Q: We have a DB2/400 physical file with multiple members. We are creating a client/server program that needs to be able to access specific members in that file. Is there a way to do this using ODBC?

A: If you're at V3R1 of OS/400, you can execute the OVRDBF command as a stored procedure. To execute a command using ODBC, call QCMDEXC in QSYS with two parameters: the command text and the length of the command text. For example, the SQL command might look like this:

 CALL QSYS.QCMDEXC('OVRDBF FILE(TEST1) TOFILE(LIB/TEST) MBR(TESTMBR) OVRSCOPE(*JOB)', 0000000063.00000) 

In this statement, 63 is the command length. Note that you have to put the leading and trailing zeros on the command length to make sure the command receives the correct data type. Once the override is done, you can refer to the file in SQL statements just as you would any other file, and the action will take place on the member you are overriding to. You can even join different members of the same file using this method.

- Brian Singleton

Brian Singleton is former editor of Midrange Computing. He has worked in the IBM midrange arena for many years, performing every job from backup operator to programmer to systems analyst to technology analyst for major corporations and IBM Business Partners. He also has an extensive background in the PC world. Brian also developed a line of bestselling Midrange Computing training videos, authored the bestselling i5/OS and Microsoft Office Integration Handbook, and has spoken at many popular seminars and conferences.

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