# IBM Db2 for i connection #

To access your data in IBM Db2 for i, create a connection asset for it\.

Db2 for i is the relational database manager that is fully integrated on your system\. Because it is integrated on the system, Db2 for i is easy to use and manage\.

## Supported versions ##

IBM DB2 for i 7\.2\+

## Prerequisites ##

### Obtain the certificate file ###

A certificate file on the Db2 for i server is required to use this connection\. To obtain an IBM Db2 Connect Unlimited Edition license certificate file, go to [IBM Db2 Connect: Pricing](https://www.ibm.com/products/db2-connect/pricing) and [Installing the IBM Data Server Driver for JDBC and SQLJ](https://www.ibm.com/docs/SSEPGG_11.5.0/com.ibm.db2.luw.apdv.gs.doc/doc/t0010264.html)\. For installation instructions, see [Activating the license certificate file for Db2 Connect Unlimited Edition](https://www.ibm.com/docs/SSEPGG_11.5.0/com.ibm.db2.luw.licensing.doc/doc/t0057375.html)\.

### Run the bind command ###

Run the following commands from the Db2 client that is configured to access the Db2 for i server\.  
You need to run the bind command only once per remote database per Db2 client version\.

    db2 connect to DBALIAS user USERID using PASSWORD
    db2 bind path@ddcs400.lst blocking all sqlerror continue messages ddcs400.msg grant public
    db2 connect reset

For information about bind commands, see [Binding applications and utilities](https://www.ibm.com/docs/SSEPGG_11.5.0/com.ibm.db2.luw.qb.dbconn.doc/doc/c0005595.html)\.

### Run catalog commands ###

Run the following catalog commands from the Db2 client that is configured to access the Db2 for i server:

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1.      db2 catalog tcpip node node_name remote hostname_or_address server port_no_or_service_name
    
    Example:  
    `db2 catalog tcpip node db2i123 remote 192.0.2.0 server 446`  
      
2.      db2 catalog dcs database local_name as real_db_name
    
    Example:  
    `db2 catalog dcs database db2i123 as db2i123`  
      
3.      db2 catalog database local_name as alias at node node_name authentication server
    
    Example:  
    `db2 catalog database db2i123 as db2i123 at node db2i123 authentication server`  
      
<!-- </ol> -->

For information about catalog commands, see [CATALOG TCPIP NODE](https://www.ibm.com/docs/SSEPGG_11.5.0/com.ibm.db2.luw.admin.cmd.doc/doc/r0001944.html) and [CATALOG DCS DATABASE](https://www.ibm.com/docs/SSEPGG_11.5.0/com.ibm.db2.luw.admin.cmd.doc/doc/r0001937.html)\.

## Create a connection to Db2 for i ##

To create the connection asset, you need these connection details:

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 *  Hostname or IP address
 *  Port number
 *  Location: The unique name of the Db2 location you want to access
 *  Username and password
 *  SSL certificate (if required by the database server)

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For **Private connectivity**, to connect to a database that is not externalized to the internet (for example, behind a firewall), you must set up a [secure connection](https://dataplatform.cloud.ibm.com/docs/content/wsj/manage-data/securingconn.html)\.

### Choose the method for creating a connection based on where you are in the platform ###

**In a project** : Click **Assets > New asset > Connect to a data source**\. See [Adding a connection to a project](https://dataplatform.cloud.ibm.com/docs/content/wsj/manage-data/create-conn.html)\.

**In a deployment space** : Click **Add to space > Connection**\. See [Adding connections to a deployment space](https://dataplatform.cloud.ibm.com/docs/content/wsj/analyze-data/ml-space-add-assets.html)\.

**In the Platform assets catalog** : Click **New connection**\. See [Adding platform connections](https://dataplatform.cloud.ibm.com/docs/content/wsj/manage-data/platform-conn.html)\.

### Next step: Add data assets from the connection ###

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 *  See [Add data from a connection in a project](https://dataplatform.cloud.ibm.com/docs/content/wsj/manage-data/connected-data.html)\.

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## Where you can use this connection ##

You can use Db2 for i connections in the following workspaces and tools:

**Projects**

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 *  SPSS Modeler
 *  Synthetic Data Generator

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**Catalogs**

<!-- <ul> -->

 *  Platform assets catalog

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## Restriction ##

For SPSS Modeler, you can use this connection only to import data\. You cannot export data to this connection or to a Db2 for i connection connected data asset\.

### Running SQL statements ###

To ensure that your SQL statements run correctly, refer to the [ Db2 for i SQL reference](https://www.ibm.com/docs/ssw_ibm_i_72/db2/rbafzintro.htm) for the correct syntax\.

## Learn more ##

[IBM Db2 for i documentation](https://www.ibm.com/docs/i)

**Parent topic:**[Supported connections](https://dataplatform.cloud.ibm.com/docs/content/wsj/manage-data/conn_types.html)

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