Db2: Export Tables

Introduction

This tutorial demonstrates how to export tables in IBM Db2, a powerful relational database management system. Exporting tables is useful for tasks such as data backup, data migration, or sharing data with other systems.

Exporting Tables in IBM Db2

Syntax

The EXPORT statement is used to export data from a table in IBM Db2. The basic syntax is as follows:

EXPORT TO filename OF del MODIFIED BY NOCHARDEL 
SELECT * FROM your_table;

Example

Consider exporting the data from a table named employees:

EXPORT TO 'C:\Backup\employees_export.csv' OF del MODIFIED BY NOCHARDEL 
SELECT * FROM employees;

Output

The output is a CSV file (employees_export.csv in this example) containing the data from the specified table.

Explanation

• EXPORT TO: Specifies the target file or device where the data will be exported.
• filename: Specifies the name of the file or device.
• OF del: Specifies the output format as delimited (CSV in this example).
• MODIFIED BY NOCHARDEL: Ensures that the delimiter is not included in character data.
• SELECT * FROM your_table: Specifies the data to be exported from the specified table.

Use

• Data Backup: Exporting tables is a common practice for creating backups of important data.
• Data Migration: Export data to transfer it to another system or environment.
• Data Sharing: Share specific datasets with other users or systems in a portable format.

Important Points

• Choose an appropriate output format (delimited, XML, IXF, etc.) based on your requirements.
• Verify the permissions for writing to the specified file or device.
• Be mindful of data types and character encodings during export.

Summary

Exporting tables in IBM Db2 is a straightforward process using the EXPORT statement. Whether you're creating backups, migrating data, or sharing datasets, understanding how to export tables is a valuable skill for database administrators and developers working with Db2.