The %LookUp built-in function is more than just a simple replacement for the LOOKUP operation code to allow use in /Free format logic. It offers the option of supercharging the performance of an array search operation.

Let’s cover the basics first.

%LOOKUP( searchfor : array {: startindex {: numelems}})

The first parameter is the argument you’re searching for, and the second parameter the name of the array where you’re looking; i.e., what would have been specified in Factor 1 and 2 of the LOOKUP op code, respectively. The optional third parameter is the starting index for the search, i.e., what

Once again I am happy to report that IBM has provided us with a wealth of enhancements to DB2 in this monumental V6R1 release. Incidentally, in case you haven’t heard, IBM is now calling our favorite database by the name DB2 for i (formerly known as DB2/400 and DB2 UDB for iSeries) and our favorite OS is called IBM i version 6.1. Now without further ado, I’ll start to rattle off some query enhancements offered in this release.

VALUES in SELECT

The VALUES clause can now be placed within the FROM clause of a SELECT statement or as a derived

Last week, I discussed four critical things to beware of during an i5/OS system upgrade. This week, let’s look at a fifth critical item: upgrade time. I’ll examine a few necessary and optional procedures that can add extra time to your upgrade process, and I’ll explain the benefits that each procedure can bring you.

When planning your i5/OS upgrade window, be sure to take into account the following critical issues that will add extra time to your upgrade process. Some of these issues are optional and provide additional benefits as you move to a new operating systems. Other items