Advantages of using Db2 ODBC

Db2 ODBC provides a number of key features that offer advantages in contrast to embedded SQL.

Db2 ODBC has the following features:
  • Ideally suits the client-server environment in which the target data source is unknown when the application is built. It provides a consistent interface for executing SQL statements, regardless of which database server the application connects to.
  • Lets you write portable applications that are independent of any particular database product. Db2 ODBC applications do not have to be recompiled or rebound to access different Db2 or DRDA data sources. Instead they connect to the appropriate data source at run time.
  • Reduces the amount of management required for an application while in general use. Individual Db2 ODBC applications do not need to be bound to each data source. Bind files provided with Db2 ODBC need to be bound only once for all Db2 ODBC applications.
  • Lets applications connect to multiple data sources from the same application.
  • Allocates and controls data structures, and provides a handle for the application to refer to them. Applications do not have to control complex global data areas such as the SQLDA and SQLCA.
  • Provides enhanced parameter input and fetching capability. You can specify arrays of data on input to retrieve multiple rows of a result set directly into an array. You can execute statements that generate multiple result sets.
  • Lets you retrieve multiple rows and result sets generated from a call to a stored procedure.
  • Provides a consistent interface to query catalog information that is contained in various database management system catalog tables. The result sets that are returned are consistent across database management systems. Application programmers can avoid writing version-specific and server-specific catalog queries.
  • Provides extended data conversion which requires less application code when converting information between various SQL and C data types.
  • Aligns with the emerging ISO CLI standard in addition to using the accepted industry specifications of ODBC and X/Open CLI.
  • Allows application developers to apply their knowledge of industry standards directly to Db2 ODBC. The interface is intuitive for programmers who are familiar with function libraries but know little about product specific methods of embedding SQL statements into a host language.