Developer: My Application Uses DB2

Mainframe COBOL applications that use DB2 are either JCL batch or CICS applications that include EXEC SQL statements to communicate with a DB2 database.

DB2 sample applications

The best way to become familiar with using Enterprise Developer to develop DB2 applications is to start with the sample HCO for DB2 LUW applications provided in the Mainframe Samples Browser. These help you to get started using HCO for DB2 LUW, including binding applications, and using JCL with static and dynamic SQL.

Third-party software

Check the Database Access - HCO for DB2 LUW section of the Additional Software Requirements on Windows topic to be sure you have all required third-party software installed and configured.

Enterprise Developer projects in Visual Studio

Because DB2 is an underlying technology integrated into JCL batch and CICS applications, you might want to review the project information in the Developer: My Application Uses CICS or the Developer: My Application Uses JCL topics for specific information about creating projects for and using Enterprise Developer with these technologies.

The tools provided by IBM to move code and data from the mainframe to the PC are sufficient to move your DB2 applications and data. Once downloaded, create one or more Visual Studio projects, and then add your downloaded application source. It is in the Visual Studio project where you maintain, create, and expand your DB2 applications.

Note: Enterprise Developer does not provide a project template specifically for mainframe DB2. When you create a project for a DB2 application, use the Mainframe Subsystem Application template.

Host Compatibility Option (HCO) tools

Enterprise Developer provides a set of tools that enable you to create DB2 databases on the PC, process SQL DDL statements, generate copybooks for tables, export and import data in a variety of formats, and bind or rebind packages.

DB2 External Compiler Module (DB2 ECM)

You can compile your DB2 applications from your Visual Studio project, or from the command line using the DB2 ECM preprocessor and by setting appropriate compiler directive options.

Host Compatibility Option for SQL Server (HCOSS)

Enterprise Developer also provides tooling that enables you to migrate DB2 to SQL Server. For details, see HCO for SQL Server (HCOSS).