build an access path to do the sort.

Note: Using an alternative collating sequence does not affect numeric, DBCS-only, DBCS-graphic, date,
time, or timestamp sort fields.

Using job-run collating sequence choices can cause a query to take longer to run.

Do not use a collating sequence if it is not needed. If your query involves only numeric fields, change a
defaulted collating sequence other than hexadecimal to hexadecimal.

A unique-weight sort sequence table might require less processing than a shared-weight table because it
can be ignored for comparisons that do not involve evaluating relative order.

Specify report summary functions in Query for i5/OS

Access paths do not help performance for summary functions, so you do not need to consider creating
access paths solely for this type of function. However, if the query has selection or sort tests specified
along with summary functions, an access path matching these values may help improve the overall
performance of the query.

If you are familiar with using DB2 for i5/OS on the System i platform, consider using DB2 for i5/OS
views for Query summary functions. DB2 for i5/OS allows you to create views based on summary
functions against the fields in a file. For example, you can build a DB2 for i5/OS view to contain the sum
and average for a field in a file. The performance advantage of a DB2 for i5/OS view can be significant
for Query summary functions, especially in terms of reduced response times. To use a view, specify the
name of the view as the file to be selected.

Select output type and output form in Query for i5/OS

If you only need to view the summary records, specify this on the Select Output Type and Output Form
display. This eliminates the unnecessary time it takes to page through the detail records.

If you are only interested in viewing the first display or two of results from a query, you may choose to
view results to a display instead of a printer or database file. Query provides the first display of data as
quickly as possible, so viewing one display from the work station is generally much quicker than waiting
for the query to generate all results to a printer or a database file.

Appendix C. Query for i5/OS performance tips and techniques 233

However, if the data you want to view is at the end of the searched records, it may take longer than
anticipated to display those records. This may also be true when paging down to access more data (even
if the first display did appear quickly) if the additional data is located much further into the file. If Query
has to build a large access path prior to retrieving data it takes longer to reach the first display.

Specify output type 1 (Display) and output form 1 (Detail) for a multi-copy query. Specify output type 2
(Printer) for a column list query.

Specify processing options in Query for i5/OS

The key option on the Specify Processing Options display is whether to ignore decimal data errors (see
File definitions and data in Query for i5/OS on page 229 for a description of decimal data errors). If
decimal data errors are ignored, Query cannot use any existing access paths for that file and has to build
an access path if one is required for the query, and additional processing is required to handle any fields
with decimal data errors.

If decimal data errors are not ignored, Query stops processing if it encounters a decimal data error.
However, if Query does not encounter any decimal data errors during processing, it can use existing
access paths and runs normally.

Note: This handling of decimal data errors only affects queries that use numeric fields. Queries that use
only character fields are not affected by this option.

When specifying whether to ignore decimal data errors, you have these choices:
v Y (Yes) means ignore decimal data errors.
v N (No) means do not ignore decimal data errors.
v Leaving the Ignore Decimal Data Errors field blank means Query chooses either Y or N, depending on the
environment in which you are running the query.
If the query is run in the System/36 environment, Query uses Y and decimal data errors are ignored. If
the query is run in the System/38 environment or i5/OS environment, Query uses N and decimal
data errors are not ignored. The System/36 environment uses Y because decimal data errors were
always ignored on the System/36. Because access paths cannot be used when Y (the default) is used in
the System/36 environment, there may be substantial performance differences between the
environments if the default is used.

You might want to consider eliminating decimal data errors to make sure you can use existing access
paths and to eliminate the extra processing needed to handle these errors. Use the IBM Tools for Developers
for i5/OS product. If you cannot eliminate the decimal errors, you might want to choose Y (or use
RUNQRY in the System/36 environment to get Y to default) to make your query run faster. Even if it is
necessary to build a new access path, this might take less time than diagnosing decimal data errors.

Using join operations in Query for i5/OS

Queries involving join operations have special considerations relating to performance. Although the
performance tips listed prior to this may apply to individual files within a join, Query must consider all
the values involving all the files to be joined and then make a decision on how best to proceed with the
query.

One of the key concepts of joins is that of primary and secondary files. The primary file is the first file
used in the join while the secondary files are those that are joined to the primary.

You can select one of three types of join operations when defining a join query:
Option 1Matched records
A record from the primary file is selected only if there is a match with every secondary file
specified.

234 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Option 2Matched records with primary file
A record from the primary file is selected regardless of whether there is a match with any of the
secondary files. The selection of primary records is dependent on the select/omit criteria specified
on the Select Records display. Only primary records that meet those criteria are selected.
Select/omit criteria specified against secondary files may cause a record from the primary file not
to be selected.
Option 3Unmatched records with primary file
A record from the primary file is selected only if there are no-matches with all of the secondary
files.

For option 2 and option 3 joins, which file is listed as the primary and which as the secondary is
important to the end result produced by the query, since ordering these files differently can produce
different results. However, the order is not important for option 1 joins since the same result occurs
regardless of the order in which files are placed.

This difference is important when considering how Query performs a join. Since the order of the files in
an option 1 join is not important, running this type of query may result in Query choosing a different
ordering of the files to gain better performance at run time. For example, if a query defines file A as the
primary and file B as the secondary, at run time Query may actually decide to use file B as the primary if
it provides better overall performance for the query. In options 2 and 3, however, Query cannot rearrange
the order of the files since this can produce different results, so the primary and secondary files always
remain as listed in the query definition.

Note: Although Query may choose to rearrange the order of the files at run time for an option 1 join,
Query never alters the actual query definition.

Performance tips for join operations in Query for i5/OS

For all join operations, Query requires the use of an access path over each of the secondary files in the
join. If no usable access paths exist, Query builds them as needed. For this reason, if a particular join
query is run often or if several join queries use the same sort or join selection tests, consider building
access paths that match these values so Query does not have to build them each time you run the
queries.

Note: Query does not require an access path on the primary file unless there are sort fields selected from
this file.

It is important to build access paths to match join selection tests you use often. The access path or paths
should match the fields selected from the secondary files. For example, if the join selection test is T01.A
EQ T02.A, an access path is required over T02.A. For an option 1 join, Query may decide to switch the
order of the files and also internally switch the order of the join selection to match the new order. In this
case, the previously created access path may not be used. For an option 2 or 3 join, however, Query does
not switch the order of the files, so existing access paths that match the join selection tests on the
secondary file should be usable for the join.

Use as many record selection and join selection tests as possible on all files to be joined to narrow down
the number of records that will result from the join operation. This significantly reduces the amount of
I/O required to run the query.

If possible, limit using *ALL on the Specify How to Join Files display. If *ALL is used, the number of
joined records produced could be large. For example, if you use *ALL to join a file containing 2000
records with a file of 3000 records, the end result would be 6000000 joined records. A large amount of
I/O would be required, resulting in a long response time and some degradation in overall system
performance.

Appendix C. Query for i5/OS performance tips and techniques 235

Be careful with using the NE comparison between fields from different files on the Specify How to Join
Files display. This could result in a large number of records being selected and a large amount of I/O
being performed.

Query runs more efficiently when the files are ordered from smallest to largest. In this case, smallest
means the file from which the fewest records are selected for the join. Although this can be the file with
the least records, in some cases a very large file can be used if only a few records are chosen from that
file.

For an option 1 join, Query attempts to order the files from smallest to largest, depending on the number
of records selected from each. For an option 2 or 3 join, list the files in this order to achieve more efficient
processing.

For an option 2 or 3 join, try to make the files listed first as small as possible by using both join and
record selection tests. For example, if the join selection tests is T01.A EQ T02.A AND T02.A GT 100, it
would be more efficient to change this to T01.A EQ T02.A AND T01.A GT 100. For an option 1 join,
apply as many selection tests as possible to all the files, since you cannot determine which one Query
will choose as the primary.

If sort tests must be specified from multiple files for an option 1 join or a secondary file in an option 2 or
3 join, using both record selection and join selection tests becomes important. The smaller the number of
records selected, the fewer that have to be copied into the temporary file for the sort, thus saving on
processing unit, I/O, and response times.

If you are experiencing severe performance problems when joining large files, either try to avoid this type
of operation, or use selection tests to narrow down the number of records being joined.

If you need to join large files and can use record selection tests, run Query against the file or files
requiring the record selection and put the output to a database file (option 3 on the Select Output Type
and Output Form display). Use this output file to join with the other files. However, this approach may
result in using old data, since the output to the database file may be an older version by the time the
join query using this file is run. Also, since no access paths exist over this output file (unless you build
them), Query must build one at run time if it is required.

Miscellaneous tips and techniques for Query for i5/OS

This section lists miscellaneous tips and techniques designed to assist you when using Query.

Batch processing for Query for i5/OS

Consider submitting queries to batch processing whose results you do not need immediately. For
instance, a query that generates printed reports that will not be used until later is a good candidate to
submit to batch. This frees your terminal for other tasks instead of waiting for the query to finish
running. Also, a properly tuned system is better at balancing system resources (processing unit time,
storage, I/O) between jobs if a query that normally uses a lot of resource is submitted to batch rather
than run interactively.

The steps to submit a query to batch vary depending on the environment you operate in. In the
System/36 environment, press F6 (Put on job queue) to submit a query to batch from the prompt display
for QRYRUN. This key is allowed after you specify printer or disk as the output type and press the Enter
key. If you are not in the System/36 environment, use the Submit Job (SBMJOB) command to submit a
batch job that contains a Run Query (RUNQRY) command. In the System i environment, use the Work
with Queries or Exit this Query display to submit queries to batch. See Appendix D, Preventing users
from running Query for i5/OS queries interactively, on page 239. For more information about these
commands, see the Control language topic in the i5/OS Information Center.

236 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Query for i5/OS performance tuning
A properly tuned system provides much better overall performance than one in which performance
tuning has not been used. However, there are many factors to consider when properly tuning the system
to meet your needs. See the Work Management topic for details. In addition, the Performance Tools for
iSeries book explains how to monitor and understand overall system performance. Use these guides
together to help improve overall system performance.

If possible, limit the number of ad hoc queries in order to avoid unnecessary access path builds.
Determine which queries are used most often, then create access paths for these queries and save the
query definitions. Most users can then operate out of this fixed set of queries and experience much better
response time and overall system performance than if everyone runs queries in an ad hoc manner.

Limit access to the Query product on the system to those people who have an understanding of Query
performance and how to best use it. This eliminates costly ad hoc queries that can severely affect other
users. Have new users read through this guide to introduce them to Query before giving them access to
the product.

Consider removing unused data from the files that are actively used and placing it in separate saved
files. This significantly reduces the amount of time and resources spent by Query searching through the
active files or building access paths over them.

