One of the most powerful features of Structured Query Language (SQL) is the use of built-in functions (BIFs). In V5R3, IBM enhanced the set of BIFs supported by the DB2 UDB for the iSeries implementation of SQL. In fact, 25 new BIFs have been added. In this TechTip, we'll explore the five new data partitioning BIFs.

Data Partitioning

Data partitioning allows you to spread the data in a single table across multiple iSeries systems and/or logical partitions (LPARs) to increase scalability and reliability. Query performance can also be increased because pieces of the query can run at the same time on different servers. The data partitioning features of DB2 UDB for iSeries are achieved through the add-on component DB2 Multi-System. To support data partitioning in V5R3, IBM added five new BIFs.

To understand these functions, you need to understand how partitioning works. Within data partitioning, data is spread across multiple servers or partitions. The group of partitions is referred to as a "node group." A node group consists of anywhere from 2 to 32 nodes. Partitioning is the means by which data is spread across nodes. A partitioning key, which is defined using fields within the table being partitioned, is used to associate the data being partitioned with the node containing the data.

Now that we've covered the concept of partitioning, let's look at the new SQL functions you can use to access partition information.

SQL Partition Functions

To facilitate the retrieval of information related to data partitioning, DB2 supports the new functions shown in the table below.

The example below illustrates the use of the DATAPARTITIONNAME function.

In this example, the data partition name for each row in the file SOMEFILE in the library MYLIB is displayed. Note that the table designator "A" is specified after the file name to allow us to associate this table designator with the file on the DATAPARTITIONNAME function. This example uses the SQL naming convention. If your application uses the SYS (or SAA) naming convention, the file and library name will be represented as MYLIB/SOMEFILE. When executed, this function returns a list similar to that shown in Figure 1.


Figure 1: The DATAPARTITIONNAME function generates this output.  (Click images to enlarge.)

This example indicates that the table exists in a node group containing four nodes: SERVERA, SERVERB,SERVERC, and SERVERD. If this function is used with a table that is not partitioned, a blank value is returned.

The example below illustrates the DATAPARTITIONNUM function's use.

As with the prior example, one row is returned for each record in the specified table. When executed, this function returns a list similar to that shown in Figure 2.


Figure 2: The DATAPARTITIONNUM function generates this output.

As with the DATAPARTITIONNAME function, this example indicates that the function was called on a partitioned table stored in a node group containing four nodes. If this function is executed on a table that is not partitioned, a value of 0 is returned for all records.

The DBPARTITIONNAME function performs a similar function to the DATAPARTITIONNAME function but when used on a non-partitioned table, it returns the value of the CURRENT_SERVER special register. Similarly, the DBPARTITIONNUM function is, for all intents and purposes, the same as the DATAPARTITIONNUM function. As with DATAPARTITIONNUM, DBPARTITIONNUM returns a 0 value for all rows when used on a non-partitioned table.

The HASHED_VALUE function returns the partition map index number of the partition that contains the current row for the table specified. Hashing is the means by which the values of a table's key field or fields are associated with a specific partition number. The value returned by this function is similar to what is returned by the DBPARTITIONNUM or DATAPARTITIONNUM functions, but hashing is used to retrieve the partition number based on the supplied table's key field. The SQL statement below illustrates this function's use.

When executed, this statement returns all rows where the partition number is 4. As with the other functions listed, a 0 is returned if this function is executed on a table that is not partitioned.

Scratching the Surface

Since our focus here has been SQL functions, I have not covered data partitioning in as much detail as you might like. For additional information on this powerful concept, check out "iSeries DB2 Multisystem V5R3." For more information on SQL functions, look for SQL Built-In Functions and Stored Procedures: The i5/iSeries Programmer's Guide.

Mike Faust is an application programmer for Fidelity Integrated Financial Solutions in Maitland, Florida. Mike is also the author of the books The iSeries and AS/400 Programmer's Guide to Cool Things, Active Server Pages Primer, and SQL Built-In Functions and Stored Procedures. You can contact Mike at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Mike Faust is a senior consultant/analyst for Retail Technologies Corporation in Orlando, Florida. Mike is also the author of the books Active Server Pages Primer, The iSeries and AS/400 Programmer's Guide to Cool Things, JavaScript for the Business Developer, and SQL Built-in Functions and Stored Procedures. You can contact Mike at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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