Introduction to Db2: Definition, Features, and How to Get Started

With data science and data engineering at the forefront of the technology era, it can be surprising to hear that some products have been around since the 1980s. One of those products is Database 2 (Db2), which IBM first introduced in 1983 [1].

Db2 is still used as a relational database. While other database management systems have emerged, institutions and industries continue to store their data on Db2, which regularly releases new versions. 

Read on to learn more about Db2: what it is, how it works, and who uses it.

What is Db2?

Db2 is a family of data management products developed by IBM, including the relational database management system (RDBMS) first introduced in 1983 on its Multiple Virtual Storage (MVS) mainframe. The "2" in Database 2 refers to IBM's second family of database management software, which shifted from a hierarchical to a relational database model.

Originally used exclusively for IBM’s platforms, Db2 was made available for most operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and more. Db2 is available for both on-premise and cloud storage, making it a flexible and accessible RDBMS.

In June 2024, IBM's Db2 ranked among the top ten most popular database management systems, which also included Oracle, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis, and others, according to DB-Engines [2]. This ranking methodology is based on factors like number of mentions on websites (hits on Google or Bing), interest in the system (Google Trends), and more [3].

Db2 products

IBM regularly updates its Db2 product offerings to keep up with technological advances and client demand. As of June 2024, the following products are part of the Db2 catalog, a range that can be used on-premises or in the cloud [4, 5, 6].

• Db2 Database: Version 11.5 was released in January 2024 [7] and includes the Db2 Community Edition, Db2 Standard Edition, and Db2 Advanced Edition. All editions have the same code base, making them compatible with any system that supports Db2. You can deploy Db2 in the cloud or on-premises.

• Db2 Warehouse: This is an on-premises data warehouse that can handle machine learning, data analytics, and parallel processing.

• Db2 Big SQL: This Db2 product is an SQL-on-Hadoop engine that provides parallel processing and querying functionality. It can be integrated with the Cloudera Data Platform or accessed as a cloud-native service on the IBM Cloud Pak for Data platform.

• Db2 for z/OS: This is an enterprise data server for the IBM Z operating system that provides a mission-critical data solution and integration for hybrid cloud, transactional, and analytics applications. Users can infuse AI and deploy Db2 z/OS with IBM Db2 Data Gate.

• Db2 Event Store: A memory-optimized database that can analyze streamed data for event-driven applications. It includes IBM Watson Studio, so users can integrate machine learning models.

IBM also offers a suite of developer and database management tools to help optimize query performance as well as manage, clone, migrate, backup, and restore databases.

What is the difference between Db2 and SQL?

In essence, Db2 is the platform, and SQL is the tool you use to interact with that platform. Db2 offers various features and functionalities beyond what SQL provides on its own.

Db2 (DataBase 2) is a family of relational database management systems (RDBMS) developed by IBM. It provides a platform to store, manage, and retrieve data in a structured format, following the relational model. Db2 offers features like data security, scalability, high availability, and support for various data types, including large objects and XML. It can handle complex queries and transactions.

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a standardized programming language specifically designed for interacting with relational databases. It allows you to create, manipulate, and retrieve data stored in relational databases like Db2. SQL statements are used to perform various operations like data insertion, deletion, updation, querying data based on specific criteria, and managing database schema (structure).

Features of Db2

IBM's Db2 family of products offers a comprehensive suite of functionalities designed to empower users to manage their data. Db2 products have the following features:

• AI-powered functionality: Users can employ artificial intelligence (AI) to simplify the querying process.

  • Machine learning algorithms improve performance and efficiency.

  • Column store directs queries to specific columns, ultimately reducing overhead and employee workload.

  • Data skipping automatically overlooks data that shouldn’t be included in a query.

• Common SQL engine: A query may be written once and used across products and platforms.

• Can support all data types: Structured, unstructured, and relational data can all be accessed on one platform.

• High availability and disaster recovery: Db2 replication functionality allows for safe storage and access.

• Scalability: Users can extend local storage and power levels onto cloud environments and also scale storage and power in a managed cloud to save money.

• Table partitioning: In a Db2 warehouse, the database partitioning feature allows users to

  split data across servers to maximize computing power and allow parallel processing.

Who uses Db2?

Db2 has customers across many industries across the world. Several career positions also use Db2 as part of their job responsibilities.

Industries that use Db2

Organizations that use an IBM server tend to use Db2. The industries that typically use Db2 include banking and financial services, retail, automotive, insurance, distribution, manufacturing, and professional services [8]. Many of the companies that use Db2 are large, with 42.9 percent having over 10,000 employees and 64.3 percent with an annual revenue of over $1 trillion [8].

Many everyday transactions use relational databases to store and retrieve important data for banking, manufacturing, and retail, such as paying with a credit card, accessing our bank accounts, buying products or services online, and more [1]. Relational databases spurred IBM to create the Db2 product line and the language used to query relational databases, SQL.

Careers that use Db2

If you pursue a profession using data, chances are you may use Db2. A few examples include:

• Database administrators install, develop, test, and maintain databases for companies. In this role, you ensure optimal performance by performing backups, data migrations, and load balancing.

• Data engineers design and build systems for collecting and analyzing data. You'll typically use SQL to query relational databases like Db2 to manage the data, as well as provide troubleshooting, recovery, and security management support.

• Data architects analyze an organization's data infrastructure to execute database management systems that improve the efficiency of workflows for specific departments.

• Systems programmers help install, configure, maintain, and monitor Db2 for an organization’s mainframe operating system. In this role, you might be hired on a contract or as-needed basis.

Advance your career with Db2

Consider gaining the skills you need to excel in an entry-level data role from an industry leader on Coursera. The IBM Data Warehouse Engineering Professional Certificate is a self-paced, 100-percent online course. Upon completion, you'll earn a Professional Certificate for your resume from IBM.

You can also learn how to work with Db2 while gaining hands-on experience in IBM's online course, Introduction to Relational Databases (RDBMS). You'll have the opportunity to learn the essential concepts behind relational databases and relational database management systems while working with industry-standard tools like IBM DB2, MySQL, and PostgreSQL.