Ensure that all available performance PTFs are applied to the system. This not only includes PTFs
applying directly to Query, but also others that may apply to overall system performance as well.

Pay attention to the performance optimization messages that are available in debug mode (use STRDBG
before running your query). These messages may help you determine how you can change the query
definition so it will run faster.

Query for i5/OS migration considerations N to N-1

When query creates a database file that includes a date, time, timestamp, variable-length, or null-capable
field, a bit is set that states that this file cannot be used with a release prior to Version 2 Release 1
Modification 1. When query creates a database file that includes a DBCS-graphic field, a bit is set that
states that this file cannot be used with a release prior to Version 2 Release 2 Modification 0.
Notes:
1. If you run a query that contains date, time, or timestamp data types on a release prior to Version 2
Release 1 Modification 1, one of the following two things may happen:
v No records are selected
v Results are in error
2. A query that uses a DBCS-graphic constant will not run on a release prior to Version 2 Release 2
Modification 0.

Query for i5/OS status messages

When you run a query interactively, status messages may appear at the bottom of your display to let you
know what is happening. For long-running queries, these messages can help determine which stages of
the query take the most time to run. Once this is determined, it may be easier to decide which of the
previously listed tips and techniques apply. This section lists the status messages that may appear when
running a query.
Query running. Building access path for file X in Y.
This message indicates Query has determined an access path is required to run this query, but no
existing access path meets the needed values. Query builds an access path and displays this
message while the access path is being built. Notice how long this message appears on the

Appendix C. Query for i5/OS performance tips and techniques 237

 display and also the total amount of time it takes the query to run. If a significant portion of the
query run time is spent building an access path, attempt to use the tips and techniques
previously listed on using access paths.
Query running. Building access path from file X in Y.
This message indicates Query is building an access path from an existing access path. Generally,
the appearance of this message is not an indication of a performance problem, but instead should
be viewed as a positive indication because Query is using an existing access path for the
operation.
Query running. Creating copy of file X in Y.
This message indicates that Query is copying one of the files in the query to a temporary file.
This occurs in the following cases:
v A multi-format logical file is specified
v A join logical file is specified with a join type that does not match the querys join type
v A complex SQL View is specified
If the temporary file is created for a join as described above, try to avoid this type of operation.
Refer to Using join operations in Query for i5/OS on page 234 for more information on this
item. If this message occurs because the total length of the sort fields is greater than 2000 bytes,
this may be reason for concern. For more information on this, refer to Select sort fields in Query
for i5/OS on page 232.
Query running. Sorting copy of file *N in *N.
This message appears either when the combined length of the sort fields exceeds 2000 bytes or
when Query has chosen to use a sort routine rather than create an access path to achieve better
performance. This indicates that Query is performing its own sort routine on the temporary file
that was just created.

Query for i5/OS debug mode messages

Query for i5/OS issues performance optimization messages when running in debug mode (STRDBG).
When running in debug mode, you also get such things as optimization messages and diagnostic details
for mapping errors that do not end the job.

238 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Appendix D. Preventing users from running Query for i5/OS
queries interactively
The system administrator can restrict users from running queries interactively. When this restriction is
applied, users cannot:
v Use option 9 (Run) on the Work With Queries display.
v Press F5 (Report) to display the report on-screen.
v Use option 1 (Run interactively) on the Exit this Query display.
v Run the QRYRUN procedure interactively.
v Run the Run Query (RUNQRY) command interactively.

If a user attempts to run a query interactively, and is restricted from doing so, an error message appears.

A user cannot run a query interactively when:

v The authority for the RUNQRY command is changed so the user is no longer authorized to it. This
may affect the ability of the user to run in batch (see note below on allowing one or more users to
have different run capabilities).
v The RUNQRY command is changed to no longer support being run interactively.

To prevent a user from running a query interactively:

v Use the Change Command (CHGCMD) command to remove *INTERACT from the ALLOW (where
allowed to run) parameter. ALLOW(*PGM) is not allowed in RUNQRY.
v Change the authority for the RUNQRY command to state which users have authority to this command.

Note: To allow one or more users to have different run capabilities than what is specified for the
RUNQRY command in QSYS:
1. Create a duplicate object of the RUNQRY command and place it in a library other than
QSYS.
2. Make the needed changes to restrict the use of the RUNQRY command in QSYS.
3. Place the library containing the new RUNQRY command, that is, the version that allows
users to run interactively, ahead of QSYS in the library list of the users who need to run
queries interactively.

Note: If you add a new release of the operating system, you may need to redefine the RUNQRY
command parameters.

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 239

240 Query for i5/OS V6R1
Appendix E. Coded character set identifiers (CCSIDs) in
Query for i5/OS
This appendix contains information about coded character set identifiers or CCSIDs. This information will
help you understand CCSIDs and why they are important to Query for i5/OS.

A CCSID is a 2-byte (unsigned) integer that uniquely identifies an encoding scheme and one or more
pairs of character sets and code pages. A CCSID can be assigned to each query definition, data field, and
collating sequence. A CCSID can also be assigned to individual items in a file record format definition,
such as the column heading, text description, edit word, or long comment for a field.

CCSID-marked data can be converted so that it looks the same in languages that use the same character
set or superset of the character set (see Figure 7). Data will not look the same without conversion if the
code pages differ. The hexadecimal value for a graphic character (a character that is displayed or printed)
in one language may be different than the value for the equivalent character in another language. The
problem does not end with displaying and printing. If data is collated using a sequence prepared from
characters in a different code page, or if data in different code pages is compared without being
converted, the result will seem incorrect.

DATABASE DATABASE

C1 C2 C3 CCSID 37-99 D9 E5 AA
CONVERSION
(HEX) (HEX)

CCSID-37 CCSID-99
Without CCSID Conversion
CCSID-99

A B C A B C
Q H 9

???

RV2N403-3

Figure 7. Working with and without CCSID Conversion. Conversion, when necessary and possible, is done
automatically by the system.

Query for i5/OS recognizes when conversion of data, collating sequences, and text is needed, and
performs the conversion. The system notifies you if the conversion fails. You may not be able to work on
a query or run a saved query depending on the CCSIDs involved. Four conditions can result from CCSID
comparisons:

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 241

v They match identically, which means no conversion is necessary.
v They are compatible, which means complete conversion is possible.
v They are compatible with substitution, which means conversion is possible but substitution characters
might be used. Substitution characters, depending on where they occur, can give unpredictable results,
particularly in sorting and testing character fields.
v They are incompatible, which means conversion is impossible.

This appendix explains how CCSIDs affect what Query for i5/OS does in specific circumstances.

CCSID marking in Query for i5/OS

The following bulleted objects contain CCSID tags used by query processing. Each item inherits its
CCSID from the containing item unless marked with an asterisk. An asterisk indicates that the object has
its own CCSID tag. The bulleted items inherit their CCSID from the user profile or job, unless specifically
changed. Numbers in parentheses refer to notes explaining how you can determine CCSID values for the
item.
v Query definition ( 1, 6) *
Override column heading ( 5)
Override edit word ( 5)
Constant in expression ( 8)
Constant in value for record selection test ( 8)
Result field name ( 5)
Concatenation symbols ||
First 50 positions in expression, used as result field text ( 5)
Result field column heading ( 5)
Break text
Final totals text (found at break level 0)
Cover page text
Page heading text
Page footing text
Collating sequence (user-defined, or snapshot of translation table, or system sort sequence) ( 2, 7, 8)
*
v Translation table and system sort sequence
Collating sequence ( 8 9) *
v Query user profile
Collating sequence (user-defined default) ( 7, 8) *
v Query program object containing preconfigured language sequences. That is, the module that contains
the sequences for option 2 on the Select Collating Sequence display.
Collating sequence (for language) ( 7, 8) *
v Job description ( 8) *
Data (in printer or display buffers)
Collating sequence (job) *
v File definition *
File record format ( 8) *
- Text about the format *
- Data (in members) * ( 3, 5)
- Field
v Name ( 5)

242 Query for i5/OS V6R1

 v (Original) Column heading ( 5) *
v (Original) Edit word ( 5) *
v Text about the field ( 5) *
v Long comment *
v Null default
v Data (in members)
v Sort sequence for * file ( 4, 5, 8) *
File member
- Text about the member *
- Data (the CCSID tag or tags are in the format definition)
Notes:
1. The CCSID of the query definition is shown on displays that show the query name, like the Define
the Query display.
2. The CCSID of the user-defined collating sequence is shown on the Define Collating Sequence display.
3. The CCSID of the character data in an output file is shown on a line above the record format in a
printed query definition if all the character-data CCSIDs match (single and mixed-byte versions of a
CCSID are considered matching).
4. The CCSIDs of the character fields in an output file are shown in a column of the record format in a
printed query definition if individual CCSIDs do not match.
5. When text parts from an input file definition, such as column headings, field text, and file definition
text, are used to create an output file definition, the CCSIDs of those parts are carried over to the
output file definition. The CCSIDs of fields are also carried over. You can use the Display File Field
Description (DSPFFD) command to determine the CCSID of fields. You can dump the file to
determine the CCSID of field text or file definition text.
6. The original CCSID of the query definition is shown in an informational message on the Define the
Query display. If this CCSID is 65535 and the CCSID shown at the top of the display differs, text and
constants in the query definition will start to be treated as though marked with the latter CCSID.
7. The original CCSID of the collating sequence used to initialize the Define Collating Sequence display
is shown in the second level text of the informational message about how the sequence was
initialized. If this CCSID is 65535 and the CCSID shown at the top of the display differs, the sequence,
whether or not you reorder it, will start to be treated as though marked with the latter CCSID.
8. Some diagnostic messages about CCSID conversion problems show the incompatible CCSIDs.
9. The CCSID of the collating sequence resolved for the current collating choices is shown in a message
at the bottom of the Select Collating Sequence display.

CCSIDs and collating sequences in Query for i5/OS

Within Query for i5/OS you can specify hexadecimal (the default), the language sequence, a user-defined
sequence, a translation table, or system sort sequence to specify a collating sequence. The collating
sequence is used for join tests, record selection, sorting, grouping report-breaks, and determining
minimum and maximum values. Collating sequence tables are only used for SBCS characters.

A CCSID is associated with each of the collating sequences supported by Query for i5/OS. Query for
i5/OS assumes that a translation table has a CCSID of 65535. A user-defined sequence has the job CCSID
of the defining user.

Note: If you select the hexadecimal sequence or use a collating sequence with a CCSID of 65535 for
ordering marked data, the results you get may seem inconsistent. For example:
v The value that sorts to the lowest position may not be the minimum summary value for a
displayed or printed column. This can happen because sort comparisons are done before, and
minimum comparisons after, any conversion to the job CCSID occurs.

