Interactive SQL refers to SQL statements that you submit to DB2® by using a query tool, such as DB2 QMF™ for Workstation.

The easiest and most efficient way to run SQL is to use a query tool. DB2 Query Management Facility (QMF) for Workstation is a popular query tool that lets you enter and run your SQL statements easily. This topic acquaints you with using DB2 QMF for Workstation to create and run SQL statements. DB2 QMF for Workstation simplifies access to DB2 from a workstation. In fact, QMF for Workstation was built for DB2.

Although this topic focuses on DB2 QMF for Workstation, other options are available. You can use DB2 QMF for WebSphere® to enter and run SQL statements from your Web browser or use DB2 QMF for TSO/CICS to enter and run SQL statements from TSO or CICS®. In addition, you can enter and run SQL statements at a TSO terminal by using the SPUFI (SQL processor using file input) facility. SPUFI prepares and executes these statements dynamically. All of these tools prepare and dynamically execute the SQL statements.

The DB2 QMF family of technologies establish pervasive production and sharing of business intelligence for information-oriented tasks in the organization. DB2 QMF offers many strengths, including the following:

• Support for functionality in the DB2 database, including long names, Unicode, and SQL enhancements
• Drag-and-drop capability for building OLAP analytics, SQL queries, pivot tables, and other business analysis and reports
• Executive dashboards and data visual solutions that offer visually rich, interactive functionality and interfaces for data analysis
• Support for DB2 QMF for WebSphere, a tool that turns any Web browser into a zero-maintenance, thin client for visual on demand access to enterprise DB2 data
• Re-engineered cross-platform development environment
• New security model for access control and personalization

The visual solutions previously provided by DB2 QMF Visionary are now included in the core DB2 QMF technology.

In addition to DB2 QMF for Workstation, which this topic describes, the DB2 QMF family includes the following editions:

• DB2 QMF Enterprise Edition provides the entire DB2 QMF family of technologies, enabling enterprise-wide business information across end user and database operating systems. This edition consists of:
  • DB2 QMF for TSO/CICS
  • DB2 QMF High Performance Option (HPO)
  • DB2 QMF for Workstation
  • DB2 QMF for WebSphere
• DB2 QMF Classic Edition supports end users who work with traditional mainframe terminals and emulators (including WebSphere Host On Demand) to access DB2 databases. This edition consists of DB2 QMF for TSO/CICS.