Question & Answer
Question
Answer
- Where can I find the most current information for Db2 for z/OS?
- How can I tell which information has been updated?
- How can I obtain Db2 for z/OS documentation in PDF format?
- How can I tell when a PDF format manual for Db2 for z/OS was updated?
- What is the difference between Db2 for z/OS documentation in IBM Documentation and the PDF format manuals?
- How can I obtain printed documentation?
- How do I obtain licensed information?
- How do I send feedback about the product information?
- How do I get information in languages other than English?
- What other information resources are available?
- How can I effectively search Db2 information on the web?
- Where can I find documentation for earlier Db2 for z/OS releases?
Where can I find the most current information for Db2 for z/OS?
How can I tell which information has been updated?
>| In IBM Documentation, revisions are marked like this sentence, with blue "caret" or "chevron" graphics, as shown here. |<
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| In PDF format, revisions are marked with vertical bars in the left margin, as shown here, next to this sentence.
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Revision marks indicate the following types of changes, but they do not identify the type of change:
- Technical revisions that reflect changed Db2 externals that are introduced by a new Db2 release or by maintenance after general availability of the same release.
- Technical clarifications or corrections for unchanged Db2 externals in response to customer and internal feedback.
Editorial and organizational changes that do not affect the technical meaning of the content are generally not marked.
How can I obtain Db2 for z/OS documentation in PDF format?
Exception: The DB2 10 for z/OS and Db2 11 for z/OS Diagnosis Guide and Reference licensed publications are not published in IBM Documentation or IBM Publications Center. For details, see: How do I get licensed information?
How can I tell when a PDF format manual for Db2 for z/OS was updated?
Check the edition date that is printed in the edition notice on page 4 inside the PDF file. It is the date that the PDF file was created, and is usually within one week of the availability date for that edition.
Previously, when Db2 manuals in PDF format were updated only infrequently, the Db2 Product Documentation page included "last updated" dates for each PDF manual. However, the new process for delivering PDF manuals prioritizes up-to-date content over the ability to know not to re-download the same file.
If you do use PDF, it is best to download the latest edition file each time that you access it. If you cannot always download the latest file, establish your own periodic routine for downloading, knowing that you are accepting possibly less up-to-date documentation.
What is the difference between Db2 for z/OS documentation in IBM Documentation and the PDF format manuals?
The PDF manuals are an alternative format for viewing the same content that you can find in in IBM Documentation. They are created from the same source files and generally contain the same content as the Knowledge Center collection. However, some content is available only in IBM Documentation.
IBM Documentation offers the following advantages over PDF format manuals, among others:
- A single search finds all relevant content across the Db2 for z/OS collection or for a particular Db2 release, instead of being limited to the content of a certain manual.
- Links can always take you to specific pages that contain relevant information, unlike links in PDF, which can only point to an entire PDF manual for content not in the same manual. For this reason, links inside to content outside the same Db2 PDF manual always take you to the IBM Documentation topic.
- You always find the most up-to-date content in IBM Documentation, unlike a PDF manual that you downloaded previously.
The main advantage of PDF manuals is that you can access them without an internet connection. However, remember to download the latest edition whenever you can.
How can I obtain printed documentation?
You can print your own copies of the most current editions of the PDF format manuals. (See How can I obtain documentation in PDF format?)
IBM no longer prints books and makes them available in hardcopy format. The main reason for this change is that the printed information becomes out of date very quickly. The Db2 for z/OS writing team updates the product information many times during the life of each release.
How do I obtain licensed information?
Db2 12 for z/OS does not include any licensed information. The licensed content that was included in the DB2 10 for z/OS and Db2 11 for z/OS Diagnosis Guide and Reference publications is now available for Db2 12 in one of two places.
- Approximately 60% of the content is now available in IBM Documentation.
- Approximately 40% of the content is now available in entitled techdocs that are viewable only by people who have Db2 12 for z/OS licenses.
The licensed Diagnosis Guide and Reference publications for DB2 10 for z/OS and Db2 11 for z/OS will be available until the corresponding version of DB2 for z/OS goes out of service. You can find these publications in PDF format in member DSNDR in data set prefix.SDSNIVPD. To retrieve and read the DB2 10 or Db2 11 Diagnosis Guide and Reference, download DSNDR to your workstation in binary format, and open it in a PDF reader, such as Adobe Reader.
How do I send feedback about the Db2 for z/OS product information?
How do I get information in languages other than English?
The following resources are translated:
Most Db2 for z/OS documentation is available in Japanese, and some information is available in Korean, Spanish, Brazilian-Portuguese, and German. Periodically, IBM retranslates the English language content that has been updated, but retranslation occurs on an infrequent basis.
IBM Documentation content can be displayed in a specific language, if available. Content not available in the specific language is displayed in English.
Translated PDF format manuals are available in IBM Publication Center. The Translated Product Documentation page contains direct links.
You can dynamically translate any page on the IBM Support Portal by selecting a language in the Translate this page drop-down box.
For other IBM websites, See the directory of worldwide IBM contacts.
What other information resources are available?
For a list of available information resources, see the information roadmaps in IBM Knowledge Center.
How can I effectively search Db2 information on the web?
To search for APARs and other Q&As on the IBM Support Portal, use the standard terms that our Support team uses.
Where can I find documentation for earlier Db2 for z/OS Releases?
- DB2 V9.1 for z/OS
- DB2 UDB for z/OS V8
- DB2 UDB for OS/390 and z/OS V7
- DB2 UDB for OS/390 V6
- DB2 for OS/390 V5
- DB2 for MVS/ESA V4
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Document Information
Modified date:
28 October 2021
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swg21191780