Appendix E. Coded character set identifiers (CCSIDs) in Query for i5/OS 243
 v The minimum and maximum values saved in summary-only output to a database file may differ
from the corresponding values in a printed or displayed report, even though the same job
CCSID is used to run the query. This happens only if values for a minimum or maximum field
are converted to the job CCSID in order to be printed or displayed.

When you save a user-defined collating sequence as the default in your Query profile, the job CCSID is
saved with it. If you choose to save the language option as your default, only the option is saved in the
profilenot the language sequence or its CCSID.

Note: The query profile, user-defined collating sequence default, and CCSID are only updated if you
press F23 from the Define Collating Sequence display to save the sequence.

Query for i5/OS language sequences

Following are the language sequences that are supported by Query for i5/OS.
Table 9. Language Code-Page CCSIDs
Country or Version Code Page CCSID

Belgian Dutch 00500 500

Belgian French 00500 500
Canadian English 00037 37
Canadian French 00500 500
Danish NLV 00277 277
Dutch NLV 00037 37
Finnish NLV 00278 278
French MNCS 00500 500
French NLV 00297 297
German MNCS 00500 500
German NLV 00273 273
Icelandic 00871 871
Italian MNCS 00500 500
Italian NLV 00280 280
Norwegian NLV 00277 277
Portuguese NLV 00037 0037
Portuguese MNCS 00500 500
Spanish MNCS 00500 500
Spanish NLV 00284 284
Swedish NLV 00278 278
Swiss French MNCS 00500 500
Swiss German MNCS 00500 500
Swiss Italian MNCS 00500 500
United Kingdom 00285 285
United States English 00037 37

Notes:
1. MNCS means multinational character set
2. NLV means national language version

CCSID conversions for Query for i5/OS options and functions

You may get a diagnostic message or unexpected result when you select a Query for i5/OS option or
press a function key that requires a conversion from one CCSID to another. The following may help you
understand what conversions may be needed to satisfy various requests and what happens when such a
conversion fails.

244 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Displaying a Query for i5/OS query
The following table shows how different combinations of job and query CCSIDs affect displaying a query
and how constants are treated. You can display the query definition if the process (job) CCSID and the
query definition CCSID match, if either is marked with a CCSID of 65535 (do not convert), or if the query
definition is not marked. In Table 10, 37 is the English CCSID and 65535 is a CCSID that blocks
conversion.
Table 10. How CCSIDs Affect Displaying a Query
Constants Processed as Marked with
Job CCSID Query CCSID CCSID

37 37 37
65535 37 37
37 65535 65535
65535 No tag 65535
37 No tag 65535

Changing a Query for i5/OS query

You can change the query definition if the process (job) CCSID and the query definition CCSID match, if
either is marked with a CCSID of 65535 (do not convert), or if the query definition is not marked.

Table 11 shows when a query can be changed and how the constants are treated.
Table 11. How CCSIDs Affect Changing a Query
Constants Processed as Marked with
Job CCSID Query CCSID CCSID

37 37 37
65535 37 37
37 65535 37
65535 No tag 65535
37 No tag 37
37 500 Cannot change

Getting a list of objects with text in Query for i5/OS

No conversion is done when query gets text descriptions for queries, translation tables, files, or libraries
because these text descriptions cannot be marked with a CCSID.

If the descriptive text is not displayed in a list display, press F11.

Defining a Query for i5/OS query

You may see CCSID related diagnostic messages in a definition you are either creating, changing, or
displaying. See CCSIDs and Query for i5/OS query definition items on page 247 for more information.

Defining a collating sequence in Query for i5/OS

If a collating sequence CCSID does not match your job CCSID and neither CCSID is 65535, the collating
sequence CCSID is converted to your job CCSID before the Define Collating Sequence display is
initialized. If a translation table cannot be converted, it is not used, regardless of the choice in the Ignore
character substitution prompt.

If you are creating or changing a collating sequence and select option 3 on the Select Collating Sequence
display, Query for i5/OS assumes that you are starting work on a new sequence. Query for i5/OS looks

Appendix E. Coded character set identifiers (CCSIDs) in Query for i5/OS 245
at the following list and selects the first existing sequence that either requires no conversion or can be
converted (without character substitution) to your job CCSID.
v The previously defined sequence for this query
v The user-defined default sequence from the query-users profile
v The language sequence for your system
v The hexadecimal sequence

For example, the language sequence is used to initialize the Define Collating Sequence display if there is
no previously defined sequence for the query and the default sequence from the query-users profile is
converted with warnings about the use of substitution characters.

Query for i5/OS warns you on the Select Collating Sequence display when the sequence previously
defined for this query cannot be converted. You can find out why the language sequence or a
user-defined default sequence was not used by pressing F15 (Language sequence) or F16 (Use default) on
the Define Collating Sequence display.

Getting a list of formats or members with text in Query for i5/OS

If a member or format-text description cannot be converted to the job CCSID, blanks are shown.

If the descriptive text is not displayed in a list display, press F11.

Saving a Query for i5/OS query definition

Conversion may be required when an access plan is built to be saved with the query. This can cause
previously undetected compatibility problems, and you are asked to confirm saving the query definition
with errors.

Running a Query for i5/OS query

Each position of every value that cannot be converted to the job or document CCSID is printed or
displayed as a plus sign (+). Each position of a text string that cannot be converted is printed or
displayed as a dot (.). An edit word that cannot be converted is ignored (edit code J is used instead). This
happens regardless of the method used to run the query.

Note: The job CCSID is the CCSID of the job. It can be changed by the command CHGJOB CCSID().

Neither data nor text is converted when the output is directed to an existing file. If a field receiving data
has a different CCSID, output processing stops with a diagnostic before any records are added.

If you have done an override to a database file selected for input, Query for i5/OS uses the new file
information, including the CCSID markings. This can cause the same kind of errors that would be
diagnosed at definition time.

If you do nothing to cause the access plan to be rebuilt (see Access plans in Query for i5/OS on page
228), you can get errors if a file is replaced with a file in a format that requires no level check, but has
different CCSID characteristics.

Running a default query in Query for i5/OS

When you run the default query for a file, the job or document CCSID and other conversions can fail. For
example, the file could be a logical file involving concatenation of fields with different CCSIDs or you
may be using a query profile with an incompatible collating sequence default.

246 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Selecting records at run time in Query for i5/OS
You can do run-time record selection if the process (job) CCSID and the query definition CCSID are the
same, if either is marked with a CCSID of 65535 (do not convert), or if the query definition is not
marked.

Table 12 shows when record selections can be changed at run time and how the constants are treated.
Table 12. How CCSIDs Affect Run-Time Record Selection
Job CCSID Query CCSID Constants Treated as CCSID

37 37 37
65535 37 37
37 65535 37
65535 No tag 65535
37 No tag 37
37 500 Not allowed

CCSIDs and Query for i5/OS query definition items

Query for i5/OS warns you about some CCSID compatibility problems as you are working on a query
definition but some problems are not diagnosed until the query is run. To understand the results, you
need to know:
v How CCSIDs are assigned to constants and expressions
v The order in which conversions and comparisons are performed
v Whether the check looks at the data or just the CCSID marking

The following topics present some of this information by query definition item. Refer to CCSID
compatibility considerations in Query for i5/OS on page 249 for information on specific pairs of marked
items.

CCSID and file selections in Query for i5/OS

If a format that you specify when you are working on a query definition has any text that cannot be
converted to the CCSID of your job, you see an error message telling you to select a different file or
format.

If you have done an override to a database file, query uses the new file information, including the CCSID
markings. This could cause the same kind of errors that would ordinarily be diagnosed at definition time.

CCSID and join tests in Query for i5/OS

If fields in a join test have different CCSIDs, a conversion to a compatible CCSID is done. If the two
fields do not have the same CCSID and cannot be converted, or if any collating sequence to be used
cannot be converted, you see an error message.

CCSID and result field expressions in Query for i5/OS

Query for i5/OS users in countries other than the United States should type field names and keywords
(for example, SUBSTR) in uppercase to ensure correct results. The CCSID of the result field depends on
the fields used to define the result. At create time, the system assumes constants are marked with the job
CCSID. At change time, the system assumes constants are in the job CCSID of the changing user if the
create time CCSID is 65535. If one field is specified, the result field has the CCSID of that field. If values
with different CCSIDs are specified, the result field has a CCSID based on the order of the values and
type of the expression.

Appendix E. Coded character set identifiers (CCSIDs) in Query for i5/OS 247
Field and constant values that are not in the CCSID of the expression must be converted. If fields or
constants used in expressions have CCSIDs that are not compatible, a message is sent to the user.

For a concatenation symbol you can type:

v Two vertical bars.
v The hexadecimal value of two vertical bars in CCSID 37 (4F4FX).
v Two of the characters that have hexadecimal representation 4F in the CCSID of the query.

CCSID and result field column headings in Query for i5/OS

A column heading in a result field definition is converted, if necessary, to the job or document CCSID
when it is passed back to the document or shown in a report. Dots (...) are shown if the conversion fails.

CCSID and sort fields in Query for i5/OS

If the CCSID of the sort field is different from the collating sequence CCSID, the sequence is converted to
the field CCSID. If the conversion fails, an error message is sent to the user.

CCSID and record selection tests in Query for i5/OS

Query for i5/OS users in countries other than the United States should type field names and keywords
(for example, NULL) in uppercase to ensure correct results.

At create time, the constants are assumed to be in the job CCSID. At change time, the constants are
assumed to be in the job CCSID of the changing user if the create time CCSID is 65535. If the fields or
constants used do not have compatible CCSIDs, or if any collating sequence table to be used cannot be
converted, you see an error message.

CCSID and summary functions in Query for i5/OS

Conversions are performed as needed to evaluate the minimum and maximum functions selected for
character fields. For displayed or printed output, evaluation occurs after the data is converted to the job
or document CCSID after records are sorted. Minimum and maximum function evaluation is done on
unconverted data for summary output to a database file. Any conversion needed to put the results into
an existing file is done later.

If a collating sequence is involved, it is converted as needed to the CCSID in which the data is being
evaluated. If a conversion error occurs while the collating sequence is being converted, you see an error
message. This happens only while a query is running.

CCSID and column formatting and editing in Query for i5/OS

Column headings and edit words are converted, if necessary, to the document or job CCSID when passed
back to a document or shown in a report. Dots are used if the conversion fails. For an edit word, this
forces an error that causes edit code J to be used.

