Chapter 3. Using DB2 Functions

IN THIS CHAPTER

• Column Functions

• Scalar Functions

• The RAISE_ERROR Function

• MQSeries Built-in Functions

• XML Publishing Built-in Functions

• Built-in Function Guidelines

Two types of built-in functions can be applied to data in a DB2 table using SQL: column functions and scalar functions . You can use these functions to further simplify the requirements of complex data access.

NOTE

DB2 also provides the capability for users to create their own functions. This capability, called user -defined functions, is discussed in-depth in Chapter 4, "Using DB2 User-Defined Functions and Data Types."

Functions are called by specifying the function name and any required operands. A built-in function can be used any place an expression can be used (with some exceptions).