Features of the row data type

The features of the row data type make it useful for simplifying SQL PL code.

The row data type is supported for use with the SQL Procedural language only. It is a structure composed of multiple fields each with their own name and data type that can be used to store the column values of a row in a result set or other similarly formatted data.

This data type can be used to:
  • Simplify the coding of logic within SQL Procedural Language applications. For example, database applications process records one at a time and require parameters and variables to temporarily store records. A single row data type can replace the multiple parameters and variables required to otherwise process and store the record values. This greatly simplifies the ability to pass row values as parameters within applications and routines.
  • Facilitate the porting to Db2® SQL PL of code written in other procedural SQL languages that support a similar data type.
  • Reference row data in data-change statements and queries including: INSERT statement, FETCH statement, VALUES INTO statement and SELECT INTO statement.

Row data types must be created using the CREATE TYPE (ROW) statement. Once created, variables of the defined data type can be declared within SQL PL contexts using the DECLARE statements. These variables can then be used to store values of the row type.

Row field values can be explicitly assigned and referenced using single-dot, "." notation.