CCSID and report breaks in Query for i5/OS

Conversions are performed as needed to evaluate the report break functions selected for character fields.
For displayed or printed output, evaluation occurs after the data is converted to the job or document
CCSID after records are sorted. Report break evaluation is done on unconverted data for summary
output to a database file. Any conversion needed to put the results into an existing file is done later.

If a collating sequence is involved, it is converted as needed to the CCSID in which the data is being
evaluated. If a conversion error occurs while the collating sequence is being converted, you see an error
message. This happens only while a query is running.

248 Query for i5/OS V6R1

CCSID and break and final text in Query for i5/OS
Break text is converted, if necessary, to the document or job CCSID when passed back to a document or
shown in a report. Dots are used if the conversion fails.

CCSID and cover page, page headings and footings in Query for i5/OS
Page text is converted, if necessary, to the document or job CCSID when passed back to a document or
shown in a report. Dots are used if the conversion fails.

CCSID compatibility considerations in Query for i5/OS

CCSID marking makes it possible for conversions to be performed before presentation of marked material
or use of marked material in comparisons, but can also restrict the use of various combinations of
marked items. The following tables show what can occur when pairs of items are marked with different
CCSIDs, neither of which is 65535.

Table 13 shows what happens at definition time if item 1 cannot be converted to the CCSID for Item 2.
Table 13. CCSIDs Not Compatible-Definition-Time Consequences
Item 1 Item 2 Consequence

Long comment Job Diagnostic shown (not long comment) for F23.
Format text Job Format text shown blank on Select Format display.
Format text Job Format cannot be specified for file selection. Error
diagnosed and displayed on Specify File Selections,
Change File Selections, or File Selection Status displays.
Member text Job Member text shown blank on Select Member display.
Original column heading Job Format cannot be specified for file selection.
Original edit word Job Format cannot be specified for file selection.
Collating sequence Job Cannot use sequence to initialize Define Collating
Sequence display (substitution character involvement is
always treated as an error in this case). The consequence
depends on the origin of the collating sequence and
what you are doing.
(sequence origin)
consequence
(user-defined)
after a warning, prompt bypassed in display
mode
(user-defined)
after a warning, prompt initialized from other
source for first showing in change mode
(language sequence)
F15 request rejected
(user-defined default)
F16 request rejected.
(job sequence)
F17 request rejected.
Collating sequence Field Cannot perform comparison for join. Error diagnosed
and displayed on Specify How to Join display or
indicated on Define the Query or Exit the Query
displays.

Appendix E. Coded character set identifiers (CCSIDs) in Query for i5/OS 249
Table 13. CCSIDs Not Compatible-Definition-Time Consequences (continued)
Item 1 Item 2 Consequence

Field 2 Field 1 Cannot perform comparison for join. Error diagnosed

and displayed on Specify How to Join display or
indicated on Define the Query or Exit This Query
display.
Field 2/constant Field 1 Cannot derive expression CCSID. Error diagnosed and
displayed on Define Result Fields display or indicated
on Define the Query or Exit This Query display. (Can
occur when Query definition constant inherits job CCSID
of changing user.)1
Collating sequence Constant Cannot perform comparison for record selection. Error
diagnosed and displayed on Select Records display or
indicated on the Define the Query or Exit this Query
display. (Can occur when Query definition constant
inherits job CCSID of changing user.)1
Collating sequence Field Cannot perform comparison for record selection. Error
diagnosed and displayed on Select Records display or
indicated on the Define the Query or Exit this Query
display. (Can occur when Query definition constant
inherits job CCSID of changing user.)
Field 2/constant Field 1 Cannot perform comparison for record selection. Error
diagnosed and displayed on Select Records display or
indicated on the Define the Query or Exit this Query
display. (Can occur when Query definition constant
inherits job CCSID of changing user.)1
Field 2/constant Field 1 Cannot calculate expression for key field when building
access plan. Save request rejected; user must submit
request again to save with newly discovered error.1
1. This can happen when you specify that character substitution warnings not be ignored on the Specify Processing
Options display.

Table 14 shows what happens at run time if Item 1 cannot be converted to the CCSID for Item 2.
Table 14. CCSIDs Conversion Problems-Run-Time Consequences
Item 1 Item 2 Consequence

Field 2 Field 1 Cannot perform comparison for join. Run request

rejected.
Field 2/constant Field 1 Cannot perform comparison for record selection. Run
request rejected.1
Field data Collating sequence Cannot perform comparison involving dependent value.
Run request fails. No column list results returned.
Field 2/constant Field 1 Cannot calculate expression for key field when building
access plan. Run request fails.1
Field 2 Field 1 Cannot convert data to CCSID of receiving record field.
Run request fails. (No records added to new file or
member.)1
Field data Job Cannot display or print field values. Run request fails.1
Column heading Job Column heading line shown as dots in displayed or
printed report.
Edit word Job J edit code used, not edit word, in displayed or printed
report.
Break text Job Text line segment shown as dots in displayed or printed
report.

250 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Table 14. CCSIDs Conversion Problems-Run-Time Consequences (continued)
Item 1 Item 2 Consequence

Cover page Job Cover page shown as dots in displayed or printed

report.
Final text Job Text line segment shown as dots in displayed or printed
report.
Page heading Job Page heading text shown as dots in displayed or printed
report.
Page footing Job Page footing text shown as dots in displayed or printed
report.
Collating sequence Field Cannot perform break, minimum, or maximum on field
for:
v Summary-only output to database
v A user with job CCSID 65535, to printer or display

The run request fails for database or printer output. For

displayed output, the run request continues, but all
values and summaries are shown as replacement strings
(+++).
Collating sequence Job Cannot convert table for performing break, minimum, or
maximum for field. The run request fails for printer
output. For displayed output, the run request continues,
but all values and summaries are shown as replacement
strings (+++).
Note: For output to display, Query uses a single diagnostic message to warn you to look for unwanted dots and
missing edit word text. There is no warning when you print a report.
1. This can happen when you specify that character substitution warnings not be ignored on the Specify Processing
Options display.

Table 15 shows what happens at run time when items are marked with compatible substitution CCSIDs,
but conversion of Item 1 to the CCSID of Item 2 requires use of a substitution character for some value,
and character substitution warnings are not ignored.
Table 15. Compatible with Substitution CCSIDs, Conversion Failure-Run-Time Consequences
Item 1 Item 2 Consequence

Field 2 Field 1 Cannot perform comparison for join. Run ended (output
is incomplete).1
Field 2/constant Field 1 Cannot perform comparison for record selection. Run
ended (output is incomplete).1
Field 2/constant Field 1 Cannot calculate result field value for sorting. Run ended
(no records returned).1
Field 2/constant Field 1 Cannot calculate result field value for use in record
selection (the error could occur for the tested field or test
value). Run ended (output is incomplete).1
Field 2/constant Field 1 Cannot calculate result field value for output.
Replacement string displayed or printed for value and
for any subsequent break, minimum, or maximum value
for the field. Output to database ended (output is
incomplete; possibly some, but not all, records added).1
Field data Job Cannot convert selected field value to the job CCSID,
therefore it cannot be displayed or printed. Replacement
string displayed or printed for value and for any
subsequent break, minimum, or maximum value for the
field.1

Appendix E. Coded character set identifiers (CCSIDs) in Query for i5/OS 251
Table 15. Compatible with Substitution CCSIDs, Conversion Failure-Run-Time Consequences (continued)
Item 1 Item 2 Consequence

Collating sequence Job Cannot perform break, minimum, or maximum on value

converted for display or print. Run request ended for
print (output is incomplete). Replacement string
displayed for value and for any subsequent break,
minimum, or maximum value for the field.1
Collating sequence Field Cannot perform break, minimum, or maximum for
displayed or printed output for a user with job CCSID
65535, or for summary only to database. Output is
incomplete for printer or database. Replacement string
displayed for value and for any subsequent break,
minimum, or maximum value for the field.1
1. This can happen when you specify that character substitution warnings not be ignored on the Specify Processing
Options display.

Table 16 shows the different options allowed for several combinations of process (job) and Query
definition CCSIDs. The capital letters A and B represent different CCSIDs neither of which is 65535. The
queries with no tags are from a previous release.
Table 16. How CCSIDs Affect Query Use
Run Query Change Query Run time record Display Query
Job CCSID Query CCSID allowed allowed selection allowed

A A Yes Yes Yes Yes

A 65535 Yes Yes1 Yes1 Yes1
65535 A Yes Yes Yes Yes
A B Yes No1 No1 No1
65535 No tag Yes Yes Yes Yes
A No tag Yes Yes1 Yes1 Yes1
1. Either a warning or request ending message is issued.

252 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Appendix F. Notices
This information was developed for products and services offered in the U.S.A.

IBM may not offer the products, services, or features discussed in this document in other countries.
Consult your local IBM representative for information on the products and services currently available in
your area. Any reference to an IBM product, program, or service is not intended to state or imply that
only that IBM product, program, or service may be used. Any functionally equivalent product, program,
or service that does not infringe any IBM intellectual property right may be used instead. However, it is
the users responsibility to evaluate and verify the operation of any non-IBM product, program, or
service.

IBM may have patents or pending patent applications covering subject matter described in this
document. The furnishing of this document does not grant you any license to these patents. You can send
license inquiries, in writing, to:
IBM Director of Licensing
IBM Corporation
North Castle Drive
Armonk, NY 10504-1785
U.S.A.

For license inquiries regarding double-byte (DBCS) information, contact the IBM Intellectual Property
Department in your country or send inquiries, in writing, to:
IBM World Trade Asia Corporation
Licensing
2-31 Roppongi 3-chome, Minato-ku
Tokyo 106-0032, Japan

The following paragraph does not apply to the United Kingdom or any other country where such
provisions are inconsistent with local law: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
PROVIDES THIS PUBLICATION AS IS WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Some
states do not allow disclaimer of express or implied warranties in certain transactions, therefore, this
statement may not apply to you.

This information could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically
made to the information herein; these changes will be incorporated in new editions of the publication.
IBM may make improvements and/or changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this
publication at any time without notice.

Any references in this information to non-IBM Web sites are provided for convenience only and do not in
any manner serve as an endorsement of those Web sites. The materials at those Web sites are not part of
the materials for this IBM product and use of those Web sites is at your own risk.

IBM may use or distribute any of the information you supply in any way it believes appropriate without
incurring any obligation to you.

Licensees of this program who wish to have information about it for the purpose of enabling: (i) the
exchange of information between independently created programs and other programs (including this
one) and (ii) the mutual use of the information which has been exchanged, should contact:
IBM Corporation

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 253

Software Interoperability Coordinator, Department YBWA
3605 Highway 52 N
Rochester, MN 55901
U.S.A.

