The goal of database performance tuning is to minimize the response time of your queries. It is also to optimize your server's resources by minimizing network traffic, disk I/O, and CPU time.

This IBM Redbooks publication helps you to understand the basics of identifying and tuning the performance of Structured Query Language (SQL) statements using IBM DB2 Universal Database for iSeries. DB2 Universal Database for iSeries provides a comprehensive set of tools that help technical analysts tune SQL queries. The SQL Performance Monitors are part of the set of tools that IBM i5/OS provides for assisting in SQL performance analysis since Version 3 Release 6. These monitors help to analyze database performance problems after SQL requests are run.

This book also presents tips and techniques based on the SQL Performance Monitors and other tools, such as Visual Explain. You'll find this guidance helpful in gaining the most out of both DB2 Universal Database for iSeries and query optimizer when using SQL.

Part 1. Introduction to DB2 Universal Database and database performance tools

Chapter 1. Determining whether you have an SQL performance problem

Chapter 2. DB2 Universal Database for iSeries performance basics

Part 2. Gathering, analyzing, and querying database performance data

Chapter 3. Overview of tools to analyze database performance

Chapter 4. Gathering database SQL performance data

Chapter 5. Analyzing database performance data using iSeries Navigator

Chapter 6. Querying the performance data of the Database Monitor

Chapter 7. Using Collection Services data to identify jobs using system resources

Chapter 8. Analyzing database performance data with Visual Explain

Part 3. Additional tips

Chapter 9. Tips to prevent further database performance problems

Appendix A. Tools to check a performance problem