New DB2 UDB tool for monitoring DB2 instances and databases

Brief introduction

DB2 UDB V8.2 brings a new tool called DB2PD, which collects statistical information for DB2 instances and databases. Similar to the Onstat tool for Informix®dynamic Server, DB2PD provides more than 20 options for displaying information about database transactions, table spaces, table statistics, dynamic SQL, database configuration, and many other database details. A single DB2PD command can retrieve information from multiple domains and save the results to a file. You can also call the tool a certain number of times during a specific period to help you understand the changes in the database over time. This tool can be used for troubleshooting, problem determination, database monitoring, performance tuning, and the development and design of help applications. This article describes this new tool and illustrates how to use it to increase productivity.

Using the DB2PD tool

With this powerful tool, you must have SYSADMIN permissions, and you must be the owner of the instance in a UNIX® or Linux™ environment. The syntax and option descriptions for this command can be found online in DB2 UDB information Center. The easiest way to find the DB2PD command syntax is to use a WEB search engine, such as Google below:

Open the Google search engine, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Use Google search engine search DB2 command DB2PD

Search for "DB2PD," as shown in Figure 2.

Figure 2. DB2 command DP2PD search results on Google

Open the Db2pd–monitor and troubleshoot DB Command, as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 3. Information about DB2PD tools in DB2 information Center