Such information may be available, subject to appropriate terms and conditions, including in some cases,
payment of a fee.

The licensed program described in this document and all licensed material available for it are provided
by IBM under terms of the IBM Customer Agreement, IBM International Program License Agreement,
IBM License Agreement for Machine Code, or any equivalent agreement between us.

Any performance data contained herein was determined in a controlled environment. Therefore, the
results obtained in other operating environments may vary significantly. Some measurements may have
been made on development-level systems and there is no guarantee that these measurements will be the
same on generally available systems. Furthermore, some measurements may have been estimated through
extrapolation. Actual results may vary. Users of this document should verify the applicable data for their
specific environment.

Information concerning non-IBM products was obtained from the suppliers of those products, their
published announcements or other publicly available sources. IBM has not tested those products and
cannot confirm the accuracy of performance, compatibility or any other claims related to non-IBM
products. Questions on the capabilities of non-IBM products should be addressed to the suppliers of
those products.

All statements regarding IBMs future direction or intent are subject to change or withdrawal without
notice, and represent goals and objectives only.

This information contains examples of data and reports used in daily business operations. To illustrate
them as completely as possible, the examples include the names of individuals, companies, brands, and
products. All of these names are fictitious and any similarity to the names and addresses used by an
actual business enterprise is entirely coincidental.

COPYRIGHT LICENSE:

This information contains sample application programs in source language, which illustrate programming
techniques on various operating platforms. You may copy, modify, and distribute these sample programs
in any form without payment to IBM, for the purposes of developing, using, marketing or distributing
application programs conforming to the application programming interface for the operating platform for
which the sample programs are written. These examples have not been thoroughly tested under all
conditions. IBM, therefore, cannot guarantee or imply reliability, serviceability, or function of these
programs.

Each copy or any portion of these sample programs or any derivative work, must include a copyright
notice as follows:

(your company name) (year). Portions of this code are derived from IBM Corp. Sample Programs.
Copyright IBM Corp. _enter the year or years_. All rights reserved.

If you are viewing this information softcopy, the photographs and color illustrations may not appear.

Programming interface information

This Query for i5/OS publication documents intended Programming Interfaces that allow the customer to
write programs to obtain the services of IBM i5/OS.

254 Query for i5/OS V6R1

Trademarks
The following terms are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States,
other countries, or both:

COBOL/400
DB2
i5/OS
IBM
IBM (logo)
iSeries
RPG/400
SAA
System i
System/36
System/38
Systems Application Architecture
WebSphere

Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the United States, other countries, or both.

Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT, and the Windows logo are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the
United States, other countries, or both.

Java and all Java-based trademarks are trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States, other
countries, or both.

Other company, product, or service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.

Appendix F. Notices 255

256 Query for i5/OS V6R1
Bibliography
The following books contain information you gives an overview of the tools, and tells how to
might need. The books are listed with their full manage system performance.
title and base order number. v The Work management topic in the Information
v ADTS/400: Data File Utility, SC09-1773-00 Center provides the programmer with
provides the application programmer or information about how to create and change a
programmer with information about using the work management environment.
Application Development Tools data file utility v Security reference, SC41-5302-10 provides the
(DFU) to create programs to enter data into programmer (or someone who is assigned the
files, update files, inquire into files, and run responsibilities of a security officer) with
DFU programs. detailed information for planning a setting up
v Recovering your system, SC41-5304-09 describes security on the system.
the System i recovery features. v IDDU Use, SC41-5704-00 provides the
v The Backing up your system topic under administrative secretary or business
System management in the i5/OS Information professional with detailed information on how
Center describes the basic System i backup to use i5/OS interactive data definition utility
features. (IDDU) to describe data dictionaries, files, and
v Printer Device Programming, SC41-5713-06 records to the system. Advanced information
provides the application programmer and about using IDDU to work with files created on
system operator with information to other systems and information about error
understand and control printing. recovery and problem prevention is provided
for programmers.
v The i5/OS globalization topic in the i5/OS
Information Center contains information about
the national language support (NLS) function.
v IBM Tools for Developers for i5/OS, 5799-PTL,
contains information programmers can use to
correct field and data errors on i5/OS.
v CL Programming, SC41-5721-06 provides an
application programmer or programmer with a
wide-ranging discussion of i5/OS
programming topics, including a general
discussion of objects and libraries, control
language (CL) programming, controlling flow
and communicating between programs,
working with objects in CL programs, and
creating CL programs.
v The Control language (CL) topic in the
Programming category of the i5/OS
Information Center provides the application
programmer with a description of the control
language and its commands. Each command
description includes a syntax diagram,
parameters, default values, keywords, and an
example. This information should be used to
refer to the CL commands to request functions
of i5/OS and of the various languages and
utilities.
v Performance Tools for iSeries, SC41-5340-01
provides the programmer with information
about what Performance Tools for iSeries are,

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 257

258 Query for i5/OS V6R1
Index
Special characters authorization list name authority 157,
166
CCSID (coded character set identifier)
(continued)
*ALL authority 157, 166 average summary function displaying query 245
*ALL join 42, 186 date, time, and timestamp value 134 edit word 130
*ALL special library name 10 null value 134 file selection 247
*ALLUSR special library name 10 footing 249
*CHANGE authority 157, 166 join tests 247
*CURLIB special library name 10
*EXCLUDE authority 157, 166 B language code page 252
marking 242, 249
*LIBCRTAUT authority 157, 166 batch processing
page heading 249
*LIBL special library name 10 choosing a query task 12
query
*QRYDFN (query definition) performance recommendations 236
options list 252
object 5 bibliography 257
running 252
*USE authority 157, 166 bracket characters
table 252
*USRLIBL special library name 10 DBCS (double-byte character set) 9
query display
|| (concatenation) operator 58 bracketed DBCS data
table 245
Display Report Layout display 8
record selection 248
length restrictions 42
report break 248
A LIKE comparison test 97
LIKE, NLIKE pattern
result field 247
access path run-time record selection 247
special characters 98
creating 228 Select Records display 95
NLIKE (not like) comparison test 97
floating point fields 232 sort field 248
rules for join tests 43
keyed sequence summary function 248
break
definition 227 translation table 114
level 137
select/omit 228 VALUE function
text
size limitations 232 results 61
CCSID (coded character set
access plan changing query
identifier) 249
description 228 CCSID (coded character set
defining report break
updating 229 identifier) 245
formatting 142
adding definition 12
break, report
file selections 33 changing query definition 171, 207
definition 137
record selection test CHAR function
differences between Query/36 and
(comparison) 101 argument rules 72
Query for i5/OS 192
result field 84 syntax diagram 72
example 138
ALL join 186 character
AND connection constant 58
record selection test 99 record selection test 92
argument rules C expression
function CCSID (coded character set result fields 58
char 72 identifier) 112 field 58
concatenation 58 break text 249 name 58
DATE 72 changing query 245 character comparisons 163
day 73 table 245 character constant
days 74 collating sequence 110, 252 declaring 92
digits 60 conversion 243, 244 rules for using 58
hour 74 DBCS character field 243 shift-in character 58
microsecond 75 default 243 shift-out character 58
minute 75 defining 112 character data
month 76 hexadecimal 243 Display Report Layout display 8
second 76 language 244 character field 243
SUBSTR function 59 SBCS character field 243 differences between Query/36 and
time 77 selecting 110 Query for i5/OS 192
timestamp 77 translation table 244 substring
year 78 user-defined 244 example 60
ascending sequence column formatting 248 valid comparisons 44
sorting records 103 compatibility for conversions 249 character field name
assumed values 7 concatenation valid entries 58
authority results 59 value
for query database file output 157 cover page 249 description 59
giving to others for your query 166 definition 241 character result field
security 157 displaying 17 rules for creating 58

Copyright IBM Corp. 2000, 2008 259

character set support collating sequence (continued) command (continued)
UCS2 level 1 4 CCSID (coded character set WRKQRY (Work with Query) 7, 11
character substitution warning 163 identifier) 112 comparison 90
checking query results 8 collating sequence 252 date 94
choices default 243 field 90
selecting options 27 hexadecimal 243 test 90
CL (control language) 5 language 244 time 94
creating database files 5 translation table 244 timestamp 94
code user-defined 244 value 91
Dec field considerations when changing for comparison test
E 119 query 174 EQ (equal) 93, 94, 163
J 119 date, time, or timestamp fields 110 GE (greater than or equal) 93, 94,
L 119 default 109 163
O 119 defining your own 113 GT (greater than) 93, 94, 163
T 119 English language default 111 IS (is) 93, 94
V 119 hexadecimal 111, 112 ISNOT (is not) 93, 94
Z 119 language sequence 112 LE (less than or equal) 93, 94, 163
edit 127 performance recommendations 233 LIKE (like) 163
L, T, or Z purpose 109 DBCS 97
join test 43 selecting 109, 111 similar patterns 93, 96
code page setting default 109 LIST (list) 93, 95, 163
definition 112 system sort sequence 115 LT (less than) 93, 94, 163
example 112 translation table 114 NE (not equal) 93, 94, 163
coded character set identifier (CCSID) using for character comparisons 163 NLIKE (not like) 93, 96, 163
break text 249 collating sequence affects 110 NLIST (not list) 93, 95, 163
changing query 245 collating sequence and comparisons comparisons and collating sequence
collating sequence 110, 252 EQ 110 EQ 110
conversion 244 GE 110 GE 110
DBCS character field 243 GT 110 GT 110
default 243 LE 110 LE 110
defining 112 LIKE 110 LIKE 110
hexadecimal 243 LIST 110 LIST 110
language 244 LT 110 LT 110
SBCS character field 243 NE 110 NE 110
selecting 109, 112 NLIKE 110 NLIKE 110
translation table 244 NLIST 110 NLIST 110
user-defined 244 RANGE 110 RANGE 110
column formatting 248 column compatibility
compatibility for conversions 249 formatting for report spacing 117 conversions 249
cover page 249 heading for report 117 concatenation 58
definition 241 heading result field 83 DBCS-graphic field
displaying format 17 spacing for reports 117 limitations 58
displaying query 245 summarizing in reports 135 mixing DBCS fields and SBCS fields
edit word 130 column formatting results 185
file selection 247 CCSID (coded character set Confirm Delete of Queries display 177
footing 249 identifier) 248 confirming selection
join test 247 column heading creating or changing query
language code-page 252 specifying 83 definition 34
marking 242, 249 command connection
page heading 249 Create Table (CRTTBL) 110 record selection test (AND and
query creating database files 5 OR) 99
options list 252 CRTTBL (Create Table) 110 constant
running 252 Delete Query (DLTQRY) 11, 176 character 58
table 252 DLTQRY (Delete Query) 11, 176 DBCS 58
query display Override with Database File record selection test 92
table 252 (OVRDBF) 185 result fields 58, 64
record selection 248 OVRDBF (Override with Database date, time, and timestamp
report break 248 File) 185 record selection test 93
result field 247 Query graphic
run-time record selection 247 deleting 11 migration 237
Select Records display 95 running 11 numeric
sort field 248 Query/36 procedure equivalents 193 record selection test 92
summary function 248 Run Query (RUNQRY) 11, 169 result field 57
translation table 114 RUNQRY (Run Query) 11, 169 control language (CL) 5
collating sequence 85, 109, 110, 244 Start Query (STRQRY) 7, 11 creating database files 5
affecting query 110, 163 STRQRY (Start Query) 7, 11 Copy Queries display 175
Work with Query (WRKQRY) 7, 11

