Preface

About This Manual

This manual describes the concept of Database Link and how to use.

Audience

This manual has been prepared for the following users of Altibase:

• Database administrators
• Performance administrators
• Database users
• Application developers
• Technical Supporters

It is recommended for those reading this manual possess the following background knowledge:

• Basic knowledge in the use of computers, operating systems, and operating system utilities
• Experience in using relational database and an understanding of database concepts
• Computer programming experience
• Experience in database server management, operating system management, or network administration
• Knowledge related to the storage, management and processing of data in distributed environments

Organization

This manual is organized as follows:

• Chapter 1: Introduction to Database Link
  This chapter explains the concept of database links and the database link components of Altibase.

• Chapter 2: Supported Objects, SQL Statements and Data Types
  This chapter describes the SQL statements provided by Altibase for using database links, the schema objects of remote databases accessible via database links, and the data types available with database links.

• Chapter 3: Configuration of Database Link
  This chapter describes the configuration required to use Altibase's database links.

• Chapter 4: Database Link-Related SQL Statements
  This chapter describes how to use database link with the SQL syntax and REMOTE function provided for database link control.

• Appendix A. Properties and Data Dictionary
  This appendix describes the various properties and data dictionaries used in connection with database links.

Documentation Conventions

This section describes the conventions used in this manual. Understanding these conventions will make it easier to find information in this manual and in the other manuals in the series.

There are two sets of conventions:

• Syntax diagram conventions
• Sample code conventions

Syntax Diagram Conventions

This manual describes command syntax using diagrams composed of the following elements:

Elements	Meaning
	Indicates the start of a command. If a syntactic element starts with an arrow, it is not a complete command.
	Indicates that the command continues to the next line. If a syntactic element ends with this symbol, it is not a complete command.
	Indicates that the command continues from the previous line. If a syntactic element starts with this symbol, it is not a complete command.
	Indicates the end of a statement.
	Indicates a mandatory element.
	Indicates an optional element.
	Indicates a mandatory element comprised of options. One, and only one, option must be specified.
	Indicates an optional element comprised of options.
	Indicates an optional element in which multiple elements may be specified. A comma must precede all but the first element.

Sample Code Conventions

The code examples explain SQL statements, stored procedures, iSQL statements, and other command line syntax.

The following table describes the printing conventions used in the code examples.

Rules	Meaning	Example
[ ]	Indicates an optional item	VARCHAR [(size)] [[FIXED |] VARIABLE]
{ }	Indicates a mandatory field for which one or more items must be selected.	{ ENABLE | DISABLE | COMPILE }
|	A delimiter between optional or mandatory arguments.	{ ENABLE | DISABLE | COMPILE } [ ENABLE | DISABLE | COMPILE ]
. . .	Indicates that the previous argument is repeated, or that sample code has been omitted.	SQL> SELECT ename FROM employee; ENAME ----------------------- SWNO HJNO HSCHOI . . . 20 rows selected.
Other Symbols	Symbols other than those shown above are part of the actual code.	EXEC :p1 := 1; acc NUMBER(11,2)
Italics	Statement elements in italics indicate variables and special values specified by the user.	SELECT * FROM table_name; CONNECT userID/password;
Lower case words	Indicate program elements set by the user, such as table names, column names, file names, etc.	SELECT ename FROM employee;
Upper case words	Keywords and all elements provided by the system appear in upper case.	DESC SYSTEM_.SYS_INDICES_;

Related Documentations

For more detailed information, please refer to the following documents.

• Getting Started Guide

• Installation Guide

• Administrator’s Manual

• Replication Manual

• General Reference

• SQL Reference

• Stored Procedures Manual

• iSQL User’s Manual

• Error Message Reference

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