Extract Process

Use the Extract Process to copy a set of related rows from one or more tables and save the rows to an external Extract File. Specifications for the Extract Process are stored as an Extract Request.

The Extract Request specifies the set of parameters that are needed to extract data and object definitions from source tables and the Extract File in which to store the extracted information.

The Extract Process always extracts definitions for tables and columns. These definitions are used to create the destination tables, if necessary. You can also choose to extract other object definitions, including primary keys, relationships, and indexes.

You use an Extract File to Convert, Insert, or Load data, and to Create objects in a destination database. An Extract File can be used repeatedly and simultaneously by many users.

Storage media for extract files

You can create Extract Files on fixed or secondary storage media. Fixed media include local hard disk drives, network drives, or servers. Examples of secondary media include diskettes and zip disks.

Factors that influence the type of storage to use depend on your business objectives. Specific factors to consider include:

For example, if quick access to Extract Files is of primary importance, you might decide to store Extract Files on the hard disk. However, if the need for off-site storage and portability is the primary consideration, secondary media would be the more logical choice.

Durability of the media type might be another consideration. For Extract Files that you must retain for an extended period, a network storage system might be the best choice. Conversely, tape storage might be more desirable for short-term storage, due to the large capacity and cost-effectiveness of the media.

Secondary media

Although Optim™ can create Extract Files on fixed media, you also can direct Extract Files to secondary media, such as a drive for removable media or a NetApp SnapLock device, by providing the path to the appropriate device with the file name.

You cannot directly specify a tape drive as the path to place an Extract File on tape. However, you can copy Extract Files from disk to tape or other secondary media by using the appropriate vendor software and remove the files from the disk. (You must arrange to return a file to disk for processing or browsing.)

Support for secondary media

When an Extract File is created on removable media, the capacity of the media must be considered. If an Extract File is larger than the space on the target media, the file must be divided into segments to allow the file to span more than one volume. You can specify segment size values for fixed and removable media in Personal Options. For more information, see the Common Elements Manual.

Cross-platform compatibility

The Extract Process can access data from various databases, such as DB2®, Oracle, Sybase ASE, SQL Server, and Informix®. You can create Extract Files to move data between the Windows and MVS™ platforms. An Extract File that is created with the Optim solution for the IBM® z/OS™ environment also can be used with Move. (An Extract File that is created with Move, however, is not compatible with the Optim z/OS® Solution. Use Move to move data from a Windows platform into DB2 UDB for z/OS.)

Run or Schedule

You can process an Extract Request immediately by clicking File > Run, or you can schedule the request for later processing by clicking File > Schedule. You must save the request before it is scheduled, but it is not necessary to save the request before it is run.

Naming conventions

The fully qualified name of an Extract Request consists of: identifier.name.

identifier
Identifier that serves as the prefix for the Extract Request name (1 - 8 characters).
name
Name that is assigned to the Extract Request (1 - 12 characters).

When you create Extract Requests, it is helpful to use a logical set of naming conventions to identify the use for each and to organize definitions for easy access.

Section contents

This section explains how to create, maintain, and process an Extract Request, including how to
  • Specify the Extract File to store data.
  • Select or create the Access Definition for an Extract Request.
  • Select the types of objects to extract (such as primary keys, relationships, and indexes).
  • Choose Point and Shoot list options. A Point and Shoot list is used to select specific rows from the Start Table to extract.
  • Assign variable default values.
  • Specify notification options.
  • Specify Convert options.
  • Run, save, and schedule an Extract Request.
  • Review, save, and print the Extract Process Report.


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