260 Query for i5/OS V6R1

copying date (continued) DB2 for i5/OS program
query definition 171, 175 arithmetic operation (continued) relational database terms
count summary function numeric dates, working with 69 file 5
null value 134 comparison 94 relationship to i5/OS terms 5
cover page constant DB2 for i5/OS views 233
CCSID (coded character set record selection test 93 DBCS (double-byte character set)
identifier) 249 data type 65 bracket characters 9
defining for printout 150 description 64, 65 character constant
Create and Select Field Definitions DATE function 72 shift-in character 58
display (IDDU) 196, 198 displaying format 17, 67 shift-out character 58
Create Field Definitions display EUR 65 defining result fields
(IDDU) 197 format separator 65 considerations 185
Create File Definition display function Display Report Layout display 8
(IDDU) 196 CURRENT(DATE) 78 LIKE comparison test 97
creating i5/OS format 65 NLIKE (not like) comparison test 97
access path 228 ISO 65 pictograph 4
database file JIS 65 rules for join tests 43
description 5 LOCAL 65 shift-in character 58
example 199 sort considerations 106 shift-out character 58
expression USA 65 sorting character data 109
general rules 81 value space requirements 9
query definition length 118 symbolic characters 4
advanced example 211 date and time format DBCS (double-byte Character set)
considerations 28 EUR 65 data representation 8
example 202 i5/OS format 65 DBCS-either field 8
suggested sequence of tasks 29 ISO 65 DBCS-graphic field 9, 43
Work with Queries display 12, 25 JIS 65 character constant
result field 55 LOCAL 65 requirements 58
currency symbol USA 65 concatenation
edited numeric field 124 date arithmetic operation limitations 58
CURRENT function 78 addition rules 67 LIKE, NLIKE pattern
subtraction rules 68 special characters 98
date data release restrictions 237
D Display Report Layout display 8
date duration 71
DBCS-only field 8
DBCS-open field 8
data
date field LIKE, NLIKE pattern
entering 199
collating sequence 110 special characters 98
data description specifications (DDS)
release restrictions 237 DDS (data description specifications)
introduction 5
date field name 64 introduction 5
data file utility (DFU) 4
DATE function Dec column
data type
argument rules 72 data type
date 64
syntax diagram 72 E 43, 180
Dec column
date value G 43
E 180
arithmetic 67 J 43, 180
J 180
length 118 L 180
L 180
date, time, and timestamp field O 43, 180
O 180
collating sequence T 180
T 180
minimum or maximum V 180
V 180
values 110 Z 180
Z 180
migrating Dec field
time 64
N to N-1 237 code
timestamp 64
date, time, and timestamp value E 119
database file
average summary function 134 J 119
creating
comparing to null 94 L 119
example 199
IS, ISNOT test 94 O 119
output
total summary function 133 T 119
maximum record length 28
date/time field V 119
output to
editing 126 Z 119
differences between Query/36 and
separator 126 decimal
Query for i5/OS 192
DAY function data error
overriding 185
argument rules 73 migration from System/36 230
database, relational
syntax diagram 73 processing 234
definition 5
DAYS function point edited numeric fields 123
date
argument rules 74 position
arithmetic operation 68
syntax diagram 74 fields in a report 118
converting numeric to date 69
for result field 186
decrementing 69
result field 83
incrementing 69

Index 261
decimal data deleting display (continued)
differences between Query/36 and file selections from a query 34 Select Sort Fields 103
Query for i5/OS 192 query definition Select Translation Table 114
decimal data error DLTQRY command 176 selecting for query output 143
ignoring 162 Query for i5/OS menu 11 Selecting Output Type and Output
decimal positions and length Query menu 176 Form 144
used for internal numeric Work with Queries display 12, Specify Cover Page 150
calculations 187 177 Specify Edit Code 127
decimal precision for result fields 188 descending sequence Specify Edit Word 129
decimal separator sorting records 103 Specify File Selections 31
displaying format 17 Describe Date/Time Field Editing Specify How to Join Files 42
default display 126 Specify Page Headings and
collating sequence Describe Numeric Field Editing Footings 151
hexadecimal 243 display 122 Specify Processing Options 161
saving 109 describing Specify Report Column
determining order of records for numeric field editing 122 Formatting 118
query 103 detailed output 143 Specify Type of Join 41
field selection and sequencing for DFU (data file utility) 4 System Sort Sequence 116
query 85 differences between Query/36 and Query time format 67
record selection for query 89 for i5/OS Work with Database Files
default values 7 commands 191 (IDDU) 199
Define Collating Sequence display 113 maximum length of character Work with File Definitions
Define Database File Output display 153 fields 191 (IDDU) 196, 198
Define Numeric Field Editing number of files that can be Work with Queries 169
display 120 joined 191 display date and time format
Define Printer Output display 146 operational F17 function key 18, 67
Define Report Breaks display 137 joining files 191 Display File Selections display 40
Define Result Fields display 55 types of joins 191 Display Join Tests display 51
Define Spooled Output display 149 DIGITS function Display Report display 8
Define the Query display 26 argument rules 60 Display Report Layout display 8
defining syntax diagram 60 displaying
result field 55 display files selected for a query 39
your own collating sequence 113 Confirm Delete of Queries 177 format
definition Copy Queries 175 date 17
CCSID (coded character set Create and Select Field Definitions decimal separator 17
identifier) 241 (IDDU) 196, 198 time 17
code page 112 Create Field Definitions (IDDU) 197 join tests 51
deleting query Create File Definition (IDDU) 196 lists 9
DLTQRY command 11 Define Collating Sequence 113 query 245
expression 56 Define Database File Output 153 query definition 12, 177
query 174 Define Numeric Field Editing 120 query output 143
changing 28, 171 Define Printer Output 146 report layout using F13 8
changing (example) 207 Define Report Breaks 137 report using F5 8, 167
copying 175 Define Result Fields 55 text about items in a list 15
copying before changing 171 Define Spooled Output 149 dividing by zero (0)
creating 25, 28 Define the Query 26 example 81
creating (example) 202 Describe Date/Time Field DLTQRY (Delete Query) command 11,
deleting 177 Editing 126 176
displaying 177 Describe Numeric Field Editing 122 double-byte character set (DBCS)
DLTQRY command 176 Display Date Format 67 bracket characters 9
information printed 179 Display File Selections 40 character constant
migrating restriction 193 Display Join Tests 51 shift-in character 58
naming 25 Display Report Layout 8 shift-out character 58
printing 178 Exit This Query 165, 167 data representation 8
renaming 176 Fields Missing from File pictograph 4
running 8 Definition 52 shift-in character 58
saving 165 Format Report Break 141 shift-out character 58
selecting files 31 IDDU main (system) menu 195 sorting character data 109
specifying authority 166 Select and Sequence Fields 85 space requirements 9
definition display Select Collating Sequence 111 symbolic characters 4
moving through 28 Select Definition Type (IDDU) 196 duration
definition step Select File 35 date 71
description 27 Select Member 38 labeled 71
selecting on Define the Query Select Record Format 39 time 71
display 26 Select Records 90 timestamp 71
Delete Query (DLTQRY) command 11, Select Report Summary
176 Functions 134

262 Query for i5/OS V6R1

E expression (continued)
timestamp data type 66
field (continued)
time
edit code expressions 64
modifier 129 using result fields 64
numeric fields 127
specifying 127 F timestamp
expressions 64
edit word field
using result fields 64
different CCSIDs 130 character
value record selection test 92
numeric field 129 differences between Query/36 and
Fields Missing from File Definition
specifying 129 Query for i5/OS 192
display 52
editing numeric field using result fields 58
file
defining 120 comparison 90
adding for query 33
describing editing date
database
currency symbol 124 expressions 64
creating example 199
date/time field 126 using result fields 64
defining for query output 152
date/time separator 126 DBCS 4, 43
definition 3
decimal point 123 brackets 9
deleting file selection from a
negative sign 123 Display Report Layout display 8
query 34
replacing leading zero 125 expressions 58
differences between Query/36 and
thousands separator 123 field naming convention 4
Query for i5/OS 191
specifying edit code 127 length(graphic) 118
displaying selections for a query 39
specifying edit word 129 LIKE comparison test 97
ID (identifier) 34
EE (double-byte E) 8 migration(graphic) 237
identifier (ID)
ending query definition 165 NLIKE (not like) comparison
differences between Query/36 and
entering data 199 test 97
Query for i5/OS 191
EQ (equal) comparison test 93, 94, 163 printed record format 179
using in a query definition 34
error rules for join tests 43
joining
handling 18 rules for join tests(graphic) 43
differences between Query/36 and
ignoring in numeric field 162 selecting records 91
Query for i5/OS 191
Specify File Selections display 34 shift-out and shift-in characters 9
secondary file sequence rule 47
EUR (IBM European standard) definition 3
selecting 45
date and time 65 editing
selecting matched records using a
example defining numeric 120
primary file 46
changing query definition 207 describing numeric 122
selecting unmatched primary file
code page 112 floating-point 8
records 46
connecting record selection test 99 length and decimal position in
sequencing secondary files for a
creating database file 199 report 118
primary join 47
creating query definition 202, 211 missing from file definition
specifying join selections 40
defining result field 84 during file selection process 53
linked
IDDU definition 195 starting to change or display a
differences between Query/36 and
running query 202 query 53
Query for i5/OS 191
selecting and sequencing field 86 name
logical 5, 53
selecting sort field 104 numeric 57
multiple record formats 185
exercise null 8
output to database
Query 195 numeric
differences between Query/36 and
Exit This Query display 165, 167 editing 120
Query for i5/OS 192
exiting using in result fields 57
overriding 185
Query for i5/OS 7, 165 omitting from report 119
physical 5
expression result
primary 41
character creating 55
relational database 5
definition 56 DBCS 185
secondary 41
considerations when creating 81 decimal precision 188
Select Member display 37
creating 81 defining 55
Select Record Format display 38
date differences between Query/36 and
selecting file members
definition 56 Query for i5/OS 192
Specify File Selections display 33
date data type 66 naming 56
selecting for a query
numeric tips and techniques 231
Select File display 35
definition 56 selecting for query 85, 231
Specify File Selections display 31
result field selection
selecting for query output 143
character 58 default 85
sharing 185
creating 81 sequencing for query 85, 231
Specify File Selections display 33
numeric 57 sort
structure example 3
spanning lines 82 example of how used 104
file ID (identifier) 34
time performance
file selection
definition 57 recommendations 232
CCSID (coded character set
time data type 66 selecting for query 103, 232
identifier) 247
timestamp specifying ascending or
definition 57 descending sequence 103

