Databases
A DB2® database is
a relational database. The database stores all data
in tables that are related to one another. Relationships are established
between tables such that data is shared and duplication is minimized.
Database partitions
A database partition is a part of a database that
consists of its own data, indexes, configuration files, and transaction
logs. A database partition is sometimes called a node or a database
node. A partitioned database environment is a database installation
that supports the distribution of data across database partitions.
Buffer pools
A buffer pool is an area of main memory that has
been allocated by the database manager for the purpose of caching
table and index data as it is read from disk. Every DB2 database must have a buffer pool.
Table spaces
A table space is a storage structure containing
tables, indexes, large objects, and long data. They are used to organize
data in a database into logical storage groupings that relate to
where data is stored on a system. Table spaces are stored in database
partition groups.
Storage groups
A storage group is a named set of storage paths where data
can be stored. Storage groups are configured to represent different
classes of storage available to your database system. You can assign
table spaces to the storage group that best suits the data. Only automatic
storage table spaces use storage groups.
Schemas
A schema is a collection of named objects; it provides
a way to group those objects logically. A schema is also a name qualifier;
it provides a way to use the same natural name for several objects,
and to prevent ambiguous references to those objects.