Creating a database in IMS DB (Information Management System Database) involves several steps, including defining the database structure, specifying segment definitions, setting up access paths, and loading initial data. Here's a general outline of the process:
Define the Database Structure (DBD) :
* The first step in creating a database in IMS DB is to define the database structure using a Database Descriptor (DBD).
* The DBD contains definitions for all database segments, including their names, attributes, lengths, data types, and relationships.
* Use IMS tools or utilities to define the database structure and generate the DBD.
Create Segment Definitions :
* Based on the DBD, create segment definitions for each database segment.
* Define the attributes or fields contained within each segment, specifying their names, lengths, data types, and occurrence counts.
* Define hierarchical relationships between segments to establish the hierarchical structure of the database.
Set Up Access Paths :
* Define access paths to enable efficient data retrieval based on different criteria.
* Specify the order in which segments are accessed and the keys used for indexing and searching data.
* Access paths help optimize database performance and improve query efficiency.
Allocate Database Resources :
* Allocate physical resources such as storage space and memory for the database.
* Configure database buffers and other resources required for efficient database access and management.
Load Initial Data :
* Once the database structure is defined and resources are allocated, load initial data into the database.
* Use IMS utilities or data loading tools to load data from external sources into the database.
* Ensure that the data loaded into the database conforms to the defined segment definitions and validation rules.
Test and Validate :
* After loading initial data, perform testing and validation to ensure that the database functions correctly.
* Test database access and retrieval operations to verify that data can be accessed and manipulated as expected.
* Validate data integrity and consistency to ensure that data conforms to defined standards and meets specified criteria.
Deploy and Maintain :
* Once the database is created and validated, deploy it for production use.
* Monitor and maintain the database to ensure ongoing performance, reliability, and data integrity.
* Make updates and modifications to the database structure as needed to accommodate changing requirements or business needs.