Index 263
footing
printing on a report 151
function (continued)
TIMESTAMP
I
format 185 argument rules 77 IBM European standard (EUR)
Format Report Break display 141 syntax diagram 77 date and time 65
formatting total summary IBM USA standard (USA)
report break 141 date, time, and timestamp date and time 65
report column spacing 117 value 133 ID (identifier)
function null value 133 differences between Query/36 and
average summary VALUE 60 Query for i5/OS 191
date, time, and timestamp VARCHAR 61 file 34
value 133 VARGRAPHIC 63 Using in a query definition 34
null value 133 YEAR IDDU (interactive data definition utility)
CHAR argument rules 78 data dictionary 4
argument rules 72 syntax diagram 78 definition 195
syntax diagram 72 function key example
count summary F10 creating IDDU definition 195
null value 133 showing previous display 18 introduction 4
DATE F11 main (system) menu 195
argument rules 72 displaying additional identifier (ID)
syntax diagram 72 information 15 differences between Query/36 and
DAY F12 Query for i5/OS 191
argument rules 73 canceling changes made 18 file 34
syntax diagram 73 F13 Using in a query definition 34
DAYS using to display report layout 8 Ignore Character Substitution
argument rules 74 F17 display 163
syntax diagram 74 display date and time format 18, ignoring decimal data error 162
DIGITS 67 increasing the decimal precision 188
argument rules 60 F21 information for programmers,
syntax diagram 60 to select all 28 advanced 185
HOUR F23 interactive data definition utility (IDDU)
argument rules 74 set collating sequence default 109, data dictionary 4
syntax diagram 74 114 definition 195
introduction 5 using to display a long example
MICROSECOND comment 10 creating IDDU definition 195
argument rules 75 F4 introduction 4
syntax diagram 75 using to obtain a list 9 main (system) menu 195
minimum summary F5 interactive processing
null value 133 displaying report 167 limiting 239
MINUTE using to display report 8 restricting 239
argument rules 75 introduction to using 8 internal numeric calculations
syntax diagram 75 length and decimal positions 187
MONTH International Standards Organization
(ISO)
argument rules 76
syntax diagram 76
G date and time 65
GE (greater than or equal) comparison introduction to Query
SECOND
test 93, 94, 163 concepts 3
argument rules 76
generic name 9 IS (is) comparison test 93, 94
syntax diagram 76
GG (double-byte G) 9 ISNOT (is not) comparison test 93, 94
SUBSTR (substring) 59
GT (greater than) comparison test 93, ISO (International Standards
substring
94, 163 Organization)
argument rules 58
summary date and time 65
average 133
CCSID (coded character set H
identifier) 248 heading J
count 133 column in report 117 Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS)
location on report 135 report 151 date and time 65
maximum 133 result field 83 JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard)
minimum 133 hexadecimal date and time 65
performance CCSID 112 JJ (double-byte J) 8
recommendations 233 collating sequence 111, 112 join operation
report 233 HOUR function performance recommendations 235
summarizing columns 135 argument rules 74 join selection tests
total 133 syntax diagram 74 definition 227
types 133 how a collating sequence affects Query join test
TIME for i5/OS 110 CCSID (coded character set
argument rules 77 how to join files 41 identifier) 247
syntax diagram 77

264 Query for i5/OS V6R1

join test (continued) library (continued) menu
code selecting from list 10 IDDU (interactive data definition
L, T, or Z 43 selecting items from list utility) 195
data restrictions 43 Work with Queries display 16 Query for i5/OS Utilities 11
displaying 51 special names 10 merge
specifying 41 library default column spacing exception 117
valid comparisons 43 S/36 environment 192 message
joining files 40 LIKE (like) comparison test 163 Query for i5/OS 18
advanced information for 186 DBCS 97 Query for i5/OS status 237
description 41 similar patterns 93, 96 message response
differences between Query/36 and LIKE pattern differences between Query/36 and
Query for i5/OS 191 DBCS-graphic 98 Query for i5/OS 192
example DBCS-only 98 MICROSECOND function
selecting matched records for all DBCS-open 98 argument rules 75
selected files 45 non-DBCS character 97 syntax diagram 75
selecting matched records using a linked file migrating query definition
primary file 46 differences between Query/36 and restriction 193
selecting unmatched primary file Query for i5/OS 191 migration
records 46 list N to N-1 237
sequencing secondary files for a (LIST) comparison test 93 minimum summary function
primary join 47 displaying 9 null value 134
how to join 41 generic name MINUTE function
matched records join 41 using to obtain a subset list 14 argument rules 75
matched records with primary file library (*LIBL) 10 syntax diagram 75
join 41 names of queries MONTH function
rules 42 Work with Queries display 14 argument rules 76
secondary file sequence rule 47 NOT LIST comparison test 93 syntax diagram 76
types of join 41 positioning moving
unmatched records with primary file Work with Queries display 15 through definition display 28
join 41 selecting items multilingual environment
how 10 result field
library name 10 naming conventions 56
K queries 10
query name 10
multiple
Query for i5/OS task 13
key
selecting items from 16 selecting files for a query 33
function 8
library 14
Print 9
subset
keyed sequence access path
definition 227
Work with Queries display 14
LIST (list) comparison test 93, 95, 163
N
name
LOCAL time standard
generic 9
date and time 65
L logical file
numeric field 57
query definition 25
L, T, or Z definition 5
result field 56
join test 43 using with Query or DB2 for i5/OS
special library 10
labeled duration programs 53
naming conventions
definition 71 long comment
result field
labeled duration using F23 to display 10
multilingual environment 56
adding 231 LT (less than) comparison test 93, 94,
NE (not equal) comparison test 93, 94,
subtracting 231 163
163
language code-page CCSIDs 252
negative sign
language collating sequence query 112
editing numeric field 123
layout
displaying report 8
M NLIKE (not like) comparison test 93, 96,
marking 163
LE (less than or equal) comparison
CCSID (coded character set NLIST (not list) comparison test 93, 163
test 93, 94, 163
identifier) 242 null field
leading zero
matched records join *ALL join 42
replacing 125
use every record 41 joining 43
length
matched records with primary file types 8
fields in a report 118
join 41 null value
result field 83, 186
field length restrictions 42 average summary function 134
length and decimal positions
maximum record length count summary function 134
used for internal numeric
database output 28 maximum summary function 134
calculations 187
maximum summary function minimum summary function 134
level, break 137
null value 134 record selection test 93
library
member total summary function 133
definition 5
selecting for file selection 33, 37 null-capable field
selecting for file selection 32
release restrictions 237

Index 265
numeric
calculations
OVRDBF (Override with Database File)
command 185
Q
length and decimal positions 187 query
constant defining tips 230
running 167
record selection test 92
rules for using 57
P Query
packed decimal fields 229 practice exercises 195
expression 56
page footing query definition
field
CCSID (coded character set changing 28
converting to a date 69
identifier) 249 example 207
describing editing 122
defining 152 explanation 171
editing 120
page heading considerations when changing 174
ignoring error in during
CCSID (coded character set copying 175
processing 162
identifier) 249 copying before changing 171
length and decimal positions 83,
defining 152 creating
187
performance advanced example 211
numeric dates, working with 69
designing or changing queries 230 example 202
rounding during processing 161
tips and techniques 227 Work with Queries display 25
using in result fields 57
performance tuning Define the Query display 26
operators 56
recommendations 237 definition 5
numeric expression
physical file deleting 176
result field 57
definition 5 DLTQRY command 11, 176
numeric field 229, 230
pictograph Query for i5/OS Utilities
numeric formats
DBCS (double-byte character set) 4 menu 11
packed decimal 229
position to prompt 15 Work with Queries display 176
zoned decimal 229
practice exercises 195 displaying 177
precision exiting 165
result fields 188 information printed 179
O primary file migrating restriction 193
object definition 234 naming 25
DB2 for i5/OS program 5 used in file join operations 41 naming restrictions
query definition 5 primary record multilingual environment 25
omitting field from report 119 select/omit criteria 41 printing 178
OO (double-byte O) 8 Print key 9 Query for i5/OS menu
operator printer deleting from 11
concatenation (||) 58 defining printout cover page 150 renaming 176
null value 58 selecting for query output 143, 146 running 8
numeric 56 specifying page heading and saving 165
optimization footing 151 selecting files 31
definition 227 specifying spooled output selecting from list 10
OR condition override 148 selecting options 27
specifying selection tests 232 printing specifying authority 166
OR connection differences between Query/36 and Query for i5/OS
record selection test 99 Query for i5/OS 193 command 11
output display 9 definition 3
database file query definition 12, 178 differences from Query/36 191
defining 152 processing option error 18
specifying 143 differences between Query/36 and exiting 7, 165
detailed 143 Query for i5/OS 192 how a collating sequence affects 110
display 143 ignoring decimal data error 162 introduction
form purpose 161 description 3
selecting 143, 233 rounding numeric field values 161 language sequences 244
printer 143, 146 specifying 234 menu
summary only processing options getting to 7
differences between Query/36 and character comparisons 174 using 11
Query for i5/OS 192 collating sequence 174 message 18
specifying 143 profile multiple query tasks 13
to database file Query for i5/OS 18 profile 18
differences between Query/36 and programming considerations 185 starting 7, 11
Query for i5/OS 192 prompt task
type description 7 choosing 13
selecting 143, 233 position to description 5
Override with Database File (OVRDBF) Work with Queries display 15 illustration 6
command 185 specifying library name 13 tips and techniques 227
overriding specifying query name 13 working with 11
database files 185 subset query processing 227
spooled output 148 Work with Queries display 14

