Buffering options

Database buffers are defined areas in virtual storage. When an application program processes a segment in the database, the entire block or CI containing the segment is read from the database into a buffer. The application program processes the segment while it is in the buffer.

If the processing involves modifying any segments in the buffer, the contents of the buffer must eventually be written back to the database so the database is current.

You need to choose the size and number of buffers that give you the maximum performance benefit. If your database uses OSAM, you might also decide to use OSAM sequential buffering. When using OSAM to access VSAM Linear data sets (LDS), the data is stored in the OSAM buffer pool. Check your OSAM buffer pool definitions (IOBF) to ensure there are enough buffers to hold these data sets. The subtopics in this topic can help you with these decisions.