Comparing Db2 objects

The panel interface in Db2® Object Comparison Tool guides you through the options for comparing Db2 objects. Then, based on those options, the tool generates comparison batch jobs that you can save and reuse.

Before you begin

Before you compare objects, complete the following actions:

  • Make sure that the Get DB2 ZPARM field (the GETDB2ZP parameter) on the DB2 Admin Defaults (ADB2P2) panel is set to YES. For detailed instruction on how to change this value, see Changing defaults (IBM Db2 Administration Tool for z/OS 13.1.0).

    This option enables Object Comparison Tool to get Db2 subsystem parameter values by calling the stored procedure ADMIN_INFO_SYSPARM. These values are needed so that Object Comparison Tool can write a version file for each object that is being compared. Version files are snapshots of an object at a particular time and include the object definition.

  • If you plan to request that Object Comparison Tool also generate apply jobs, make sure that you are connected to the target Db2 subsystem. Apply jobs are jobs that apply changes to the target; these changes are found during the comparison.

    This prerequisite ensures that the apply jobs use the correct libraries. If you are connected to a different Db2 subsystem, you must manually update the apply jobs to use the correct Db2 libraries.

Tip: Before comparing objects, read Performance considerations for Db2 Object Comparison Tool and Recommendations when comparing a large number of objects.
Restriction: The following statements are not supported in Db2 Object Comparison Tool.
  • GRANT USAGE ON JAR
  • CREATE TABLESPACE with FOR DGTT or FOR SORT
Different table types: When specifying your source and target objects, consider how Object Comparison Tool handles the following tables:
Auxiliary tables
Object Comparison Tool treats auxiliary tables as part of the base table definition. Therefore, any auxiliary tables must be included along with their base table in the source or target specification.
Clone tables
A clone table cannot be processed without its base table. If you do not specify the base table in the source or target specification, Object Comparison Tool skips the clone table.
Archive-enabled tables and archive tables
Object Comparison Tool can handle any combination of specifying these tables in the source, target, or both. For details, see Comparisons with archive-enabled and archive tables.
Temporal tables and history tables
Object Comparison Tool can handle any combination of specifying these tables in the source, target, or both. For details, see Comparisons with temporal and history tables.

Procedure

To compare Db2 objects:
Note: You can specify the W option to be guided directly through the next five steps [options 1 -5 on the DB2 Object Comparison Tool Menu (GOCMENU) panel] in succession without returning to the DB2 Object Comparison Tool Menu (GOCMENU) panel and selecting the next option manually. When using the W option, the final panel for the current option includes a Continue command that you can use to display the next panel in the sequence.
  1. Specify source objects.
  2. Specify target objects.
  3. Optional: Specify compare masks.
  4. Optional: Specify ignores.
  5. Generate a compare batch job.
  6. Run the generated batch job to compare the objects.

What to do next

After you run the comparison, check the generated compare report and then optionally apply the changes to the target objects.

Tip: Before you exit Db2 Object Comparison Tool, consider saving your current compare batch job selections for later use. See Saving dialogs.