266 Query for i5/OS V6R1

R report (continued)
column formatting
rule (continued)
function (continued)
RANGE (range) comparison test 93, 94 heading 117 digits 60
record length and decimal position for hour 74
definition 3 field 118 microsecond 75
determining order for query 103 spacing 117 minute 75
matched 234 field 52 month 76
selection omitting 119 second 76
CCSID (coded character set missing 52 SUBSTR (substring) function 59
identifier) 247 output time 77
connecting example 99 database file 143, 152 timestamp 77
default 89 display 143 value 60
test 92, 93 printer 143, 146 year 78
selection test summary function 233 joining files 42
adding 101 specifying 133 Run Query (RUNQRY) command 11,
connecting with AND and OR 99 types 133 169
DBCS LIKE 97 using F13 to display layout 8 run-time record selection
DBCS NLIKE (not like) 97 using F5 to display 8, 167 CCSID (coded character set
EQ (equal) 93, 94 restriction identifier) 247
GE (greater than or equal) 93, 94 migration definitions 193 running query 8
GT (greater than) 93, 94 result field example 202
IS (is) 93 adding 84 Exit This Query display 167
ISNOT (is not) 93 CCSID (coded character set interactively
LE (less than or equal) 93, 94 identifier) 247 limiting 239
LIKE (like) 93, 96 character 58 Query for i5/OS menu 167
LIST (list) 93, 95 character constant 58, 64 Query Utilities menu 11
LT (less than) 93, 94 column heading 83 RUNQRY (Run Query)
NE (not equal) 93, 94 concatenation (||) operation 58 command 169
NLIKE (not like) 93, 96 creating 55 using F5 167
NLIST (not list) 93 date 64 with a different language 112
RANGE (range) 93, 94 decimal position 83, 186 Work with Queries display 13, 168
removing 101 defining RUNQRY (Run Query) command 11,
unmatched 235, 237 DBCS 185 169
record format 185 unique name 55
definition 3 differences between Query/36 and
printing example 179
selecting for file selection
Query for i5/OS 192
example of defining 84
S
Select Record Format display 38 saving query definition 165
expression
Specify File Selections display 33 SECOND function
character 58
record selection argument rules 76
numeric 57
CCSID (coded character set syntax diagram 76
operator 56
identifier) 248 secondary file
length 83, 186
record selection test definition 234
multilingual environment
definition 227 multiple join file considerations 47
naming conventions 56
OR condition 232 used in file join operations 41
naming 56
performance recommendations 231 secondary file sequencing rule
numeric constant 57
related printed information 257 example of correct method 48
numeric fields 57
relational database file 5 example of incorrect method 49
other data types 66
removing rules for correct joins 47
removing 84
record selection test Select and Sequence Fields display 85
SUBSTR (substring) function 59
(comparison) 101 Select Collating Sequence display 111
time 64
result field 84 Select Definition Type (IDDU)
timestamp 64
renaming query definition 176 display 196
tips and techniques 231
report Select File display 35
result fields
break Select Member display 38
decimal precision 188
case sensitivity 140 Select Record Format display 39
results
CCSID (coded character set Select Records display
checking query 8
identifier) 248 CCSID (coded character set
returning to Define the Query
defining 137 identifier) 95
Display 28
definition 137 comparison field 90
rounding numeric field value 161
differences between Query/36 and comparison tests 89
rule
Query for i5/OS 192 select/omit criteria 41
function
example of defining 138 Select Report Summary Functions
char 72
fields other than sort fields 186 display 134
concatenation 58
formatting 141 Select Sort Fields display 103
DATE 72
levels 137 Select System Sort Sequence display 116
day 73
text 142 Select Translation Table display 114
days 74
select/omit access path 228

Index 267
select/omit criteria sort summary-only output
primary records 41 field database file 143, 158
selecting CCSID (coded character set differences 192
collating sequence 109, 111 identifier) 248 support
field for query 85 collating sequence UCS2 level 1 character set 4
performance consideration 106 symbolic character
recommendations 231 date, time, timestamp 106 DBCS (double-byte character set) 4
files for a query example of how used 104 system administrator guidelines 239
Select File display 35 null values 106 system sort sequence 115
Specify File Selections display 31 performance
items from list 10 recommendations 232
library for file selection 32
matched records
priority number 103
selecting for query 103, 232
T
test
primary file 46 specifying ascending or
displaying 51
selected files 45 descending sequence 103
test pattern
members for file selection sequence
DBCS LIKE 97
Select Member display 37 differences between Query/36 and
DBCS-graphic field
Specify File Selections display 33 Query for i5/OS 192
empty string 99
options sorting DBCS character data 109
declaring 97
query definition 27 special library names 10
empty string 97
output type and output form 143 Specify Cover Page display 150
non-DBCS
queries from a list Specify Edit Code display 127
special characters 97
Work with Queries display 14 Specify Edit Word display 129
special characters 97
record for query 89 Specify File Selections display 31
test, join
record format for file selection Specify How to Join Files display 42
CCSID (coded character set
Select Record Format display 38 Specify Page Headings and Footings
identifier) 247
Specify File Selections display 33 display 151
code
sort field for query 103 Specify Processing Options display 161
displaying 41
system sort sequence 115 Specify Report Column Formatting
L, T, or Z 41
translation table 114 display 118
specifying 41
selecting and sequencing field Specify Type of Join display 41
text, break 142
example 86 spooled output override 148
thousands separator
Selecting Output Type and Output Form Start Query (STRQRY) command 7, 11
numeric fields 123
display 144 starting Query 7
time
selecting record status message
arithmetic operation
connecting example 99 Query for i5/OS 237
decrementing 71
performance recommendations 231 STRQRY (Start Query) command 7, 11
incrementing 71
selecting records to join subroutine
subtraction 70
ignoring field case 189 differences between Query/36 and
comparison 94
selection test Query for i5/OS 191
constant
definition 227 subset prompt
record selection test 93
OR condition 232 Work with Queries display 14
data type
record SUBSTR (substring) function
description 64, 65
example 99 argument rules 59
displaying format 17, 67
sequence 85 null values 59
EUR 65
collating syntax diagram 59
function
changing for query 174 SUBSTR (substring) operator
CURRENT(TIME) 78
default 85 argument rules 60
CURRENT(TIMEZONE) 78
hexadecimal 111 DBCS fields
i5/OS format 65
language 112 result field 185
ISO 65
purpose 109 null values 60
JIS 65
selecting translation table 114 syntax diagrams 60
LOCAL 65
setting default 109 summary function
sort considerations 106
system sort 115 average 134
USA 65
user defined 113 CCSID (coded character set
value
sequencing identifier) 248
length 118
fields for query 85 column summary values
time arithmetic operation
query 85 location on report 135
addition rules 67
secondary files for a join 47 count 134
subtraction rules 68
sharing files 185 maximum 134
time data
shift-in character minimum 134
Display Report Layout display 8
DBCS (double-byte character set) 58 performance recommendations 233
time duration 71
shift-out character report 233
time field
DBCS (double-byte character set) 58 summarizing columns 135
collating sequence 110
single-byte character set (SBCS) field 4 total 133
release restrictions 237
types 133
time field editing 126
time field name 64

268 Query for i5/OS V6R1

TIME function value length (continued)
argument rules 77 timestamp 118
syntax diagram 77 VARCHAR function 61
time value VARGRAPHIC function 63
arithmetic 67 variable-length field
timestamp release restrictions 237
arithmetic operation verifying choice
addition rules 71 creating or changing query
decrementing 71 definition 34
incrementing 71 viewing queries on display 8
subtraction 68, 71
comparison 94
constant
record selection test 93
W
word, edit
data type
numeric field 129
description 64, 66
Work with Database Files display
function
(IDDU) 199
CURRENT(TIMESTAMP) 78
Work with File Definitions display
sort considerations 106
(IDDU) 198
value
Work with File Definitions Display
length 118
(IDDU) 196
timestamp data
Work with Queries display
Display Report Layout display 8
getting to 7
timestamp duration 71
introduction 12
timestamp field
listing names of queries 14
collating sequence 110
running query 168
release restrictions 237
Work with Query (WRKQRY)
timestamp field name 64
command 11
TIMESTAMP function
Work With Query (WRKQRY)
argument rules 77
command 7
syntax diagram 77
working with Query 7
timestamp value
WRKQRY (Work with Query)
arithmetic 67
command 7, 11
tips and techniques
using Query 227
total summary function
date, time, and timestamp value 133 Y
null values 133 YEAR function
translation table argument rules 78
CCSID (coded character set syntax diagram 78
identifier) 114
selecting for collating sequence 114
Z
zero, dividing by
U example 81
UCS2 level 1 support 4 zoned decimal fields 229
unmatched records with primary file join
field length restrictions 42
records in primary file without
matching records 41
USA (IBM USA standard)
date and time 65
user-defined collating sequence 113
using collating sequence 163

V
value
comparison 91
default 91
null
record selection test 93
VALUE function 60
value length
date 118
time 118

Index 269
270 Query for i5/OS V6R1
Readers Comments Wed Like to Hear from You
System i
Query for i5/OS
Version 6 Release 1

Publication No. SC41-5210-05

We appreciate your comments about this publication. Please comment on specific errors or omissions, accuracy,
organization, subject matter, or completeness of this book. The comments you send should pertain to only the
information in this manual or product and the way in which the information is presented.

For technical questions and information about products and prices, please contact your IBM branch office, your
IBM business partner, or your authorized remarketer.

When you send comments to IBM, you grant IBM a nonexclusive right to use or distribute your comments in any
way it believes appropriate without incurring any obligation to you. IBM or any other organizations will only use
the personal information that you supply to contact you about the issues that you state on this form.

Comments:

Thank you for your support.

Submit your comments using one of these channels:
v Send your comments to the address on the reverse side of this form.
v Send a fax to the following number: United States and Canada: 1-800-937-3430
Other countries: 1-507-253-5192
v Send your comments via e-mail to: [email protected]

If you would like a response from IBM, please fill in the following information:

Name Address

Company or Organization

Phone No. E-mail address

 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Readers Comments Wed Like to Hear from You Cut or Fold
SC41-5210-05  Along Line

_ _ _ _ _ _ _Fold
_ _ _and
_ _ _Tape
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Please
_ _ _ _ _do
_ _not
_ _ staple
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _Fold
_ _ _and
_ _ Tape
______

NO POSTAGE
NECESSARY
IF MAILED IN THE
UNITED STATES

BUSINESS REPLY MAIL

FIRST-CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO. 40 ARMONK, NEW YORK

POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE

IBM CORPORATION
ATTN DEPT 542 IDCLERK
3605 HWY 52 N
ROCHESTER MN 55901-7829

_________________________________________________________________________________________
Fold and Tape Please do not staple Fold and Tape

Cut or Fold
SC41-5210-05 Along Line


Printed in USA

SC41-5210-05