DB2 9 for Developers

DB2 9 is a major release including totally new features, most notably the tight integration of the new DB2 9 XML native data type into the DB2 9 data server. If you are a DB2 developer or database administrator facing the task of implementing DB2 9, this book needs to be on your desk. In it, recognized DB2 guru and top consultant Philip K. Gunning shows how IBM has integrated native XML into the DB2 engine and gives developers and DBAs a detailed roadmap for implementing and exploiting the new XML capabilities.

First, Gunning recaps the basics of XML and explains why XML is so important in today's business environment. Support for standard industry XML schemas is covered. Next, he shows developers how to develop DB2 XML applications, describes the best way to design an XML database, and reveals the optimum way to tune the DB2 XML hybrid database. Because the book is written by an "in-the-trenches" consultant, readers will find it full of practical advice.

Also covered are practical details on the enhancements and features of the new release and the process for implementing them, along with in-depth examples and useful scripts. The new DB2 9 table partitioning and data compression are highlighted, and DB2 optimization of SQL and XML is discussed in detail. Gunning covers XML enhancements to DB2 utilities, such as LOAD and EXPORT, and provides recommendations. The book even includes performance considerations and tuning suggestions to help application developers and DBAs develop and maintain high-performance databases with DB2 9.

DB2 9 for Developers goes beyond the manuals and certification guides and teaches not only the "why" but the "how" of an expertly designed, smoothly implemented DB2 database. This is a book for DB2 practitioners by the DB2 master practitioner himself.

With DB2 9 for Developers, you will:

• Discover all the new DB2 9 features, including the DB2 XML hybrid engine, XQuery, XPath, the XDM data model, and more
• Learn how to develop top-performing DB2 XML applications using XQuery and XPath
• Understand when to use an XML database design versus a relational database design
• Receive insight, examples, and recommendations from one of the top DB2 consultants in the industry